Birmingham Airport is manageable with kids — it's a single terminal, not too large, and the train connection is excellent. Here's what families should know.
The airport
BHX is medium-sized and easy to navigate:
- Single terminal — impossible to get lost
- Family restrooms with changing facilities throughout
- Play area in the departures zone (useful for return flights)
- Pharmacy and WHSmith in arrivals for essentials
- Free trolleys in baggage claim
The Air-Rail Link — stroller and family friendly
The covered walkway connecting the terminal to Birmingham International station is step-free, with moving walkways. It takes about 5 minutes. This works well with strollers and luggage. Elevators are available where needed.
Child seats in the UK
UK law requires child restraints for children under 12 years or under 135 cm. However:
- Taxis (hackney carriages): Exempt from child seat requirements
- Private hire vehicles (including Uber): Exempt when booked in advance
- Transfers: Can provide child seats on request
- Rental cars: Child seats available as add-ons
Best transport for families
Train — works surprisingly well
The 12-minute train to New Street is genuinely practical with kids:
- Modern carriages with luggage space
- Step-free access via the Air-Rail Link
- Kids under 5 travel free
- Kids 5-15 pay child fare (about £2.40)
- No traffic, no stress, predictable timing
Pre-booked transfer — for young families
If you have babies/toddlers needing car seats:
- Sedan with child seat: €25-42
- Minivan with child seats: €35-55
- Driver at arrivals, helps with bags, seats pre-installed
Taxi — for convenience
Take a taxi if you have a stroller, bags, and kids and just want to get to the hotel directly. £20-30 to the city center. No car seat, but the alternative (wrestling everything onto a train) might not appeal.
Family destinations from BHX
| Place | Why families go | Distance | Getting there | |---|---|---|---| | Birmingham city center | Cadbury World nearby, museums | 13 km | Train (12 min) | | Cadbury World (Bournville) | Chocolate factory tour | 15 km | Taxi £18-25 | | Warwick Castle | Castle, shows, medieval fun | 25 km | Transfer €40-55 | | Stratford-upon-Avon | Shakespeare, river, parks | 40 km | Transfer €60-85 | | Drayton Manor | Theme park | 20 km | Transfer €30-45 | | Legoland Discovery Centre | Indoor Lego play | 13 km | In city center |
Practical tips
- Weather: Pack rain gear. Birmingham weather is typically English — rain is always possible.
- Strollers in Birmingham: The city center is stroller-friendly with flat pavements. The Bullring and Grand Central shopping areas have good baby facilities.
- Food: Birmingham has excellent food from curry mile in Balti Triangle to family-friendly chain restaurants.
- Contactless payment: Use your card everywhere — on trains, buses, in shops. You rarely need cash.