Layover Guide

Birmingham

A layover at Birmingham Airport (BHX) puts you at the heart of the United Kingdom's West Midlands. As a major international gateway, BHX serves as a vital hub for travelers. Whether you have just a few hours or a full day, the airport's excellent connectivity to the city centre and surrounding attractions like the NEC and Resorts World makes it an ideal place for an mini-adventure. With only one primary airport serving the region, navigating your stopover is straightforward and efficient.

By James Windsor
32,000+ layovers planned
10 curated experiences for Birmingham
Avg itinerary: 23s

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Home to These Airports

Airports in Birmingham

BHX
Birmingham Airport

Take advantage of the free Air-Rail Link which connects the terminal to Birmingham International Station in just two minutes. If you have a short layover, the adjacent Resorts World offers shopping and dining without needing to travel into the city centre.

Getting There

Find your flights through Birmingham

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Flights to Birmingham

Explore the City

Top Things to Do During a Birmingham Layover

10 experiences to discover

Resorts World Birmingham in Birmingham
012-3 hours

Resorts World Birmingham

Located right next to the airport, this complex features outlet shopping, a cinema, and various dining options, perfect for short layovers.

0.5 miles from airport

National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham
022-4 hours

National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

Check the schedule for world-class exhibitions and shows happening right next door to the airport terminal.

0.5 miles from airport

Explore the Canals at Gas Street Basin in Birmingham
032-3 hours

Explore the Canals at Gas Street Basin

Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice. Enjoy a walk through the historic Gas Street Basin and the modern Brindleyplace area.

10 miles from airport

The Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham
042-4 hours

The Bullring & Grand Central

The heart of Birmingham's retail district, featuring the iconic Selfridges building and hundreds of high-street shops.

9 miles from airport

Library of Birmingham in Birmingham
051-2 hours

Library of Birmingham

A stunning piece of modern architecture in Centenary Square with beautiful roof terraces offering panoramic views of the city.

10 miles from airport

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in Birmingham
062-3 hours

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Home to the world's largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite art and the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest find of Anglo-Saxon gold.

10 miles from airport

073-4 hours

The Jewellery Quarter

A historic area where much of the UK's jewelry is still made. Visit the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter for a unique look at local craft.

11 miles from airport

083-5 hours

Cadbury World

Located in the picturesque village of Bournville, this is a must-visit for chocolate lovers. Reachable via a short train ride from the city centre.

12 miles from airport

091-2 hours

Symphony Hall

Widely considered one of the finest concert halls in the world, located right in the city centre near the canals.

10 miles from airport

102-3 hours

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

An award-winning science museum featuring steam engines, talking robots, and a digital planetarium.

9 miles from airport

Viator selectionLive recommendations
Footlights Film & Spooks: Walking Tour of Vaudeville & True Crime
View on Viator
Fits your layover3+ hours layover

Footlights Film & Spooks: Walking Tour of Vaudeville & True Crime

Footlights & Felonies: A Walking Tour of Vaudeville, Silent Film, and True Crime Walking Tour Only - WE DO NOT ENTER BUILDINGS Explore Birmingham's unique past on a captivating walking tour that delves into the city's chilling history of vaudeville stars and lingering spirits. Follow the path of a 1930s detective as tales of murder and mystery unfold, passing by grand theaters and ghostly hotels where shadows of the past still linger. Listen for echoes of applause in the night and the stern librarian who haunts the old library. This one-mile tour invites you to uncover the secrets that lie in the shadows of Birmingham's streets. - Discover Birmingham’s haunted history on a one-mile walking tour - Uncover tales of vaudeville stars, corruption, and ghostly spirits - Walk past historic theaters and haunted hotels without entering buildings - Perfect for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike. - This is a walking tour only - WE DO NOT ENTER BUILDINGS

Duration

1 hour

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 3h total

Admission

NO

What you'll see

Attraction stop (10 mins)

Outside the Lyric Theatre, we’ll relive the dazzling nights when legendary vaudeville acts brought the house roaring to life—and uncover the eerie tales of the spirits still waiting for their final encore. Though we won’t step inside, the echoes of applause and whispers from the wings will make you feel as if the show never truly ended..

Attraction stop (10 mins)

Stand beneath the glowing marquee of the Alabama Theatre and hear chilling tales of its glamorous past, when vaudeville stars and silent film idols ruled the stage. From the sidewalk, you’ll learn why locals still whisper of phantom lights, unseen performers, and a restless usher who guards the theater long after the curtain fell.

Attraction stop (40 mins)

At the old Empire Building, gaze up the towering façade once scaled by daredevil Harry “The Human Fly” Gardner, whose final stunt ended in tragedy—and some say, left him clinging to the walls still. Just down the street, the Redmont Hotel sets the stage for a blazing 1930s shootout that pitted hard-nosed Detective A.C. McGuire against a ruthless gangster, the echoes of gunfire still said to rattle its windows. We’ll walk the block once gripped by terror, where the Axe Syndicate and Harry the Hacker carved their bloody legend into Birmingham’s darkest history. The tour ends at Eddie Kendricks Park, where the music of Motown’s golden voice rises above the shadows—a soulful reminder that even the city’s haunted past can’t silence its rhythm.

Ready to book for your Birmingham layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator
Coast Guard Past to Present Guided Tour
View on Viator
Fits your layover3+ hours layover

Coast Guard Past to Present Guided Tour

Now that the USCG has selected Birmingham as the site if a major training base, learn what makes them uniquely special. A member of the Coast Guard Historical Society will use visual displays to explore their exploits from past-to-present with a special focus on their role in the American Civil War. After learning about this unique service, continue walking with a colorful look at Birmingham's ghostly past while viewing the exterior of two historic hotels. Continue walking two more blocks to the site of Birmingham's historic version of Jack the Ripper. Along the way, hear about a famous mob shootout involving Birmingham's own hard boiled detective, A.C. McGuire.

