Birmingham Airport (BHX)

Arrivals follow a straightforward path from aircraft disembarkation through UK Border Control, baggage reclaim, and customs into the public arrivals concourse.

• Follow overhead signage marked 'Arrivals' and 'Passport Control' upon leaving the aircraft.
• Eligible passport holders aged 10 and over (including UK, EU, EEA, US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, Singaporean, and South Korean nationals) may use the automated eGates.
• Passengers ineligible for eGates or travelling with young children must join the manual queue for inspection by UK Border Force officers.
• Collect checked luggage from the baggage reclaim carousels, checking flight display screens for your designated carousel number.
• Proceed through UK Customs, using the Green Channel for goods within allowances, the Red Channel to declare items, or the Blue Channel if arriving on a UK domestic flight.

• Train

  Train

  Take the free Air-Rail Link monorail from the terminal to Birmingham International Station, then board a direct train to Birmingham New Street.

  Time:

  Roughly 10-15 minutes train travel (plus 2 minutes on the Air-Rail Link).

  Typical cost:

  Typically £4 - £6 one-way.

• Bus

  Public Bus

  National Express West Midlands operates local bus routes (such as the X1 and X12) directly from the airport terminal bus stops to Birmingham city centre.

  Time:

  Roughly 35-50 minutes depending on local traffic.

  Typical cost:

  Typically £2 - £4 one-way.

• Taxi

  Taxi / Black Cab

  Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles operate from the official taxi rank outside the main arrivals entrance.

  Time:

  Roughly 25-40 minutes depending on traffic.

  Typical cost:

  Typically £25 - £40.

• Car rental

  Car Rental

  Major international rental agencies operate desks inside the arrivals area, with vehicles parked a short walk away in the dedicated rental car park.

  Time:

  Varies by destination.

  Typical cost:

  Varies by provider and rental duration.

Connecting passengers can transfer between flights within the main terminal building or access nationwide UK rail connections via the adjacent train station.

• International-to-international transfer passengers with onward boarding passes and checked-through luggage can follow flight connection signs to clear security without exiting landside.
• The complimentary Air-Rail Link monorail connects the upper level of the terminal directly to Birmingham International Station in approximately two minutes.
• Direct trains from Birmingham International serve London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly, North Wales, and major cities across Central and Southern England.

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available to all passengers throughout the passenger terminal.

• Select the network named '_BHX Free Wi-Fi' on your mobile device or computer.
• Follow the browser prompt to complete a brief sign-in form.
• Access is provided without strict time limits for standard browsing and connectivity.

The local currency is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Card and mobile contactless payments are widely accepted throughout the airport and transport network.

• ATMs accepting international bank cards are located in both landside and airside areas.
• Currency exchange desks operate before and after security for cash conversion.
• Contactless debit/credit card payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are accepted on buses, trains, and by taxis.

A range of food and beverage options is available before and after security catering to various dietary requirements.

• Landside arrivals features cafes and convenience food outlets suitable for arriving passengers and waiting visitors.
• Airside departures offers sit-down restaurants, traditional UK pubs, coffee chains, and grab-and-go food outlets.
• Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are routinely available across most food vendors.

Several airside lounges offer quiet environments, complimentary refreshments, and working areas for departing passengers.

• Independent lounges including No1 Lounge and Aspire Lounge operate in the airside departure zone.
• Passengers can gain entry by pre-booking online, paying at the door subject to capacity, or using select lounge membership programs.
• Airline-specific premium status or business class tickets may grant entry depending on carrier agreements.

Multiple hotel options are located within short walking distance of the terminal building or linked directly by transport.

• The Novotel and ibis hotels are situated directly across the road from the main terminal building.
• The Hilton Garden Inn is located adjacent to the terminal complex, reachable via a covered walkway.
• Additional hotels surround Birmingham International railway station and the nearby National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

Baggage facilities include claim carousels, lost property assistance, luggage storage, and trolley availability.

• Luggage trolleys are available near entrance points and in the baggage reclaim hall.
• Left-luggage and luggage storage services are available at dedicated service desks located in the landside main concourse.
• For delayed or damaged baggage, report directly to your airline's ground handling agent desk located in the baggage reclaim area before exiting.

Birmingham Airport offers dedicated amenities for families travelling with infants and young children.

• Baby care rooms with changing tables and private feeding areas are located alongside major toilet blocks airside and landside.
• Pushchairs and strollers are permitted up to the aircraft door on departure, and retrieved at the gate or baggage reclaim upon arrival.
• Interactive play zones (Sky Zone) are situated airside to keep children entertained prior to flight departure.

• Free Terminal Wi-Fi
• ATMs and Cash Machines
• Currency Exchange Counters
• Left Luggage / Storage
• Baby Changing Facilities
• Multi-Faith Prayer Room
• Car Rental Desk Area
• Duty-Free Shopping

Local emergency number: 999 (Emergency), 111 (NHS non-emergency medical advice).

• Dial 999 for emergency services (Police, Ambulance, Fire) requiring immediate response within the UK.
• Dial 111 for non-emergency medical advice provided by the NHS.
• Report urgent security issues or lost passports to airport staff or the West Midlands Police station located on-site.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Birmingham Airport Official SiteOfficial airport source
• UK Duty Free Allowances and Customs RulesGovernment source
• National Rail EnquiriesOfficial transit source
• NHS Health Services UKGovernment source