This heavily populated central area of England retains an impressive transport infrastructure from its industrial past. Birmingham is the second hub for the UK's rail, coach and motorway networks. It has three mainline rail stations; Intercity trains from London Marylebone and Euston arrive at New Street Station and rail links radiate out to most of the UK.
Birmingham International Airport has regular flights to all of Europe, the USA and Dubai. Travellers to the area can also choose between the East Midlands and Manchester Airports for domestic and international flights. The London airports are within 2 hours drive.
The major UK motorways - M6, M1, M40 and M42 all cross the area making the towns and cities of Stoke, Burton upon Trent, Stafford, Wolverhampton and the important National Exhibition Centre (NEC) easy to drive to from any port or airport. Birmingham International train station and airport are both within walking distance of The National Exhibition Centre.
Ferries from Europe arrive at the easily accessible ports at Harwich, Felixstowe and Hull.
National Express coaches arrive and depart from the station in Digbeth, with services to most of Britain.
Bus travel is an easy way to get around Birmingham, the Bullring bus station being the main depot.
Improvements to public transport in the Midlands are ongoing - a Metro line to Wolverhampton has opened and a mono-rail, new coach station and pedestrian-friendly city centre squares and streets are being developed.
Birmingham is also at the hub of the British waterways system. Canals to explore include the Trent and Mersey, Grand Union and Coventry.
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