Birmingham Airport is connected to Birmingham International railway station via the free Air-Rail Link monorail. From there, trains to Birmingham New Street run every few minutes.

About Birmingham New Street

Birmingham New Street Station is the beating heart of Britain\'s railway network outside London, serving as the central hub from which trains radiate to every corner of England and Wales. The station underwent a GBP 750 million transformation completed in 2015, and the Grand Central shopping center above it now features a dramatic curved glass atrium that has become a city landmark.

Birmingham\'s city center has undergone a stunning reinvention. The historic Jewellery Quarter — where 40% of British jewelry is still made — offers artisan workshops, independent bars, and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. The canal network (Birmingham has more canals than Venice) has been revitalized with Brindleyplace and the Mailbox becoming popular waterside dining and entertainment districts.

The city\'s food scene is its greatest revelation. Birmingham has the most Michelin stars of any UK city outside London, with restaurants like Opheem (Indian fine dining), Purnell\'s, and Adam\'s drawing food lovers from across the country. The Balti Triangle — where the balti curry was invented — remains essential eating. The Bullring and Grand Central shopping centres, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (free, with outstanding Pre-Raphaelite collection), and the Library of Birmingham (Europe\'s largest public library) add cultural depth.

Nearby Landmarks

Bullring Library of Birmingham Jewellery Quarter Brindleyplace Cadbury World

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $28-$38
Time 20-30 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $20-$28
Time 20-30 minutes

Follow signs to ride-hailing area at terminal forecourt

Train (West Midlands Railway)

Cost $3
Time 10 minutes (plus 2 min Air-Rail Link)
Frequency Every 5-10 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the free Air-Rail Link monorail from the terminal to Birmingham International station (2 minutes). Then take any train towards Birmingham New Street (10 minutes). Trains run every 5-10 minutes.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $28-$38 20-30 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $20-$28 20-30 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $3 10 minutes (plus 2 min Air-Rail Link) Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Trains from Birmingham International to New Street run until about 11:30 PM. After that, taxis from the airport cost GBP 20-30 to the city center. Uber operates in Birmingham around the clock. The NEC area near the airport has several hotels for very late arrivals. Birmingham's Broad Street nightlife district keeps going until 3 AM on weekends.

Luggage Tips

The AirRail monorail is spacious with room for luggage. Trains from Birmingham International have luggage racks. New Street Station has luggage lockers near the main concourse. The station exits directly onto the city center streets and to the Bullring/Grand Central complex — very convenient with rolling luggage.

Accessibility

Birmingham Airport and the AirRail monorail are fully wheelchair accessible. Birmingham International and New Street stations have step-free access with elevators. New Street's Grand Central redevelopment is modern and fully accessible. Birmingham's city center is mostly flat with good sidewalk access. The canal towpaths are accessible in Brindleyplace area.