The NEC is just ten minutes by train from the centre of Birmingham and 80 minutes from London. It’s perfectly located in the centre of the UK, with easy links to the country’s major motorway network. And with Birmingham International airport and railway station right next door, it’s an effortless journey from anywhere in the world.
By train
By car
By coach
By plane
Useful travel information for visitors with a disability
By train
Birmingham International station is just a five-minute walk from the show, linking Autumn Fair International with all major cities in the UK. Regular trains connect the city’s central station, Birmingham New Street, to Birmingham International in around ten minutes.
Bristol-Birmingham, 90 minutes
Cardiff-Birmingham, 120 minutes
Liverpool-Birmingham, 105 minutes
London-Birmingham, 80 minutes
Manchester-Birmingham, 100 minutes
Sheffield-Birmingham, 70 minutes
York-Birmingham, 130 minutes
Visit www.thetrainline.com or call +44 (0)8457 484950. See the website for more information for Virgin trains
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By car
From the M6, exit at Junction 4 or 4a for the M42. From the M42, leave at Junction 6 and follow signs for the NEC. The NEC is signposted on motorways and major roads and is marked on most good maps. If you are travelling by car, we recommend that you allow plenty of time for your journey.
M6 Toll
As a free flowing alternative to the M6, the M6 Toll offers reliably shorter journey times through the West Midlands. It runs between Junctions 4 and 11 of the M6, and there is easy access to The NEC from Junction T1 of the toll road.
< M6 Toll Website
View a route map here - AA route planner
Using Sat Nav
If you are using a satellite navigation system please enter the postcode B40 1NT to pinpoint the NEC. Please be aware that the Sat Nav system will not direct you into the onsite car parks. Please follow the clearly signposted directions once in the vicinity of the venue.
Traffic Radio
For visitors travelling to The NEC by car, Traffic Radio broadcasts the latest traffic conditions, emergency incidents and roadworks on motorways and major A roads. Traffic Radio broadcasts continuous live traffic updates online at www.trafficradio.org.uk and on DAB digital radio.
Free Parking
The NEC has its own on-site car parks with regular shuttle buses taking you to the nearest show entrance. Car parks are more broadly categorised into North, East, South and West. All in all there are over 20,000 onsite parking spaces! On your arrival at The NEC, traffic officers will direct you to the most convenient parking area. The NEC has designated car park spaces for visitors with disabilities.
< View a site map of the NEC here
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By coach
National Express runs direct routes to Birmingham International from all major cities and airports in the UK. Visit www.nationalexpress.com or call +44 (0)8705 808080.
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By plane
Fly direct to Birmingham International airport and walk to the NEC in just ten minutes (via a 90 second monorail!). Visit www.bhx.co.uk or call +44 (0)8707 335511.
Travelling from within the UK? You can fly to Birmingham from the following locations:
| Aberdeen |
Belfast |
Cork |
| Dublin |
Edinburgh |
Glasgow |
| Guernsey |
Inverness |
Isle of Man |
| Jersey |
Knock |
Newcastle |
Alternative airports near Birmingham:East Midlands Airport (Nottingham), 40 miles to the NEC - call +44 (0)871 919 9000.Manchester Airport, 82 miles to the NEC - call +44 (0) 161 489 300.
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Travelling from London and the South
Heathrow Airport
Gatwick Airport - Regular trains connect Gatwick Airport to Kings Cross Thameslink and London Victoria stations. Underground services connect these stations to London Euston for direct rail connections to Birmingham International and the NEC.
Stansted Airport - Direct trains run between Stansted Airport and Birmingham New Street (journey time 3 hours). Regular services connect Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International for the NEC. Regular trains connect Stansted Airport to London Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale stations. Underground services connect these stations to London Euston for rail connections to Birmingham.
Luton Airport - Fastest route: Regular trains connect Luton Airport Parkway to Luton town. Virgin Trains operate connecting coach services (45mins) between Luton and Milton Keynes for fast direct trains to Birmingham International and the NEC. Total journey time 2hrs.
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Alternative routes via London:
Heathrow Express to London Paddington, then the Underground to Euston for direct rail services to Birmingham International (1 hour). Underground (Piccadilly and Victoria line) to Euston (1 hour).
Fastest route is with the RailAir coach (operated by Virgin Trains) from Heathrow Terminal 4 to Watford Junction, then a direct train to Birmingham International and the NEC. Total journey time from Heathrow less than 2.5 hours.
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