Car Hire Birmingham

Parking in Birmingham

• Town Hall (B1 1TA) contains over 375 parking spaces for vehicles, close to the city’s main attractions. Electric vehicle charging facilities are available here too.
• Paradise Circus (B1 2NB) has 600 parking spaces available, along with two EV charging bays. It is also close to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and The Coffin Works Museum.
• The Mailbox (B1 1RD) is an underground car park, with 686 available spaces, close to the National SEA LIFE Centre, Victoria Square and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Charging point locations in Birmingham

There are around 60 charging points for electric cars in Birmingham, so whether you need to fill up at the supermarket or at the nearest service station, you’ll never be too far away from an EV charging point.

Key roads in Birmingham

• M6 motorway connects Birmingham with Wolverhampton, Stoke-on-Trent and Lancaster before terminating at Junction 45 near Gretna.
• A4540 ring road, also known as ‘the Middle Ring Road’ or the ‘Middleway’, runs around the centre of the city for approximately one mile.
• A38 motorway commonly referred to as the ‘Aston Express’ connects the M6 to Aston and Central Birmingham.  

Congestion charges in Birmingham

Birmingham Clean Air Zone (CAZ) was introduced in June 2021 to reduce traffic and emissions in the city. The zone extends to cover all roads within the A450 Middleway Ring Road, including areas such as Digbeth, the city centre and the Jewellery Quarter.

You can check the precise location of the Birmingham CAZ and congestion charges on the official Birmingham city council website. Electric vehicles are exempt from these charges and can travel into the congestion zones, without paying the toll.

How to get from Birmingham to Birmingham Airport

It takes less than 30 minutes to drive the 16 miles from Birmingham City Centre to Birmingham Airport.

1. Leave the car hire car park at 40 Upper Gough Street and head northeast toward Upper Marshall Street.
2. Take the exit on the right on to Suffolk Street Queensway, the A38.
3. Continue on A38 (M), then, at Junction 6, merge on to the M6 towards London.
4. At Junction 4A, take the M42 (N) exit to M1/M6 Toll/Tamworth.
5. At Bickenhill Interchange, take the fourth exit on to the A45, following signs for Birmingham Airport.
6. Take Airport Way to arrive at your destination.

How to get from Birmingham to Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton is just a 30-minute drive from Birmingham. Just get on A38/A38 (M) from Aston Express Way. Follow A38 (M) and M6 to Black Country Route (A545) in Walsall. Take Exit 10 from M6 and continue on Black Country Route (A454). Then drive to Princess Square to arrive in Wolverhampton.

Best hotels in Birmingham

Birmingham Marriott Hotel

Five Ways, 12 Hagley Road, Birmingham, B16 8SJ – EV charging available on site

Enjoy a relaxed and convenient stay at the four-star Marriott hotel, located less than 15 minutes away from Birmingham city centre. With elegant accommodation, high speed WI-FI and easy access to a host of renowned landmarks, you’ll have everything you need to make your visit memorable. Overnight outdoor parking is available, along with electric car charging.

Hyatt Regency Birmingham

2 Bridge Street, Birmingham, B1 2JZ

Situated in the city centre, this up-market high-rise hotel is just a 5-minute walk from The Bullring, perfect for those looking to hit the shops. Each room features free WI-FI, a flat screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Several rooms also feature floor-to-ceiling windows that provide magnificent skyline views.

National Exhibition Centre

Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1PP – EV charging available on site

Located just off the M42, Hilton Birmingham Metropole – a convenient retreat that serves the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) – offers a selection of contemporary rooms and suites. Upgraded rooms include access to free breakfast, snacks and drinks. Additional amenities include a heated pool, hot tub and sauna – ideal for relaxing after a busy day of exploring.

Best restaurants in Birmingham

Adam’s Restaurant

New Oxford House, 16 Waterloo Street, Birmingham, B2 5UG

Located in the heart of the city, Adam’s is a Michelin star restaurant that specialises in contemporary British fine dining. Each dish is prepared with quality ingredients and is served to the highest standard. Reservations are available to book online.

Gaucho

Lower Ground Retail, 55 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2AA

This Argentinean restaurant prides itself on cooking quality beef from the Pampas of Argentina, served among a glamours backdrop. Expect sophisticated interiors with warm textures inspired by Argentina’s forest. A la carte, lunch and Sunday roast menus are available, alongside a tempting selection of desserts.

Chaophraya Thai Restaurant

Saint Martin’s Square, 6 Spiceal Street, Birmingham, B5 4BW  

With classic and signature dishes, including vegetarian and gluten free options, Chaophraya invites you to experience authentic Thai dining in the heart of Birmingham city centre. From Thai green curry to chicken satay, there’s something on the menu for everyone.

Best things to do in Birmingham

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH

If you’re wanting to learn more about the city’s culture and heritage, then a trip to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery should be on the cards. This centre is home to a series of pop-up displays, exhibits and live events that offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich and vibrant past.

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Westbourne Road, Birmingham, B15 3TR

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens are located one and a half miles southwest of the city. Home to a variety of plants, birds and tropical rainforests, the gardens are an ideal place to enjoy a moment of relaxation. There’s also a line-up of special events on throughout the year, including seasonal walks.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre & LEGO Store Birmingham

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Arena, King Edwards Road, Birmingham, B1 2AA

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is the ultimate LEGO Playground. With a 4D Cinema, soft play area and a build and test zone, there’s plenty to keep the whole family occupied. There’s also an onsite Lego store, featuring all the latest LEGO products as well as exclusive sets, only available to buy in store.