Planning to visit Birmingham on your next trip? And planning to do it on a budget?
Don’t worry. We got you covered.
Birmingham is considered an inexpensive trip compared to London, as the average budget to travel in Birmingham is £45 to £60 a day.
With proper planning, you can cut unnecessary expenses and still explore all the amazing experiences the city has to offer.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into this detailed guide on how to visit Birmingham on a budget.
How To Visit Birmingham On a Budget?
When you arrive at Birmingham Airport, you can take the free Air-Rail Link to the city. This light-rail service runs from 5 a.m. and 2 a.m., connecting to Birmingham International Railway Station.
If you arrive late at night, between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. when the Air-Rail Link isn’t operating, the Line X1 bus is your most budget-friendly option. It runs from 1 a.m. to 12:05 a.m. and costs just £2.40 for a one-way trip.
If you are travelling via train from London, you can choose from multiple budget-friendly services like Chiltern Railways from Marylebone Station or London Midland from Euston Station. Virgin Trains also runs routes from Euston to Birmingham.
Another cost-effective option, though slower and less comfortable, is the National Express coach. The journey takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes, with one-way tickets priced between £1.50 and £6.60, depending on the time of travel.
Use Birmingham’s Budget Transport
Transportation can be one of the biggest travel expenses. Luckily, Birmingham has a solid public transport network that you can use to explore the city without breaking the bank.
Network West Midlands manages Birmingham’s public transportation, offering a range of discounted tickets and travel passes. The Network Daytripper ticket provides unlimited travel by bus, tram, and train for one day after 9:30 a.m., costing £6.60. Alternatively, the n-Network One Day Card covers unlimited travel across the entire region for £8.50 for a single day.
If you want to use buses, unlimited bus travel for a day costs just £4.60.
Important thing to note is that these passes are not valid for 24 hours, and expire at the end of the service day. Weekly passes are also available for extended stays, and tickets can be purchased on buses or at train stations.
Discounts are available for off-peak travel, children under 16, students, and families. If you’re traveling after 6:30 p.m., a return bus ticket costs just £2.50. Single rides on Birmingham’s public transport are around £2.40, while a short trip within the city center can be made with a City Hop ticket for £1.50.
Another important thing to remember is that buses don’t give change, so ensure to have the exact fare amount ready.
Enjoy Birmingham’s Affordable Food
Even if you are on a budget, you can’t miss the delicious food that Birmigham has to offer. However, there are many alluring restaurants that can strain your wallet.
In order to stay within your budget, you can opt for fast food, small local eateries, or restaurants outside the main tourist areas.
Still, if you want to experience quality dine-in options, here’s a list to consider:
- Grand Central Kitchen Birmingham: They serve European and British dishes with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
- Wrapchic: It is a mix of Mexican, Indian, and Asian fast food and also offers vegan and vegetarian dishes.
- Deep Blue Fish & Chips: The place is pitch-perfect for a classic British fish and chips meal at a reasonable price.
- Other budget-friendly spots include Hen and Chickens PH, Ristorante Caffe Gustami, Indian Brewery Snowhill, Wok Chi Oriental Kitchen, and Not Dogs.
Birmingham’s Budget Accommodation
Birmingham offers plenty of affordable accommodation options near its main attractions. Hostels are a fantastic budget-friendly choice, with dorm beds starting at £10+ and twin rooms at £35+.
Apart from those, you can also opt for homestays in Birmingham, which are commonly available for £18 – £30 per night. These options offer comfort and convenience without stretching your budget, but are best suited for short-term stays.
If you have a long term stay in mind and also want a home like stay away from home, you must consider quality serviced apartments available at Pluxa Stays.
Choose Pluxa Stays For Affordable Stays In Birmingham
At Pluxa Stays, we make your stay in Birmingham affordable without compromising on quality. Each of our listed serviced apartments is hand-picked by our team of professionals to meet your requirements and budgets.
Each apartment comes with essential amenities and is located in safe, accessible areas of Birmingham. You’ll get to enjoy fully stocked kitchens, high-speed Wi-Fi, and TVs in every unit for a convenient and comfortable stay.
Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have the best experience during your visit. You can contact our support team with any doubts or issues before or during your stays. Not just that, we can also assist you in how you can make the most of your time in Birmingham.
So, don’t overthink it.
Get in touch with our team and share your requirements. We’ll handpick the best serviced apartments for your stay in Birmingham to meet your needs effortlessly with finesse.
FAQs
Can you visit Birmingham in a Week?
Yes, a week is enough to visit Birmingham. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the city’s main attractions, enjoy local food, and take day trips to nearby areas. Within a week, you can also visit popular landmarks like the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, and the Jewellery Quarter.
