Airports in Birmingham Travel Guide 2026

Key Highlights

• Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the main global travel hub for the area. It is only ten minutes from the city centre.

• The airport is the fifth largest in the United Kingdom. It has over 400 destinations with both domestic and international flights.

• You can also get to other big airports such as East Midlands Airport and London Heathrow. These are not far from Birmingham.

• It is easy to get to and from Birmingham Airport. There are trains, buses, and taxis that people can use.

• The airport has a lot of facilities. There are shops, restaurants, and lounges to make your time here better.

Introduction

Welcome to your handy travel guide for airports in and around Birmingham for 2026. Getting through your trip is easy with the right tips. Birmingham Airport is an important spot in the heart of the United Kingdom. It gives you great travel links and a pleasant journey. No matter if you are here for work or fun, this guide will show you everything you need. You will find info about airport services and ways to get into Birmingham city. Let’s help you get ready for your time in Birmingham.

Overview of Airports in Birmingham

Birmingham has its own airport called Birmingham International Airport (BHX). This airport is the main one in the city and is a big global travel hub. It sits on its own airport site and offers good facilities, plus easy ways to get in and out.

Still, there are other airports not far from Birmingham that can give you more options when you travel. Knowing the airports in and around Birmingham can help you find cheap flights or easy routes. Let’s go through the main airports near the city and find out more about them. This will help you make good choices when you plan your trip.

Major Airports Serving Birmingham

Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the main airport for the city. It is a big international and domestic hub. You will find it just nine miles from the city centre. It is the easiest option for people coming to Birmingham or to the West Midlands area.

East Midlands Airport (EMA) is another airport the people use a lot. It sits about 42 miles from Birmingham. If you want more flight options, you can look at larger airports that are a little further away.

Here are some important airports that help people get in and out of the bigger area:

• Manchester Airport (MAN): This airport is about 83 miles away. It lets the people get global flights to many places.

• London Heathrow (LHR): London Heathrow is one of the busiest airports there. It is around 107 miles from Birmingham.

• Bristol Airport (BRS): Bristol Airport is up to 95 miles away. It gives you another option when looking for flights in or out of the area.

These airports give the people ways to travel in, out, and around Birmingham, Manchester, London, and the city centre.

Airport Codes and Location Details

Knowing the airport codes and their locations can make booking flights and planning your journey much easier. Birmingham International Airport, the city’s primary airport, carries the code BHX. Its close proximity to the city makes it an ideal choice for visitors.

The airport’s location on a dedicated airport site means it is well-equipped with hotels, parking, and transport connections. Other airports, like London Heathrow Airport, also provide viable, albeit more distant, entry points to the UK for those heading to Birmingham.

Here is a quick reference table for the main airports near Birmingham:

Airport Name	IATA Code	Distance from Birmingham
Birmingham Airport	BHX	9 miles (14.5 km)
East Midlands Airport	EMA	42 miles (67.6 km)
Manchester Airport	MAN	83 miles (133.6 km)
London Heathrow Airport	LHR	107 miles (172.2 km)

History and Development of Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport has a long past that shows the changes in flying over time. The airport started out as a small municipal aerodrome. The airport site has seen many big changes since then. During the Second World War, it played an important part. The building of the runway and the airport’s facilities has kept going for years.

All these changes have helped make Birmingham Airport into the busy airport you see now. By looking at its past, you can see how it grew from a small strip of land to a big international place for people to fly in and out of Birmingham.

Early Years and Expansion

The story of Birmingham Airport goes back to the 1930s. It was set up because more people wanted to travel by air. The first site was built in the way airports were before the war. This helped the airport grow over the years and gave it a base for better changes later.

In the Second World War, the airport was taken over for military use. New things happened at this time, like building a new runway that could take heavier planes. Working for the war helped it get ready to be a bigger and better place for people after the fighting stopped.

After the war, Birmingham Airport started serving people and flights again. It grew slow but steady. Now bigger and newer planes come and more people use it. This means better upgrades so it can stay as one of the main travel places for Birmingham.

Notable Upgrades and Milestones

Birmingham Airport has reached many big steps during its history. One of the most important moments was when the new terminal opened in the 1980s. This helped to handle more international travellers, and the terminal made the airport stronger.

Another big change was the Maglev monorail. It joined the terminal with the Birmingham International railway station and the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). This link, later swapped for the Air-Rail Link, made it easier for people to get in and out. It also made the airport more useful for passengers and helped it stand out as a global travel hub.

These changes have helped Birmingham Airport to become the fifth-largest airport in the UK. For the newest news, plans, and updates, you can see them at the airport’s official website, where regular information is made for travellers.

Airlines and Routes from Birmingham

Birmingham Airport is a busy place, with about 50 airlines in its terminal. These airlines give you many choices for international flights from the UK. You can fly to places in Europe, the Middle East, and even to the United States.

If you want a short trip inside the UK, or a long journey far away, you will find what you need here. Let’s look at which airlines you can use and the popular spots you can visit from Birmingham.

International and Domestic Airlines

There is a wide mix of airlines flying out of Birmingham Airport. The airport serves all types of travellers. You get major international carriers and budget airlines. This means you have many options for your trip.

These airlines let you travel from Birmingham to hundreds of places. You can book both direct and one-stop international flights. For trips inside the United Kingdom, there are some airlines that offer easy domestic flights. This links Birmingham to other big UK cities.

Some airlines that fly from Birmingham Airport include:

• Major European carriers with big networks.

• Long-haul airlines flying to the Middle East and further away.

• Well-known budget airlines for holiday travel.

• Flag carriers that get you to top business spots around the world.

• Regional airlines for fast UK journeys.

Birmingham Airport is your gateway to the UK and beyond, with good links for both international flights and domestic trips.

