Modes of Transport in Birmingham.

Commissioned by The University of Birmingham, Welcome Week 2024

Published On: The Guild of Students, Welcome Week Newsletter, September 2024.

Welcome to Birmingham! The most youthful city in Europe, with 40% of residents under 25, mostly students. What do students love to do in their free time? Traveling!  Here's another fun fact: You can travel to 90% of the UK from Birmingham in under four hours. That's a great benefit of living in the West Midlands!

Now, you're wondering how to get around this exciting city, especially to the University of Birmingham. Fear not, this blog is your one-stop guide to becoming a Brum Busker (a Birmingham traveler).

We've also created a video to help you digest this information quicker. You can find it here

Birmingham's bus network is extensive, with many routes operating frequently (including night buses for those late-night adventures). NX West Midlands operates most of the services, and their buses can take you directly to the University. Bus station information screens display real-time arrival times, and journey planning apps like Google Maps can help you decipher the route numbers.

There are numerous bus-stops around the university depending on your location. If you're near the sports and fitness centre, the guild, the business school, or the south part of campus, you can use the nearest stops on Bristol Road. If you're on the north part of campus, near the library, school of education, or the Gisbert Kapp building, use the bus stops on Pritchatts Road. NX West Midlands offers student bus passes with monthly, 4-weekly, and term-based options. You can also get a day pass for unlimited travel within a single day.

Need a break from student life and craving a London weekend? National Express coaches offer direct connections from Birmingham Coach Station at discounted student prices.

Trains are the fastest option for reaching the city centre and beyond Birmingham. The University of Birmingham has its own train station, University Station, which provides a quick and convenient 7-minute journey to Birmingham New Street Station. Birmingham New Street is the hub of the West Midlands railway network, with connections to all parts of the UK. Trains are your best bet for a swift and comfortable journey.

Birmingham is becoming increasingly cycle-friendly. You can rent a bike from a shop or use the city's bike hire scheme. Remember, Birmingham isn't Amsterdam (yet!), so cycle cautiously and watch out for birds.

Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked through apps. However, they can be a bit heavier on your wallets.

Selly Express: This is a free Selly Oak shuttle service operated by the University of Birmingham. Check the Guild's website for pick-up and drop-off points.

Top Tips!

Travel cards and passes are your best friends, especially if you plan on exploring different cities in the UK during your free time. Get a Railcard as soon as possible. It offers a third off your train ticket price every time you travel and typically pays for itself within a few trips (it's a yearly subscription).

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority. They work with bus and train operators to ensure reliable and safe public transport. TfWM offers various passes and travel plans for students, depending on your zone and travel needs. They also offer a single Swift card that works across buses, trains, and trams. Do some research to find the pass that best suits you.

If you live in the city centre and commute to the University like me, West Midlands Railway season tickets are a great option if you travel at least three or four times a week. They are cheaper per journey than daily tickets and offer unlimited travel on your route. Students can get up to 50% off their tickets with a valid University ID.