Getting Around in Birmingham

Getting around in Birmingham is a breeze thanks to an efficient transport network. The city’s location in central England makes it a useful regional hub, and after significant investment, the city’s public transport infrastructure is well-developed. Continuing investment from the government enables continual extensions and upgrades to the system.

Travelling by car is another option. Although fuel prices are extremely high, many still prefer the freedom and comfort of owning a car, particularly those with children.

Public transport in Birmingham

Managed by Transport for West Midlands, public transport in Birmingham is widespread and easily accessible.

Tram

The West Midlands Metro tram system currently has one line of more than 30 stops, running between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. This line is in the process of being extended.

Trains

Trains are a popular mode of transport in Birmingham; the city’s railways see England’s highest proportion of rail commuters outside of London.

The main railway hub is New Street Station, the calling point for most intercity services to and from Birmingham. Several local commuter lines also branch out from New Street Station.

Buses

Numerous bus companies operate in Birmingham, the most prominent of which is National Express West Midlands. Buses arrive fairly punctually, and many routes run late into the night and on Sundays.

Useful links

• Transport for West Midlands

Taxis in Birmingham

It’s easy to find a taxi in Birmingham; they can be ordered online or found at a taxi rank. While it’s possible to flag down a taxi on the street, only Hackney Carriages (black cabs) may be hailed in this manner.

All other taxis are considered private-hire vehicles and, by law, must be booked ahead of time. Uber and Bolt are operational in the city and fall under this category.

Useful links

• Visit Birmingham – Taxis
• Bolt Birmingham
• Uber Birmingham

Driving in Birmingham

A city with a history of car manufacturing, Birmingham has an abiding love of driving, and many people use cars daily. Excellent road networks make navigation easy.

Some parts of the city, such as the area inside the A4540 Middleway Ring Road, are designated Clean Air Zones. Cars driving in these areas must either adhere to certain fuel-emission standards or will have to pay a fee.

Driving licences

Drivers from abroad can continue to drive on their licence from home for up to 12 months of living in the UK, from which point a British licence is required to keep driving legally.

The UK has agreements with several countries allowing drivers to directly exchange their foreign licence for a local one, including Australia, Canada and South Africa. EU licences can be used for as long as they remain valid.

Drivers not from the EU or a designated country will need to do a written and practical test to obtain their British licence.

Cycling and walking in Birmingham

Birmingham is fairly compact and flat. Getting around on two wheels or on foot is a viable option, especially when combining these with public transport offerings.

Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Birmingham as the city authorities continue to build and expand cycle routes. West Midlands Cycle Hire operates a large-scale bicycle-hire scheme that includes both pedal bicycles and ebikes. These can be picked up and dropped off at any of the many docking stations around Birmingham.

Useful links

• Transport for West Midlands – Cycling and Walking