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Birmingham Airport
The Airport
Located 10.2 kilometers (6.3 miles) southeast of Birmingham city center the airport is within 2 hours drive of over 35 million people. The A45 takes you into central Birmingham while the M42 motorway is available from junction 6 which can then link you with the M1 to the North East.
A single runway and two terminal airport, Birmingham uses a world first in terms of a track and pulley raised tram system called the AirRail to allow movement between the train station and airport.
The AirLink departs from the upper level of Terminal 1 which is in turn linked to Terminal 2 by a covered walkway (5 minutes travel). Currently the only airlines operating from Terminal 2 are the budget airlines Ryanair and Flybe. An ongoing project to merge the two terminals is hoping to be completed by mid 2011.
Birmingham International Airport charges for dropping off passengers immediately outside the Terminal with a charge of £1 levied for 15 minutes. There is free drop off facilities a walk or bus ride from the terminals in the long stay car park number 1. To pick up passengers you must use the use Short/Medium Stay 1,2 or 3 which are conveniently close to the arrivals area.
Car Hire Locations
The car rental car parks are located within walking distance of the arrivals hall. Each car rental supplier below has a desk in the terminal.
The operators on site and available are as follows:
Hertz + 44 (0) 870 846 0008
Avis + 44 (0) 844 544 6013
Europcar + 44 (0) 121 782 6507
National + 44 (0) 121 782 5481
Alamo + 44 (0) 121 782 5481
Enterprise + 44 (0) 121 782 9030
Budget + 44 (0) 844 544 4602
Other Car Hire Locations
There are many other options for travelling away from Birmingham and picking up a hire car from one of the other car rental locations within the Midlands or even the UK.
Birmingham International Station offers train services up to every 10 minutes into New Street station in the center of Birmingham (around 10 minutes journey). Trains operate to London Euston station throughout the day (journey-time as low as 1 hour 10 minutes). There is also a multitude of other regional and national destinations served including Manchester.
By coach national operators run services throughout the country while local bus services connect you to Birmingham city as well as Coventry, Solihull and Erdington.
Parking
Five car parks are operated by the airport including Long Stay 1 (which includes a free drop off location) and Long Stay 2 are within walking distance of the terminal. Short/ Medium car parks 1, 2 and 3 are very close to the airport (2 minutes walking) and are ideal for a short visit in your hire car.
Short term parking charges are as follows:
Up to 15 Minutes (Drop and Go facility only) = £1.00
Up to 30 Minutes (Drop and Go facility only) = £2.00
Short and Medium Stay Car Parks
1 hour = £3.30
2 hours = £6.50
3 hours = £10.00
4 hours = £13.00
4 to 8 hours = £16.00
8 to 24 hours = £19.50
Charge per day after is £18.20
Services
Birmingham Airport although a major air hub may lack the array of shopping and eating options available in London airports such as Gatwick. The usual suspects are on show with shops such as Dixons and a large Duty Free area. To eat or drink you can choose from franchises such as Pret a Manger, Burger King or Italian American themed Frankie & Bennies.
There is a air travel museum open in Terminal 1 on the first floor offering interactive exhibitions and amusements. It covers right from the inception of flight to Concorde and beyond with a gift shop selling relevant models, books and videos.
A prayer room is open within the terminal along with Wudu Washing Facilities on the ground floor of Terminal 1.
