Birmingham Airport (BHX) is one of the six major airports in the United Kingdom. It is an international airport located 10.2 kilometres east of Birmingham city centre. Compared to Manchester International Airport, Birmingham Airport is much smaller, and it only takes 3-5 minutes to walk from one end of the airport hall to the other. However, with the increasing number of international students, the Airport continues to expand and develop.
Terminals at Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport has two terminals. While neither is huge, it is quite busy. It serves more than 25 airlines, is the home base of Flybe, Monarch, Ryanair, Thomas Cook Airlines and Thomson Airways, and currently handles around 10 million passengers a year.
Check-In, Security Check & Boarding Procedures
Check-in and Luggage Check-in: A Quick Start
The check-in areas at Birmingham Airport are divided into Zones A, B, C and D. Please find the corresponding check-in counter on the information screen according to the airline you are taking.
- Self-service check-in: Most airlines offer self-service check-in kiosks where you can print your boarding passes.
- Luggage Check (Bag Drop): If you have checked in online, you only need to check your luggage in the corresponding “Bag Drop” area. Please note that oversized or overweight luggage needs to be processed at the check-in counter.
- Trolley: A fee of £2 is required for the luggage trolley and it is non-refundable. Please be ready with contactless payment methods.
Birmingham Airport Security Check Procedures and New Regulations
The security check hall of BHX is located on the first floor of the terminal building. Please be sure to prepare your carry-on luggage in advance to avoid delays.
- New liquid regulations: According to the BHX Official Website, Birmingham Airport has begun piloting a new security check technology, allowing passengers to carry up to 2 liters of liquids (including water, beverages, and toiletries) through security checks. However, please note that due to the mixed use of new and old equipment, it is recommended that you still keep the liquid in a 100ml container and be ready to take it out for inspection at any time, just in case.
- Electronic devices: Large electronic devices such as laptops and tablets still need to be taken out of the bag and placed separately on the tray.
- Security check entrance: There are two security check entrances, one close to the check-in counters in Area A and the other near Area B. Both can be reached via stairs, escalators or elevators.
Boarding and "Quiet Airport" Rules
After passing through security checks, you will enter the departure hall. BHX adopts the “Silent Airport” policy, which means that the airport will not make any gate or boarding announcements. You must proactively check your boarding gate information and boarding time through the Departure Boards scattered throughout the hall. Therefore, please make sure to allow sufficient time to walk to the correct boarding gate.
Birmingham Airport Transportation Guide
There are several ways to get to the city from Birmingham Airport.
- Bus: There are bus stops outside the terminal building. You can check the timetables and prices of buses to different places at the information desk.
- Free shuttle bus: There is a free shuttle bus from the Airport to the city’s central train station. It runs every 20 minutes from 05:15 to 02:00. It is convenient for people arriving in Birmingham.
- Taxi: There are taxi stops outside each terminal building. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the city centre. The price is about 16 pounds.
Parking and Drop-off options at Birmingham Airport
For travellers arriving at Airport via cars, there is a variety of parking and drop-off options available to assist them. The airport provides over 12,000 parking spaces. Parking Area 1, 2, and 3 are conveniently located just a one-minute walk from the terminal, while parking Area 4 requires a short stroll of approximately 3-5 minutes. If you choose to park in Area 5, expect a walking distance of about 5-10 minutes. However, for those utilizing parking Area 7, there is a shuttle service that will transport you to the terminal within approximately ten minutes.
BHX Parking Quick Reference Table
| Area | Walking Distance | Price Features | Applicable Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1, P2, P3 (Short Stay) |
1 minute | The highest price, charged by the hour. | Airport pick-up and drop-off, short stay (less than 5 hours). |
| P4 (Medium Stay) |
3 to 5 minutes | Moderate price; Suitable for weekend or short trips. | A short trip of 1 to 3 days. |
| P5 (Long Stay) |
5 to 10 minutes | Low price; A free shuttle bus is provided. | A long-term trip of more than one week. |
| Drop-off Point | 5 to 10 minutes | Free (with time limit, please check the BHX official website). | Get off quickly and do not stay for a long time. |
Drop-off Point
The designated drop-off point caters to passengers who require a quick stop at the airport. Any parking within ten minutes of walking distance from this point will not incur charges. It takes roughly 5-10 minutes on foot to reach the terminal from here.
Additionally, there is an allocated parking area specifically designed for individuals with disabilities or holders of blue badges issued by the local authority. Blue badge holders can avail themselves of free parking in this area for up to one hour; thereafter, standard rates apply.
Prices
The Short Stay and Medium Stay parking areas consist of multi-storey buildings where hourly rates amount to around £3.50 per hour. Stays exceeding five hours but less than twenty-four hours cost £20.00 flat fee; beyond that duration, it becomes £20 per day.
On the other hand, Long Stay parking offers more economical rates suitable for extended periods away from home – be it days or even weeks! Here, prices start at £7.50 per hour and up until twenty-four hours cost only £12.50; subsequently, it amounts to £8.50 per day.
Valet Parking Services
Valet parking services are most suitable for passengers who are time-pressed at the airport or families with children and luggage who find it challenging to reach the terminal. NCP offers an official welcome point for valet parking customers located in the drop-and-go parking lot, where your vehicle will be securely parked until your return.
Restaurants and Bars at Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport has a number of well-known restaurants and bars for travellers to choose from. Here is a list of locations:
After security:
- Bottega Prosecco bar – in the departure lounge
- Burger King – in the departure lounge
- Pret a Manger – in the departure lounge
- SOHO Coffee Co. – in the departure lounge
- Starbucks – in the departure lounge
- Wetherspoon – in the departure lounge
- Giraffe – in the departure lounge
- Factory Bar and Kitchen – in the departure lounge
- All Bar One – in the South Lounge, doors 1-20
- Costa Coffee – in the arrivals greeting area and south doors, doors 1-20
Before security:
- Greggs – in the arrivals area, ground floor
- Caffe Nero – on the ground floor, north check-in area
Duty-free shops at Birmingham Airport
For many travellers, shopping at duty-free shops at the airport is the ultimate pleasure. The Airport has a wide range of shops for you to visit. Here is a complete list of shops and their location.
After security:
- Accessorize – in the departure lounge
- AeroSpa – in the departure lounge
- Boots – in the departure lounge
- InMotion – in the departure lounge
- JD Sports – in the departure lounge
- Kurt Geiger – in the departure lounge
- Sunglass Hut – in the departure lounge
- Superdry – in the departure lounge
- WHSmith Books – in the departure lounge
Before security:
- M&S Simply Food – in the arrivals greeting area
- SPAR – on the first floor of the terminal, opposite Assisted Travel
Other Services at Birmingham Airport
- Travelex Currency Exchange – before security within Zone A, B and C and arrivals plus after security within the departure lounge
- Luggage Point Retail – in the North Terminal
- Luggage Point Passenger Services – in the Check-In area of the North Terminal
Hotels near Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport is home to several well-known hotel chains offering comfortable rooms.
- Novotel Birmingham Airport – 2 minutes walk from the airport.
- Hilton Garden Inn – 4 minutes walk from the airport.
- Ibis – 2 minutes walk from the airport.
- Holiday inn birmingham airport – 12 mins bus from the airport.
- Travelodge – 10 mins bus from the airport.
For more information on Birmingham Airport hotels, check out our blog:
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FAQ
While not among the largest airports globally, Birmingham Airport serves as a crucial transportation hub in the United Kingdom. It acts as the primary gateway to the Midlands region and ranks seventh in terms of passenger traffic within the country. With its singular yet spacious terminal, it efficiently handles over 12 million passengers annually, positioning itself at the forefront of regional air travel.
According to the most recent update, Birmingham Airport operates smoothly with minimal delays. However, passengers are advised to verify their flight status directly with their respective airline or through the official Birmingham Airport website before travelling to ensure they have access to the most up-to-date information.
The recommended arrival time at Birmingham Airport for domestic flights is at least 2 hours before departure, while for international flights, it is advised to arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure. This will ensure a seamless and stress-free experience by allowing ample time for check-in, security checks, and any unforeseen delays.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) code “BHX” is utilized by Birmingham Airport. This code is a distinctive identifier, with “BH” representing the initial association with Birmingham and “X” commonly employed as a filler letter for codes necessitating three characters.
The average wait time for security clearance at Birmingham Airport ranges from 15 to 50 minutes. Passengers are strongly advised to arrive at least two hours prior to their domestic flight departure and three hours before their international flight.
The duration of customs clearance may vary, but typically, it is completed within an estimated time frame of 30 minutes.
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