Duration

1 hour

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 3h total

Admission

Check on Viator

What you'll see

Attraction stop (1h)

CUTTHROATS, CONFEDERATES AND COAST GUARD CUTTERS Downtown Walking Tour (NO BASE ACCESS) With the addition of the Coast Guard Training Center, learn about the nation’s oldest continuous military service from a USCG veteran. Uncover how its early Revenue Cutters enforced the young nation’s laws and played a critical role in the American Civil War and other conflicts. . Learn about the Coast Guard's various roles across the globe . Decode the meaning behind vessel colors: white black or red. . Learn about which Hollywood stars were Coasties (hint one was on Gilligan's Island). . Discover how a Coast Guardsman’s journey begins in bootcamp. The tour ends by learning about Birmingham's colorful past during a short three block stroll to view the outside of Birmingham's historic Tutwiler and Redmont Hotels. Then learn about ghostly residents and Birmingham's real life version of Jack the Ripper. This is a DOWNTOWN walking tour only, there is NO VIEWING OR ACCESS TO THE COAST GUARD BASE

Ready to book for your Birmingham layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator

* Tours are scored against your layover length — availability and pricing confirmed on Viator.

GetYourGuide selectionLive recommendations

* Suggestions load dynamically based on seasonal availability and ratings in Birmingham.

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Birmingham

Dishoom

Indian Irani Cafe$$ - $$$Chamberlain Square

The Alchemist

Modern British / Cocktails$$ - $$$Colmore Row

Original Patty Men

Gourmet Burgers$$Digbeth

Purnell's

Fine Dining (Michelin Star)$$$$Cornwall Street

The Karczma

Traditional Polish$$Digbeth

Gaucho Birmingham

Argentinian Steakhouse$$$Colmore Row

Miller & Carter

Steakhouse$$$Resorts World

Shop & Browse

Shopping Opportunities

Resorts World Birmingham

Outlet shopping mall located within walking distance of the airport terminals, featuring Nike, Levi's, and Gap.

0.5 miles

The Bullring

One of the largest shopping centres in the UK, housing major brands and the iconic Selfridges department store.

9 miles

The Mailbox

Upscale shopping destination featuring Harvey Nichols and luxury fashion boutiques alongside canal-side dining.

10 miles

Grand Central

Integrated with the Birmingham New Street train station, offering a range of premium high-street brands.

9 miles

Navigate

Getting Around During Your Layover

Transportation from Birmingham Airport (BHX) is exceptionally efficient. The free Air-Rail Link operates every few minutes, taking passengers to Birmingham International Station. From there, frequent trains run to Birmingham New Street (the city centre) in just 10-15 minutes. For those staying closer to the airport, Resorts World and the NEC are accessible via a short walk or shuttle. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available at the terminal. Additionally, the X1 and X12 'Platinum' bus services offer cost-effective connections to the city and surrounding areas.

Good to Know

Practical Tips for Your Birmingham Stopover

01

Use the free Air-Rail Link to access the train station quickly.

02

Store your luggage at the Excess Baggage Company in the check-in area if you plan to head into the city.

03

Ensure you have a contactless card or mobile pay for buses and trains.

04

If you have less than 4 hours, stay at Resorts World instead of heading to the city centre.

05

Security wait times can vary; aim to be back at the airport 2 hours before your flight.

06

Check for any major events at the NEC, as this can increase local traffic and transport wait times.

07

UK power outlets use Type G plugs; carry an adapter if needed.

08

Most city centre attractions are within walking distance of each other once you arrive at New Street Station.

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Community Discussions

Real Traveler Advice

T
TravelBug992 days ago

Does anyone know if immigration is fast at this airport during morning hours? We only have a 4 hour layover and want to see the main square...

A
AeroExplorer5 days ago

Just did this exact layover last week! A few tips: definitely take the express train instead of cab, it saves about 45 mins. Also make sure...

Make Every Minute Count

Managing Your Layover Time

With 2-4 hours, your best bet is to stay on the airport grounds or walk to Resorts World for a quick meal and some outlet shopping. If you have 4-8 hours, take the train to Birmingham New Street (15 mins). You can explore the Bullring, walk along the canals at Brindleyplace, and visit the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery before catching a return train. For layovers exceeding 8 hours, you have time to venture further to Bournville to visit Cadbury World or explore the historic Jewellery Quarter and enjoy a leisurely dinner in the city's vibrant dining scene.

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Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for a layover in Birmingham?

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This depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. Many travelers may require a Standard Visitor visa or a Transit visa. Always check the latest UK government entry requirements before traveling.

Is there luggage storage at Birmingham Airport?

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Yes, luggage storage is provided by the Excess Baggage Company located in the main terminal check-in area.

How far is the city centre from Birmingham Airport?

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The city centre is approximately 8 to 10 miles away. By train from Birmingham International, it takes about 10-15 minutes to reach Birmingham New Street station.

Is Birmingham Airport open 24 hours?

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Yes, the airport terminal is open 24 hours a day, though most shops and restaurants close overnight.

Can I leave the airport during a layover?

+

Yes, as long as you have the appropriate visa or entry rights for the United Kingdom, you are free to leave the airport.

Is there free Wi-Fi at BHX?

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Yes, Birmingham Airport provides free Wi-Fi for all passengers throughout the terminal.

What is the fastest way to get to the city centre?

+

The train from Birmingham International Station to Birmingham New Street is the fastest method, taking around 10-15 minutes.

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