Birmingham is an easy place to navigate thanks to the network of roads both within the city and the surrounding areas that link to other key locations. When you first come out of the airport in your hire car, driving westbound onto the A45 Coventry Road will take your right into the heart of Birmingham city centre.

If you’re heading to nearby Stafford, Kettering or Stoke-on-Trent, head north out of the airport to the M6 (look out for toll fees on some routes). If Oxford or London is your final destination, take the M40 just south of the airport.  

Around the centre of Birmingham you will find the A4540 – the city’s major ring road which can take you on three separate routes into the main part of the city. Drive down Bristol Street for the train station, Broad Street if you’re heading to Symphony Hall and the A38 from the north will take you towards Aston University.  

The UK operates a similar system to Ireland – you’ll drive on the left hand side of the road and seat belts are compulsory. The speed limit on motorways and dual carriageways is 112 km/h, reducing to 96 km/h on single carriageways and 48 km/h in built up areas, such as Birmingham city centre.

With independent shops, picturesque canals, museums, galleries and an abundance of restaurants, you won’t be short of things to do once you’ve landed at Birmingham Airport.

Explore local attractions

Located right in the heart of Birmingham is the National Sea Life Centre. Wander through this extensive complex to see your favourite sea creatures up close. Gaze into shark-infested tanks, feed hungry penguins and watch eerie jellyfish float past in front of your eyes.

Drive south of the city to a chocoholic’s paradise – Cadbury’s World. Unearth the history of the world-famous chocolate brand, feast on free samples and even have a go at making some sweet treats for yourself.

If you’re planning on staying in and around the city centre, both the Genting Arena and Arena Birmingham host evening entertainment on a regular basis. Book tickets online to enjoy a night of comedy or a performance by your favourite band.

Experience history and culture

Having invested heavily in arts and culture over the years, Birmingham is filled with impressive array of attractions. For a journey into the city’s proud past, it’s worth paying a visit to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Spend your time browsing the exhibits and admire the brilliant collection of fine art, as well as an intriguing range of historical artefacts, some of which date from as far back as Ancient Egyptian times. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts also boasts an incredible treasure trove of art, with pieces from iconic artists such as Picasso and Van Dyck.

If you fancy taking a trip outside of Birmingham, we’d recommend heading south to Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare. Visit the childhood home of the world’s most famous writer, which has been transformed into a heritage landmark for visitors.

Venture further afield to the university city of Oxford, around an hour-and-a-half’s drive away. Steeped in history, spend a day wandering the cobbled streets and admiring the striking architecture of the more than 30 colleges that make up the renowned university.

Head out into the British countryside

Get a taste of the British countryside just beyond Birmingham at local parks and woodlands, such as Sandwell Valley Country Park and Lickey Hills Country Park. But if you’re after a real adventure, the Peak District isn’t far away from the city.

Soak up the beauty of the national park with a hike through the hills or a bike ride round one of its many lakes. The equally beautiful Cotswolds looks like something out of a picture book. Explore quaint villages dotted with thatched cottages and pretty churches or head out on a gentle stroll through the rolling hills.

Whether you’re planning to stay in the city or explore the surrounding area, car hire from Birmingham Airport will allow you to discover it all at your own pace.