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How to Get Around Birmingham

Dec 09, 2022
Trams in Birmingham
Famous for its vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene, Birmingham is also easy to navigate. The city benefits from an efficient transport system, which includes buses, trams and bikes. The city centre is partly pedestrianised, perfect if you prefer walking. And if you fancy a more unconventional means of transportation, why not take a boat along the canal?

If you're planning to visit this bustling West Midlands hub, read on as we dive deep into getting around it. 
 

Key Takeaways

1. Walking: 

City centre is pedestrian-friendly with major attractions within a 20-minute walk.
 
2. Bus:
 Operated by National Express West Midlands, with major stops at Bull Street, Colmore Row, Moor Street, and Priory Queensway. Single ticket costs £2.40.
 
3  Tram: 
West Midlands Metro runs from Snow Hill Station to Wolverhampton, with frequent services throughout the day. Single ticket costs £2.30.
 
4  Bike: 
West Midlands Cycle Hire available, costing 5p per minute plus £1 unlock fee.
 
5  Boat: 
Scenic canal trips available from Gas Street Basin, adult tickets £10.

On foot

Getting around Birmingham on foot is best if you want to see as much as possible. Part of its city centre is accessible for pedestrians only, and the main attractions are within a 20-minute walk. Grab a map from one of the visitor centres and enjoy a relaxing stroll along the waterways.

By bus

The bus is a great alternative if you want to rest your feet while still visiting this attraction-packed city. Most bus connections are operated by National Express West Midlands, which offers services both in and outside the city centre. The main stops are at Bull Street, Colmore Row, Moor Street and Priory Queensway, but there are several others scattered throughout the city.

 

You can purchase a single ticket or a day pass on board or via your smartphone or Smart Card, both of which will offer discounts.

Ticket prices: A single ticket costs £2,40, while a day pass costs £19 (5 ticket-bundle) and £34 (10 ticket-bundle).

By tram

As the locals call it, Brum has a single metro line – the West Midlands Metro. This tram system connects passengers from Snow Hill Station to Wolverhampton through Centenary Square, Jewellery Quarter, West Bromwich, Wednesbury and Bilston.

 

The West Midlands Metro tram runs between 04:45 and 00:45 every day except Sunday. From 07:00 to 19:00, trams run every 6 minutes, while outside of these times, they run every 15 minutes.

 

Ticket prices: A single ticket costs £2,30. The farther you travel, the more expensive it gets.

By bike

Bike sharing is always a good idea. West Midlands Cycle Hire is available throughout the city centre, and you can check all the routes via the app. You can hire it online and return it to any of the 50 docks. If you have your own bike, you'll be happy to know Brum is becoming more bike-friendly. There are many dedicated bike lanes in and around the heart of the action, and even more are on the way!

 

Prices: Bikes cost 5p per minute, plus £1 unlock fee.

By boat

Getting around Birmingham by boat is one of the most scenic modes of transport. With over 300 miles of canals, a boat excursion is meant to offer picture-perfect views of the city. You can catch a ride from Gas Street Basin near Brindleyplace and embark on a unique adventure.


Canal Boats trips run 11:30, 13:00, 14:30 and 16:00 and last approximately an hour.

 

Ticket prices: Adults admissions cost £10; children’s £6 (between 0-15 years old).

 

Lively and cosmopolitan, Birmingham is a city like no other. Find out the best areas to live in this thriving metropolis and make the most of its unique cultural and historical heritage. 

 

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