Getting There
Again we have attempted to put together information on getting to The National Model Railway Exhibition to be held in Hall 5, whether you come by car, train, plane, bus or coach.
Read on for hints and tips
Location of the NEC
The NEC is located south of Birmingham adjacent to M42 J6, Birmingham International Railway Station and Birmingham Airport. There are direct pedestrian links between the Airport, Railway Station and NEC. Click for more information on the NEC
Road Access
It should be noted that the motorway network around Birmingham can be congested and motorists are advised to allow adequate time for your journey as well as looking at alternatives to avoid M42 J6.
Satnav’s should be programmed to B40 1NT and once onsite follow signposted directions to the car park. We have no control over which car park will be in use when you arrive. .
Car Parking will be £12.85 in advance (T&C apply) – this is a charge implemented by The NEC. We have no control over this and do not accrue any financial benefit. Our recommendation would be to take advantage of the in-advance option, but read on through the alternatives.
Before catching the courtesy bus service to the hall it is important to take note of which car park you are in and most importantly whereabouts in that car park.
Alternatives
By Car you may also want to consider other parking options:
Parking for FREE is available at a number of local railway stations. All have reasonably regular local services and return fares to Birmingham International from as little as £2.50 return for one person. Some stations do not serve Birmingham New St and require a short walk from Birmingham Moor St to Birmingham New St. The show is a 5 minute walk, undercover, from Birmingham International Railway Station.
Birmingham International Railway Station B40 1PA has parking currently charged at £9.00 per day at the weekend. It has an under cover walkway link to the NEC
By Train
The NEC is situated adjacent to Birmingham International Railway Station.
If you have a concessionary travel bus pass issued by West Midlands Combines Authority then remember you may use it on rail services within the West Midlands area.
Birmingham International is served by a number of rail companies with local services provided by West Midlands Trains/London Northwestern.
For most services that do not call at Birmingham International, passengers will need to change trains at Birmingham New St. If using Chiltern Railways change at Leamington Spa and catch a Cross Country service to Birmingham International.
For further information on travelling by train to Birmingham International Station, visit the National Rail website
By Plane
Birmingham International Airport (BHX) is connected to Birmingham International Railway Station by a free to use Air-Rail Link that runs every few minutes.
The Air-Rail Link is a free, speedy and convenient way to travel between the Airport Passenger Terminals and Birmingham International Station and The NEC. Using a cable drawn system the Air-Rail Link has two trains, each with a maximum capacity of 27 passengers.
By Bus
Birmingham International Railway Station is served by a number of local bus services from Birmingham, Coventry & Solihull
By Coach
Most coach services to Birmingham use Digbeth Coach Station. Some services also call at Birmingham International Airport (BHX), from where the Air-Rail link takes you to Birmingham International Railway Station for The NEC.
