City Information
Essential Information about the city
Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Birmingham Airport (BHX) is situated 13 kilometres east of Birmingham, only 10 minutes from the city centre. The adjacent train station is reached via a short trip on the free Air-Rail Link monorail system between 3:30 am and 12:30 am daily. Trains then depart for Birmingham; there are 7 services per hour from Birmingham Airport. However, they run less frequently in the evenings and at the weekends. Tickets can be purchased at the station for the 10-minute-long journey to New Street Station.Bus 97/97A connects Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Licensed taxis operate 24 hours and are located directly outside the arrivals area of the terminal building.
Best Time to Visit
Birmingham is a fantastic year-round destination with a moderate climate and fewer crowds compared to other destinations in the UK like London and Liverpool. With that said, the best time to visit Birmingham is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Not only will you enjoy pleasant weather to explore outdoor attractions and parks, but you'll also find budget-friendly options during these times.
Passport / Visa
Travelling to the UK after Brexit hasn't changed much for most visitors. EU and EEA citizens, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, can still enter the country without a visa for short-term visits. However, those planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. Additionally, residents of nine other countries, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the USA, can also visit the UK without a visa. To ensure a smooth journey, it is advisable to consult the UK Government website for any specific visa requirements or regulations.
Public Transport
In Birmingham, public transport consists of an extensive bus network and the inner suburbs are linked by local trains and trams. There are several different types of travel passes from which to choose, including a one-day rover pass. You can also pay for your bus ticket when boarding the bus but remember that you need to give the exact change. With that said, walking or cycling around Birmingham is just as popular, as there are plenty of things to see within walking distance.
Taxi
There are many taxi ranks throughout Birmingham, including ranks at all the major train and bus stations. They can also be hailed anywhere on the street or ordered from companies, such as Birmingham Taxis: +44 121 702 2000.
Post
Stamps can be purchased from post offices and newsagents. Post offices are generally open Mon–Sat from 9 am to 6 pm.
Pharmacy
Some of the main pharmacy chains operating in Birmingham, UK, include Boots, LloydsPharmacy, and Superdrug Pharmacy.
Telephone
Country code: +44Area code: 121
Electricity
The United Kingdom uses the Type G electric plug, which is one with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. And it operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.