Birmingham Layover Guide (BHX)

What are you looking for in BHX?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Birmingham Airport (BHX) is an international airport located in Solihull, England. It’s located about 13 km (8.1 miles) southeast of Birmingham city centre. The airport first opened officially in July 1939. Birmingham is the second-largest city in the United Kingdom and is renowned for its industrial heritage and cultural diversity. It’s celebrated for its extensive canal network, vibrant arts scene and world-class shopping destinations, with modern transport links and amenities.

Can you leave Birmingham Airport (BHX) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers may leave Birmingham Airport during a layover if they have sufficient transfer time and hold appropriate clearance. To pass through UK immigration, travellers need a valid Standard Visitor visa or qualify for visa exemption. Transit visas do not permit entry landside. Check passport control queues before planning your exit. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Bullring & Grand Central Explore over 160 shops and restaurants in Birmingham’s iconic shopping destination, featuring contemporary design and skyline views from Grand Central rooftop terrace, ideal for retail therapy and dining experiences. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Train to New Street (10 min) + 5 min walk)
• Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Discover masterpieces by Botticelli, Burne-Jones, and local industrial heritage displays in a stunning Edwardian building, with interactive galleries and vibrant rotating exhibitions celebrating Birmingham’s cultural history and artistic legacy. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Train to Snow Hill + 5 min walk or taxi)
• Cadbury World Enjoy a sweet adventure through the history of chocolate at Cadbury World, with interactive exhibits, sampling zones, 4D cinema, and behind-the-scenes looks at confectionery production in the birthplace of Cadbury. (Time required: 3 hours / Airport to here: Bus X12 or train to Bournville + 5 min walk)
• Library of Birmingham Visit the iconic Library of Birmingham, Europe’s largest public library with award-winning modern architecture, leafy terraces, Shakespeare Memorial Room, and panoramic city views from the top terrace. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Train to Centenary Square station or bus)
• Jewellery Quarter Stroll through Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, home to over 200 jewellery businesses, artisan workshops, unique museums, and stylish bars, showcasing craftsmanship from the 18th century to modern designers. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Tram from New Street to Jewellery Quarter)
• Victoria Square Relax in Victoria Square, the heart of Birmingham with the striking “Floozie in the Jacuzzi” fountain, grand Town Hall, surrounding cafes, and regular public events set against historic architecture. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: 10 min taxi or short walk from New Street)
• Canal Boat Tour Cruise Birmingham’s canal network on a leisurely narrated boat tour, passing under historic bridges, through industrial-era workshops, and enjoying unique waterside views of city landmarks and tranquil cruising experiences. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi or bus to Gas Street Basin)
• Back to Backs Explore the Birmingham Back to Backs, preserved 19th-century courtyard houses with insightful guided tours revealing working-class life histories, authentic period furnishings, immersive interactive exhibits, and digital storytelling. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Train to Snow Hill + 15 min walk or taxi)

Things to Do in Birmingham Airport (BHX)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Birmingham Airport offers several lounges including the Aspire and Clubrooms, providing comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and newspapers. Access is available via membership, pay-per-use, or business-class tickets. Spacious interiors, attentive service, and shower facilities make these lounges ideal for unwinding before flights, with panoramic runway views enhancing the relaxing atmosphere. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Birmingham Airport features the Hilton Garden Inn connected directly to Terminal 1, offering soundproof rooms, 24-hour reception, and an on-site restaurant. Guests benefit from free Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, and easy access to the Air-Rail Link. The airport complex hosts off-site hotels with shuttle transfers to secure and comfortable layover accommodation. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Birmingham Airport offers designated rest zones in Terminal 1 with reclining seating and free charging points. Quiet areas near Gates 10 and 11 provide a peaceful environment. After security, passengers can use padded loungers in the Clubrooms lounge or pay-per-use Serenity rooms for enhanced privacy and rest during long layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals at Birmingham Airport. Simply connect to ‘BHX FREE WiFi’, accept the terms, and enjoy browsing. The network supports streaming, emailing, and messaging with stable speeds. Charging points are conveniently located nearby. No registration beyond email consent is required to access the service.

SIM/eSIM Card: Several mobile kiosks and vending machines in arrivals offer affordable prepaid SIM and eSIM cards for UK networks like EE, Vodafone, and Three. Plans include data-only or with local calls and texts. Activation is instant with minimal registration. eSIM purchases come with QR codes, enabling immediate connectivity on compatible devices. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Licensed black cabs and private hire taxis operate 24/7 from the taxi rank outside Terminal 1. Fares to central Birmingham start around £25, with journey times of 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Pre-booking is available via the Airport Cars desk or third-party apps for fixed-price transfers, cash or card payment.

Train: Passengers use the free Air-Rail Link monorail from Terminal 1 to Birmingham International station in under two minutes. From there, frequent trains serve Birmingham New Street and beyond, with journey times of approximately 10 minutes. Tickets can be easily purchased online or at station kiosks for any National Rail route. (more info).

Bus: Multiple National Express coaches and local buses connect Birmingham Airport to the city centre and regional destinations. Services run every 30 minutes, with journey times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes depending on route and traffic. Tickets are instantly available from machines or via mobile apps with secure contactless payments. (more info).

Shuttle: A courtesy shuttle service operates between off-site airport hotels and all terminals. Shuttles run every 15–20 minutes, 24 hours a day, with marked pickup points outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The service is free for registered guests; schedules are posted in hotel lobbies and online for easy planning.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Europcar have dedicated desks within the Terminal 1 arrivals hall. Vehicles range from economy hatchbacks to SUVs and vans. Pre-booking online ensures vehicle availability and faster pickup at six numbered bays adjacent to the terminal exit. Age and license requirements apply. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Birmingham Airport provides Short Stay and Long Stay parking options within walking distance or a short shuttle ride. Prices vary by duration, with online pre-booking delivering the best rates. Blue Badge spaces and electric vehicle charging bays are available. Payment kiosks accept cards and contactless methods at all car parks.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Birmingham Airport does not have traditional luggage lockers. However, the Excess Baggage Company at arrivals offers secure left-luggage services for short- or long-term storage. Charges are based on bag size and storage duration. Items are tagged and insured. Counters open daily from early morning until late evening for passenger convenience. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Birmingham Airport (BHX) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks