Arriving in the UK
Arriving in the UK by air
If you’re travelling to the UK by air, it’s easiest to arrive at Birmingham Airport, which is approximately 10 miles from Birmingham City Centre.
Birmingham is 120 miles north-west of London and there are no direct flight connections. However, you can choose to travel easily between the two cities by train or bus.
Arriving in the UK by rail
Book your train journey using the Channel Tunnel to arrive at London St Pancras International railway station. From London St Pancras International, you can walk 10 minutes to London Euston Station, where you can board a train to Birmingham New Street Station which is in Birmingham city centre.
Arriving in the UK by sea
There are excellent road and rail connections between most UK seaports and Birmingham.
If you need any help on arrival at port, locate a travel enquiry desk for advice on the best routes for the next stage of your journey.
Phone home
When you reach the UK, it's a good idea to call home and let your friends and family know that you’ve arrived safely.
International phone cards are available from Travelex at Birmingham Airport, situated near arrivals and open from 4am to 10pm. Just look out for the Travelex sign. At other airports ask at the information desk for the nearest shop where you can purchase a phone card.
It’s best to buy a phone card rather than use your mobile, which can be expensive. Away from the airport you can buy phone cards from a Post Office or newsagent.
If you have good internet access from your laptop you can also use Skype to keep in touch.
Look here to find ways to reach Birmingham and your accommodation.
From Birmingham Airport (15 miles, 24 kilometres)
| Transport | Approx. cost | Approx. travel time | Route | Contact/Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By train | £4.00 | 15 minutes | Use the Air-Rail Link from the airport to Birmingham International railway station and take a train to Birmingham New Street station from there. Taxis are available at New Street to take you to your accommodation. | |
| By coach | £5.00 | 20 minutes | Take the National Express Coach service which departs from outside Arrivals. This is a regular coach service which takes roughly 30 minutes to Birmingham Coach Station located in the city centre. From there, you can take a taxi to your accommodation. | National Express |
| By taxi | £30.00 | 30 minutes | Taxis can be found outside the Arrivals exit at Birmingham Airport. |
+44 (0)121 427 8888 (TOA Taxis) |
From London Gatwick Airport (151 miles, 243 kilometres)
| Transport | Approx. cost | Approx. travel time | Route | Contact/Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By train |
£35 - £120 (Price varies depending on departure time.) |
2.5 - 3.5 hours |
Take the underground tube from London Gatwick to the London Victoria station using the Gatwick Express. Then take the train from London Victoria to London Euston where you will change trains. Please then board your train to Birmingham New Street station. From there, you can take a taxi to your accommodation. (This is an example of a train ticket. Journey route varies, please check your ticket to confirm route.) |
|
| By coach |
£15 - £70 (Price varies depending on departure time.) |
4 - 5 hours | Take the National Express Coach service from Gatwick Airport to Birmingham Coach Station, located in Birmingham city centre. From there, you can take a taxi to your accommodation. This coach service is usually a direct service without requiring you to change coaches. | National Express |
From London Heathrow Airport (115 miles, 185 kilometres)
| Transport | Approx. cost | Approx. travel time | Route | Contact/Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By train |
£40 - £120 Price varies depending on departure time. |
2.5 - 3.5 hours | Take the Heathrow Express from the airport to Paddington station then take the underground or taxi to London Euston station. From there you can catch a train to Birmingham New Street station. From here, you can take a taxi to your accommodation. | |
| By coach |
£25 - £45 Price varies depending on departure time. |
2.5 - 4 hours | Take the National Express Airport service to Birmingham Coach Station in Birmingham city centre. From here, you can take a taxi to your accommodation. | National Express |