Manchester to Birmingham Airport: a guide to the drive

Birmingham Airport is not the first airport most people in Manchester think of, but we take customers there regularly. Sometimes it is a flight that Manchester doesn't offer. Sometimes it is a better price or a better time. And for people in south Cheshire, it can be a sensible choice. Here is what the journey involves.

Where is it?

Birmingham Airport is on the east side of Birmingham, near the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and Birmingham International railway station. From Manchester city centre it is roughly 85 to 90 miles by road.

The route

The usual route is the M6 south. From most of our area, the driver joins the M6 near Knutsford or Warrington, using the M56 or M60, and heads down through Staffordshire towards Birmingham.

Near Birmingham there is a choice between staying on the M6 or using the M6 Toll, a privately run road that bypasses some of the busiest stretches around the West Midlands. The toll road is often quicker, especially at busy times, but you pay to use it. If the toll road is the better route, we'll tell you before you book if any parking, drop-off or toll charges apply.

From the end of the M6 Toll or the M6, the driver takes the M42 to the airport. The NEC is right next door, so if there is a big show on, traffic near the airport can be heavy.

How long does it take?

In normal traffic, plan for around an hour and three quarters to two hours from Manchester city centre. From south Manchester, Stockport, Wilmslow or Knutsford it can be a bit less, because you are already partly on the way.

The M6 is one of the busiest motorways in the country, and it often has roadworks and incidents. A run that takes an hour and a half at 4am can take well over two hours on a Friday afternoon. When we suggest a pickup time, we allow for the time of day and any known closures.

Rough times from different areas

• Crewe, Congleton and Macclesfield: often around an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half.
• Wilmslow, Knutsford and Altrincham: usually around an hour and a half.
• Manchester city centre, Salford and Stockport: around an hour and three quarters to two hours.
• Bolton, Bury, Oldham and Rochdale: plan for two hours or a little more.

Why fly from Birmingham?

For most of our customers, Manchester is closer and has more flights. People choose Birmingham when:

• the route or airline they want only flies from there
• the fare is lower
• the flight time is easier
• they live in south Cheshire or Staffordshire, where Birmingham is not much further
• they are combining a flight with a stay or event at the NEC

It is always worth comparing the full cost. A cheaper flight from Birmingham might not save money once you add a longer transfer, but sometimes it does, and sometimes the time saved is worth it.

Breaks on the way

On a drive this long, some passengers like a short stop. There are motorway services on the M6, and if you would like a comfort break, just ask the driver. If you are travelling with young children, it is worth mentioning when you book so we plan a little extra time.

At the airport

Birmingham has one passenger terminal. Follow your airline's advice on how early to arrive, and remember that bag drop usually closes well before the flight. Like other UK airports, Birmingham charges cars for using the drop-off zone. We'll tell you before you book if any parking, drop-off or toll charges apply.

Coming home from Birmingham

Add your return flight number to your booking. We follow the flight so that the driver is there when you land, not when you were scheduled to land. You can choose a standard pick-up or meet & greet for £5, where the driver waits in the arrivals hall with a name board.

A two-hour drive after a long flight is not something many people want to do themselves. With a transfer, you can sleep most of the way home.

Which car?

For longer journeys, comfort matters more. Some customers choose our executive cars, such as a Mercedes E-Class or S-Class, or the V-Class people carrier for a small group. Families usually go for an estate or a people carrier. For groups, our 8 seater and 16 seater buses take everyone and their bags in one vehicle. Child and booster seats are free.

Booking ahead

Online bookings need at least eight hours' notice, but for a long airport run we recommend booking as soon as you have your flights. That gives us time to plan and makes sure the vehicle you want is free.

If you are also visiting the NEC

Because the NEC is next to the airport, some customers combine a trade show or concert with a flight. We can drop you at the NEC, wait by the hour, or come back for you later and take you to the airport or home. Choose hourly hire in the booking form if you want the car to stay with you.

What if your flight is delayed?

On the way out, if your flight is delayed before you leave home, let us know and we can move the pickup. On the way back, we follow the flight number, so the driver will adjust to the new landing time. If you are stuck in passport control or waiting a long time for bags, send the driver a message so they know you are on your way.

Travelling as a group

If you are a group going to Birmingham together, one vehicle is usually easier than several cars. Our 8 seater and 16 seater buses take everyone with luggage. Tell us the number of passengers and cases and the booking form will only show vehicles that fit.

Book your Birmingham transfer

Enter your pickup address and choose Birmingham Airport. You will see a fixed price straight away, and we'll tell you before you book if any parking, drop-off or toll charges apply. Payment is by card, either online or to the driver. Book your Birmingham Airport transfer, or call us on 0161 660 4006.