Travelling around Birmingham and the UK

Travelling in Birmingham is easy

Birmingham is a transport hub with lots of travel options depending on where you want to go. It's easy to use and can easily become part of your daily routine in the UK.

If you are looking for advice on how to travel to the UK and your accommodation, see our Arriving in the UK page.

Bus services

National Express West Midlands buses can take you pretty much anywhere in the West Midlands. They're regular, affordable and easy to use. 

How to catch the bus:

1. Plan your journey using National Express's journey planner.
2. Catch the bus! Wait at the correct bus stop. When you see the bus approaching, put your hand out to signal the bus driver.
3. Pay when you board the bus; you can do this using cash or a contactless debit card. Contactless is easiest; you can just tap your card, and you will be charged for your journey.
4. When your stop is next, press the stop button on the bus so the driver knows you need to get off at the next stop.
5. You don't need to tap your debit card on exit, you will automatically be charged for your journey.

If you find you are travelling by bus a lot, it may be beneficial to get a bus pass.

Taxis in the UK

When using taxis in the UK, only use a black cab or licensed private hire car. Where possible, pre-book a taxi. Never get into an unmarked car.

Uber is also commonly used in Birmingham.

Train services

Birmingham has three main train stations in the city, New Street Station, Moor Street Station and Snow Hill Station, which offer services to destinations around the UK. 

You can buy train tickets from ticket machines or booths in each station or on the Trainline app/website in advance or on the day of travel.

Top tip: Train tickets can be much cheaper when purchased in advance.

Driving in the UK

If you’d like to drive during your time in the UK, you must have a valid driving licence and be over the age of 17.

If you’re a student from a country outside the European Community, you can drive on a full licence from your own country, or on an international driving licence, for the first 12 months after you enter the UK.

After this time, you must take a UK driving test to continue driving. More information can be found on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) website.

If you hold a licence from a designated country, you can apply to exchange this for a UK licence.
You must also have motor insurance that covers you for any vehicle you plan on driving. Any vehicle you drive must also be registered to the owner, have valid road tax and a current Ministry of Transport (MOT) test certificate.

We recommended you read a copy of The Highway Code, which is a book containing the UK driving laws.

Some important rules are:

• Remember, in the UK we drive on the LEFT
• The driver and any passengers must wear seatbelts at all times
• There are strict laws on drinking alcohol or taking drugs and driving
• You must stay within speed limits
• You must stop if instructed to do so by the Police
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving in the UK without a hands-free kit or Bluetooth headset

Top tip: If you're borrowing a friend's car. Check that they have insurance which allows you to drive it. Some insurance policies cover only named drivers.

For more information about driving in the UK, see the UKCISA website.

Want a different way to travel?

There are still more ways to get around the city! Explore all the ways to travel on the Transport for West Midlands website.