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Plan Your Trip to Birmingham: Best of Birmingham Tourism

By Bianca M

Birmingham, United Kingdom

The geographical heart of England, Birmingham began life as a sixth- century Anglo-Saxon village. Today, much of this city of over a million dates back to post-WWII redevelopment in the 1950s and 60s. Cutting edge museums and galleries, innovative theatres and excellent shopping have contributed to Birmingham's appeal as a weekend break destination. Don't miss the Balti Triangle, home to the Pakistani food in the UK, the hopping bars and cafes of Gas Street Basin, or the National Sea Life Centre.

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Birmingham travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Lounges

According to forum posts, Birmingham Airport offers several lounges including No1, Aspire South, Aspire, and Clubrooms. Travelers have given mixed reviews about these lounges, with concerns about refund policies if not used due to delays.

Transportation and Parking

Some travelers said that Birmingham Airport is accessible via a free monorail from Birmingham International Train Station. The airport provides a variety of parking options including a free 20-minute drop-off area, though charges apply after the initial free period. Additionally, there are warnings against parking on red routes near the airport due to strict monitoring and potential fines.

Customs and Immigration

For many users, the experience at customs and immigration at Birmingham Airport varies. The use of e-gates can expedite the process but depends on the travelers' passport country. This impacts the time needed to reach subsequent transport such as trains.

Baggage Services

Travelers have called out facilities for twilight bag drop for convenience, allowing passengers to check in their luggage the night before a flight. This service is complemented by nearby parking options, although timing and costs should be carefully managed to avoid extra charges.

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Train and Monorail

According to forum posts, travelers can utilize the train from Birmingham International Train Station to Birmingham New Street, which is a 10-minute journey. Additionally, a free monorail connects Birmingham Airport to Birmingham International Train Station, offering a convenient transit option.

Buses

Some travelers mentioned that the X1 bus provides connections from the city center to the airport, with frequent departures and a journey time of about 31 minutes. Moreover, various bus routes such as 934, 935, 936, 937, and 997 serve different city parts, aiding in urban transportation.

Swift Card and Contactless Payment

Forum contributors have discussed the Swift pay-as-you-go card, useful for paying single or day fares on buses and trams within the city. Alternatively, contactless credit cards are accepted on National Express West Midlands buses, simplifying the fare payment process.

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Hotel Recommendations for Shopping and Convenience

According to forum posts, for those visiting Birmingham for shopping, staying in the city center is highly recommended due to its proximity to major shopping areas like the Bullring and Grand Central. The Staybridge Suites and Aparthotel Birmingham are suggested for their location away from nightlife but near shopping areas.

Family and Event-Oriented Stays

For events like Crufts at the NEC, travelers have recommended hotels such as the ibis Styles Birmingham NEC and Airport Hotel, Premier Inn Birmingham NEC/Airport, and Holiday Inn Express Birmingham NEC due to their close proximity to the venue. These options are described as budget-friendly and conveniently located.

Accommodations for Special Occasions

For special occasions like wedding anniversaries, high-end options such as the Radisson Blu and the Edgbaston are noted for their quality and ambiance. These hotels offer luxurious amenities and are well-regarded for their sophisticated atmosphere.

General Recommendations

General recommendations from users for a safe and comfortable stay, especially for solo female travelers, include the Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre New St station and the Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre Waterloo Street. These are praised for their central location and safety.

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Lounge Options and Preferences

According to forum posts, Birmingham Airport (BHX) offers several lounge options including the No. 1 Lounge, Aspire Lounge, and Clubrooms. Many users prefer the No. 1 Lounge, citing its proximity to certain gates and the availability of a bartender and free snacks, though meals are limited. The Aspire Lounge is appreciated for its self-serve setup and more substantial meal options, with two locations: Central and South.

General Feedback on Lounges

Some travelers have expressed mixed reviews about the lounges, highlighting issues such as limited time use due to security delays. Despite having access to free entrances, some users still prefer spending at airport restaurants or bars like Wetherspoons, considering it more cost-effective compared to lounge access for short stays.

Lounge Location and Access

For travelers flying with specific airlines like Ryanair or Jet2, the choice of lounge might depend on the gate from which they are departing, as the Aspire South is conveniently located near gates used by Jet2, whereas other lounges are closer to gates serviced by other airlines.

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Security Wait Times

According to forum posts, wait times at Birmingham Airport vary. Some travelers have reported going through security in about 20 minutes, while others have experienced longer waits, especially during busy periods. Early morning flights between 5am and 9am tend to have the longest delays, with some passengers waiting up to an hour and a half.

Queue Management

Travelers have mentioned that the airport sometimes struggles with handling large volumes of passengers simultaneously due to staff shortages, which can extend wait times. However, it’s noted that the airport does attempt to manage queues by pulling out passengers whose flights are departing imminently.

Recommendations

For many users, arriving at least 3 hours before flight time is advisable, especially for morning departures. This allows sufficient time to navigate through potential delays caused by security checks.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.