Popular Flight Destinations

From Birmingham Airport, you can choose from many international flights. There are many short trips to cities across Europe. These are good if you need a quick break or you have to travel for work. If you want to go far, there are flights to the Middle East too. These will help you reach Asia and Australia later on.

People who want to go even further can fly to North America, including the United States. You will not find many direct flights to London, as there are very good trains. But you can fly to many other important cities in the UK and Ireland.

If you want to save money, many low-cost airlines fly out of Birmingham. You can get cheap flights to lots of European places. Watch for special deals and try to book early if you want the lowest prices. Some of the most used flight paths are:

• Holiday spots in Spain and Greece.

• Big cities in Europe, like Dublin, Amsterdam, and Paris.

• Work places such as Dubai.

You can use Birmingham Airport to travel to the UK, to London, or to other countries with these international flights.

Facilities & Amenities at Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport is made so your travel is both easy and smooth. The single terminal is not large, so it is simple to get around. Still, it has many places and things to help you before your flight. The whole airport site looks after all types of travellers.

You can find useful services, or just relax. There are spots to shop and places to eat as well. So, you will find something for everyone. Now, let’s see what services you get inside the terminal and look at the food and shopping you can try.

Terminal Services and Lounges

The terminal at Birmingham Airport has many services to help you have a stress-free trip. There are currency exchange counters, information desks, and places for your luggage. All these things are easy to find, so you can get help with what you need for your journey. The layout is made to help you move smoothly from check-in to the departure gate.

After you go through the security check, you can relax in one of the premium lounges in Birmingham Airport. These lounges offer a quiet place away from the busy terminal. You will get free drinks, Wi-Fi, and very comfortable chairs for you to use. You can often book your lounge spot online, and it doesn’t matter which airline or seat class you are using.

If you are travelling as a family, there are special baby changing rooms and play spaces for children at the terminal in Birmingham. These things help keep your children busy and happy, so travelling with your family can be much easier and nicer for everyone.

Dining, Shopping, and Accessibility

Birmingham Airport has a good range of places to eat and drink. You can get a fast coffee, enjoy a meal at a table, or go for a drink before your flight. There are many cafes, bars, and restaurants around the airport site. These options are made for different tastes and what people want to spend.

Shopping at the airport is good, too. There are popular high-street shops, designer brands, and duty-free stores. You can get things you need for your trip, look at new clothes and accessories, or pick up gifts and souvenirs.

The airport thinks about everyone, and helps people who find it hard to move around. There are special help services for these passengers. You can see what others say about Birmingham Airport on travel forums and sites. Some reviews say it is small and friendly, which many people like. Reading these can help you know more about what it is like for people at this airport.

Transport Options to and from Birmingham Airport

Getting from Birmingham Airport to the city centre is very easy. There are several good transport choices you can try. The airport is a bit over 10km from the Birmingham city centre, so the trip does not take long. In many cases, you can get to where you want to go in about 10 minutes.

You might want to take a fast train, a taxi for more comfort, or a bus if you want to save money. There will be an option for you that fits what you need. It will also work for your budget. Here, we look at the best ways to go from Birmingham Airport into the city.

Public Transport, Taxis, and Car Hire

There are many ways you can travel from Birmingham Airport to the city centre or other places in the UK. The fastest way is usually to go by train. The airport’s Air-Rail Link is free and takes you to Birmingham International railway station in only two minutes. You can then catch a train from there. Trains run often and you will be in the city centre in about ten minutes.

You can also take a bus if you do not mind a bit longer trip. Buses are a good choice for saving money. Local buses go between the airport and the city centres of Birmingham and Coventry. The bus journey usually takes about 30 minutes. There are also National Express and Megabus coaches that stop at the terminal. They can help you reach many other places in the UK.

You will see licensed taxis waiting just outside the terminal all day and night. They are good if you want to go straight to your door. If you want to drive, car hire desks are at the airport. You can choose from several car hire companies and pick up a car when you arrive.

• Train: Fast and frequent services to the city centre.

• Bus/Coach: Affordable links to local and national destinations.

• Taxis: Available around the clock for direct journeys.

• Car Hire: Multiple providers located at the airport.

Tips for Getting to Birmingham City Centre

For the fastest way to get to Birmingham city centre, the train is your best option. Just use the free Air-Rail Link at the airport terminal. This will take you to Birmingham International station. From there, get on a direct train to Birmingham New Street. The whole journey is smooth and does not take much time.

If you want to save money, you can go with the local bus. The X1 and X12 buses go from Birmingham Airport right to the city centre. They take a bit more time than the train, but these are good for your budget.

When you pick how to travel from the terminal, think about how much luggage you have and how many people are with you. If you have a lot of bags or you travel with your family, a taxi might work better. Make sure you only get in a licensed taxi from the right spot. This keeps your trip safe and gives you a fair price.

• For Speed: Use the Air-Rail Link and train.

• For Budget: Take the X1 or X12 bus service.

• For Convenience: Opt for a licensed taxi, especially with a lot of luggage.

• For Flexibility: Consider car hire for onward travel.

Conclusion

To sum up, Birmingham’s airports give you many good choices for flying. You will find it easy to travel, whether you are going to another city in the UK or flying out of the country. The airports have a lot of history. There are many airlines to pick from and the facilities are very good. They try to meet the needs of all kinds of people.

It is a good idea to check different ways to get from the airport to the city centre. This can help make your journey simple and quick. If you get ready for your trip and know what you need, your travel experience will get much better. These ideas work well if you have flown many times before or if this is your first time at an airport. The advice here will help you use Birmingham’s airports without any trouble. If you want more help or want to plan your next link, you can always get in touch!