Travelling to the University of Birmingham

The easiest way to reach the University is by train. Birmingham is the only University campus in mainland UK to have its own railway station - ‘University’ station. The journey takes approximately 7 minutes from Birmingham New Street  and up to six trains an hour depart for the University on the Cross-City Line (final destination Longbridge or Redditch).

For up-to-date information on train times and prices, please contact  National Rail.

Please note: the new redeveloped University railway station opened in January 2024; the former station building is now exit-only and cannot be used to gain access onto the platforms. Passengers wishing to enter the station should do so via the entrances in the new station building. This is to help control the flow of passengers through the station and avoid queues. If you are visiting the new station building for the first time please allow additional time to familiarise yourself with the new entrance/exit arrangements.

There are frequent express coach services to Birmingham from London, Heathrow and Gatwick airports and many other UK cities. The long-distance coach station is in Digbeth in the city centre.

If you are travelling from within the West Midlands, then the following bus services stop at different parts of the University’s main Edgbaston campus, as well as the Vale Village accommodation site and the Selly Oak campus.

Bus service numbers: 1, 41, 48, 61, 63, 76, X20, X21, X22

Further information is available on the National Express West Midlands website.

Parking at Open Days is currently very limited due to several major building projects that are taking place as part of our campus redevelopment with the majority of visitors unable to park on campus. We therefore recommend that visitors use public transport to reach the University.

The University main car park is:

• North East Car Park (access via Pritchatts Road) Sat Nav Postcode B15 2SA

Anyone with a blue badge can park in the disabled parking bays on the main campus via the East gate entrance.

Alternative parking can also be found in and around the city. There are a number of NCP car parks across the city centre along with large shopping centre car parks and there is a direct train from Birmingham New Street to the University train station. The journey takes approximately 7 minutes from Birmingham New Street and up to six trains an hour depart for the University on the Cross-City Line (final destination Longbridge or Redditch).

Clean Air Zones have been introduced to cities across the UK, including Birmingham. Unlike a congestion charge, such as the one in London which charges every vehicle to enter a designated area, the Clean Air Zone will only charge the most polluting vehicles. If you are travelling through the centre of Birmingham then you will need to bear this in mind.

For more information and to see if your car is exempt from the Clean Air Zone charge visit the Brum Breathes website.

There is further information on our website detailing how to get to the University, as well as downloadable maps of campus.

If you're considering staying in Birmingham and exploring our beautiful city, why not stay on the University campus itself in the University’s very own hotel – the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre.

The Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre is offering a discounted rate for Bed and Breakfast for open day visitors.

To book the rooms, please contact reservations@edgbastonparkhotel.com or call 0121 414 8888 for best rates.

Alternatively please see the Visit Birmingham website to explore other accommodation options across the city.

Save money on your travel to open day with these bus, train and hotel offers.

Coach and bus travel

• A Single ticket on National Express West Midlands is £2 for an adult until the end of 2024 (or £4.50 for a Day Saver ticket); and those 18 and under can purchase a Single ticket for £1.40 (or £2 for a Day Saver ticket).

Hotels and accommodation

If you're considering staying in Birmingham and exploring our beautiful city, why not stay on the University campus itself in the University’s very own hotel – the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre.

To book the rooms, please contact reservations@edgbastonparkhotel.com or call 0121 414 8888 for the best rates.

Train travel

A railcard from National Rail can save you up to 1/3 on rail fares. There are 9 different national Railcards on offer, to find out more about a Railcard – including prices, eligibility and more check the National Rail website.