Cheapest Way To Get To London From Birmingham Airport
Not every class of travelers is able to afford the luxury transport system from Birmingham Airport to London, over the cause of traveling in from Birmingham Airport, i’ve used different transport systems, was on a mission to get to London without blowing my budget.
With so many transport options and price ranges, I knew I had to dig deeper to find the absolute cheapest yet reliable way, alongside my Pocket WiFi this shared experience is for anyone and everyone from tourist or just trying to save some pounds, here’s a shared experience that is based on what I personally discovered, and used while navigating the journey from Birmingham Airport to the heart of London.
Before diving into the options, here’s what I quickly learned, Birmingham Airport is about 120 miles (193 km) from London, and depending on your route, travel time can range from just under 2 hours to over 4. The cost? That can swing wildly too, from as low as £10 if you’re lucky, to £40+ if you’re not prepared.
What really matters is when and how you book, rush hours usually cost more, while early bookings and off peak trips save a ton. I also didn’t realize how connected Birmingham Airport is to everything, there’s a free Air-Rail Link to Birmingham International Station, and from there, your budget friendly adventure can truly begin.
Public Transport Options From Birmingham Airport To London
1. National Express Coach
One of the first options I tried was the National Express Coach, and honestly, it was a solid budget pick, i caught it right outside Birmingham Airport and headed straight to London Victoria Coach Station. The ride took about 3 hours and 30 minutes, but the best part? I paid just under £15 because I booked early using their app.
With my Pocket WiFi device, I stayed online the whole trip, watching Netflix, checking in on a few work task, and checking Google Maps for the best route once I got to London. The coach was clean, had power outlets, and enough luggage space, which I appreciated after a long flight.
2. Megabus
Megabus was even cheaper for me, I once scored a seat for just £10, the only catch is, it doesn’t pick up directly from the airport, i had to take a quick train or local bus into Birmingham city center to catch it, but honestly, the extra step was worth it.
Again, with my WiFi device fired up, i didn’t mind the wait or the slightly longer route, i kept myself busy by streaming music and stayed connected throughout. Megabus isn’t the most luxurious ride, but if you’re really watching your budget like I was, it does the job. Just make sure to book early, they sell out fast.
3. Train Services [With Bus Or Tram Connections]
If you’re after speed and don’t mind spending a bit more, trains are a great option, i used the Air-Rail Link, a free shuttle from the airport, to get to Birmingham International Station, then hopped on a train to London Euston.
I booked my ticket a few days ahead and paid around £18, using a split-ticketing app to save more, the whole trip took about 2 hours, super quick. Having my Pocket WiFi on me meant I didn’t have to rely on patchy onboard connections, and I used the time to research things to do in London.
4. BlaBlaCar
One option I almost overlooked was BlaBlaCar, and I’m glad I gave it a shot, it’s basically carpooling with people already driving to London. I found a ride on the app for £12, and the pickup was just a short local train ride from the airport.
The driver was friendly, we had a good chat, and I got to London in about 2.5 hours, it felt more personal than a coach or train. With my Pocket WiFi device, I was still able to check emails, look up directions, and even video call my folks during the ride, no stress about finding signal or asking to tether.
It’s not the most predictable option, and it depends on who’s offering rides that day, but if you’re flexible and want a mix of budget and comfort, BlaBlaCar is worth checking out.
Budget Air Travel From Birmingham Airport To London
I’ll be honest, i looked into flying from Birmingham to London at first, thinking it might be faster, but after doing the math and checking schedules, it just didn’t make sense. Flights between the two cities are rare, expensive, and by the time you factor in airport security, check-ins, and travel into central London from Heathrow or Gatwick, it’s slower and more costly than a coach or train.
Even with my Pocket WiFi device ready to go, it felt like more stress than it was worth. Ground transport is definitely the smarter move for this trip, both in terms of budget and time.
| Transport Option | Avg. Cost | Duration | Booking Tips | Luggage | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Megabus | £5–£12 | 3–4 hrs | Early booking | Medium | Basic |
| National Express | £8–£15 | 3–4 hrs | Discount codes | Large | Good |
| Train | £15–£35 | 2–2.5 hrs | Split tickets | Large | High |
| BlaBlaCar | £10–£20 | 2–3 hrs | Negotiate fare | Depends | Medium |
How To Save Money On The Journey
Saving money on this trip from Birmingham Airport to London became a bit of a game for me, and i found a few tricks that worked. First, I booked everything in advance, especially the coach and train tickets, the earlier I booked, the cheaper it got, sometimes by more than half.
I also traveled during off rush hours, usually mid morning or early afternoon, prices were noticeably lower, and the coaches and trains were less crowded, for the train, I used a split ticketing app that helped me pay around £18 instead of £35, which felt like a big win.
Thanks to my Pocket WiFi device, i could compare prices and book on the go without worrying about bad public WiFi, i also used discount codes I found online for National Express and Megabus, every pound saved counted toward a better lunch in London.
Safety Measures While Traveling From Birmingham Airport To London
Even while traveling on a budget, i never wanted to compromise on safety or comfort, especially since I was traveling solo, i always checked reviews before booking a BlaBlaCar ride, and I only booked verified drivers with multiple positive ratings. It made me feel more at ease.
For buses and trains, I tried to sit near other travelers, especially when riding in the evenings, i also made sure to keep my bags close, especially at coach stations.
My Portable WiFi Box was a lifesaver here too, it kept me connected to Google Maps, emergency contacts, and allowed me to track my location live, just in case, having access to the internet gave me peace of mind, and I could always look up alternate routes if something changed last minute.
Conclusion
Traveling from Birmingham Airport to London on a budget turned out to be smoother than I expected, in all the options that i took, from the Megabus, National Express, or the train, i always found a way to cut costs just by planning ahead.
Using my Portable WiFi device made a huge difference, it helped me book last minute tickets, stay in touch, and navigate unfamiliar areas without stress, if you’re looking to save money without sacrificing comfort or convenience, trust me, this route can be both easy and affordable