Birmingham Airport Guide (BHX)

Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the biggest and busiest airport in the Midlands. 23 airlines fly from Birmingham to domestic and international destinations, and 8.6 million passengers passed through the airport last year.

Terminals

Birmingham Airport used to have two terminals, but since early 2011 it has been a one-terminal facility, complete with a new combined security search area and a new duty free shopping area.

Getting there

Birmingham Airport is 8 miles east of Birmingham city centre, and 11 miles west of Coventry.

Reaching Birmingham Airport by car:
From the M6 or M40, get on the M42 and come off at junction 6.

Reaching Birmingham Airport by train:
The airport rail station Birmingham International (along with the National Exhibition Centre) is connected to the terminal via a free shuttle, the Air-Rail Link. Birmingham International is directly connected to 100 UK towns and cities.

Reaching Birmingham Airport by bus or coach:
Local buses and long-distance coaches including Megabus and National Express stop immediately outside the terminal building.

Reaching Birmingham Airport by bike or on foot:
The airport can be accessed by bike and on foot via several segregated paths from nearby areas.

Shopping and Dining

Birmingham Airport has a good range of shops including Boots, WHSmith and American Express in several locations throughout the airport, and Spar and M&S Simply Food in the Landside Arrivals area. In the departure lounge are Dixons Travel, World Duty Free, Holland and Barrett, JD Sports, Next, Superdry, Tie Rack and more.

You're also spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink. Landside you can find Caffè Nero, Estpresso, Frankie & Benny's, Upper Crust and more, and in the departure lounge are Pret a Manger, The Meriden Bar and Restaurant, Soho Coffee Co. and Burger King, among others.

Discount vouchers for these shops and restaurants are available on the airport website.

Services

Taxis: A 24-hour taxi service operates from outside the terminal.
Currency exchange: available through American Express, who have kiosks throughout the terminal.
Internet: Birmingham Airport offers free wi-fi throughout the terminal building.
Special Assistance: there are OCS Help Points for passengers requiring special assistance.
Visitor Centre: located next to Arrivals. Provides information on local attractions and events and booking services for accommodation, events and onward travel.
Other services include fast-track through security for £3 per person, a multi faith prayer room and a left luggage facility.

Lounges and business facilities

There are four executive lounges: Servisair Executive Lounge, Emirates, Flybe and 4Deck (for Air France and KLM passengers only).

Two new lounges are soon to open: Aspire Lounge by Servisair in autumn 2012 and a No.1 Traveller lounge in November 2012. Facilities will include complimentary drinks, a bistro, meeting rooms with concierge services, newspapers, magazines and internet access.

As well as the business facilities in the lounges, Birmingham Airport also offers the Business Point, an area in their management offices containing 4 meeting rooms, including a 40-seater theatre-style space and an 8-seater board room, and facilities such as photocopying and catering. Equipment can be provided upon request.

Car parking and car hire

Drop & Go parking is adjacent to the terminal and is £1 for 10 minutes.

Short and medium stay parking is provided by 3 multi-storey car parks, a one-minute walk from the terminal.

Motorcycles can be parked in Short/Medium Stay 3.

There are two long stay car parks a 5 to 10 minute walk, or a short shuttle ride, from the terminal. You can park for 15 minutes for free in Long Stay 1.

Valet parking is also available, as is car parking for disabled passengers.

Six car rental firms operate at the airport and can be found in the Arrivals area: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and National. You're advised to compare prices in advance to get the best deal.

Airport Hotels

Birmingham Airport has four on-site hotels to suit different budgets. The brands offered are Etap, Ibis, Novotel and Travelodge. The Etap, Ibis and Novotel hotels are located immediately opposite the terminal building within a short walk of the check-in area. The Travelodge hotel is accessed via the A45 on Terminal Road. Hotel shuttle bus services serve the airport.

There are also numerous hotels in the cities nearby: click below for great hotel deals in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry.

Contact

Go to www.birminghamairport.co.uk or call 0871 222 0072.