Driving in Birmingham

As the UK's second-largest city, Birmingham is a driver's dream. With excellent motorway access making journeys a breeze, and a solid selection of safe parking - you don’t have to worry about navigating round this bustling city.

Check out our handy guide below for tips on how to make visiting Birmingham by car as easy as possible From navigating key roads to understanding local driving laws we've got you covered for a stress-free driving experience in the city.

The roads

There are several key roads that help keep traffic moving in, out, and around this fantastic city. From major motorways connecting Birmingham to other regions, to essential city centre routes, understanding these roads will ensure smooth travel. Whether you're commuting, visiting, or exploring, knowing the main roads can significantly enhance your driving experience in Birmingham.

The motorways

No matter where you're starting your journey, Birmingham is easily accessible due to its excellent connections to multiple motorways. The M6 is one of the major motorways in England, connecting the Midlands with the North of the country, as well as being used by those entering and leaving the North of the city.

The M5 connects Birmingham to the southwest of England, offering routes to cities like Bristol and Worcester. And the M42 serves as a partial ring road around the city, with connections to the M6, M5, and M40.

City Centre roads

The A4540, known as the 'Middleway,' is a ring road that encompasses the city centre, offering numerous entry and exit points through its A road intersections. There’s also the Aston Expressway, a 7-lane motorway that leads traffic straight into the city centre, converging off of the M6 to the north.

Spaghetti Junction

As the UK’s first free flowing interchange without roundabouts or traffic lights, a clear marvel of engineering, it’s surprisingly easy to navigate. Officially known as Gravelly Hill Interchange, ‘Spaghetti Junction’ serves as junction 6 on the M6 where it meets the Aston Expressway.

Parking in Birmingham

With over 3,000 car parking spaces in the centre of Birmingham, drivers are spoilt for choice when finding somewhere to leave their vehicles while they explore the city. From multi-story car parks to convenient street parking, there are plenty of options to suit every need. Whether you're here for shopping, dining, or sightseeing, you'll find safe and accessible parking to make your visit hassle-free.

Bullring

Located right in the middle of the action, with access onto Smallbrook Queensway and Park Street, the Bullring is the perfect place to leave your car for a full day of shopping and exploring the city. Hourly rates start at £3.50, and daily at £8.50.

Millennium Point

This multi-story has nearly 1,000 spaces, with prices starting from £3.30 an hour. It’s a great location in the east of the city, with easy access to Birmingham City University, the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, and the Digbeth Branch Canal.

Jewellery Quarter

Located in the heart of the nation’s jewellery making scene in the west of the city. It also has 12 electric parking bays, perfect for those that need to recharge before the journey home.

Local driving laws and regulations

Like most cities across the UK, Birmingham has a few specific, local driving laws and regulations to bear in mind when you’re visiting by car. It's essential to familiarise yourself with these rules to ensure a smooth and compliant driving experience in the city.

Birmingham clean air zone

Birmingham’s CAZ operates in the city centre within the A4540 Middleway, but not the Middleway itself. It is in force 24/7, 365 days a year. The charge starts from £8 a day, and can be paid up to 6 days after your visit. Not all cars have to pay the charge, so it’s worth checking your reg here.

Speed limits

Birmingham has made a move to ensure roads are safer for everyone by creating several 20 mph zones on their residential streets and local centres. These areas include Central Birmingham, Central east Birmingham, Central south Birmingham, and Central south-west Birmingham. Just something to be wary of if you visit any of these areas.

Points of interest

There is loads to do once you’re in the city. Spend an afternoon at Brindleyplace, getting a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or cafes overlooking the canals. Or you could visit Birmingham’s uniquely baroque styled cathedral.

There are also plenty of vibrant neighbourhoods worth exploring, like the glitzy Jewellery Quarter, Edgbaston with its cricket ground home of the T20 team, the Birmingham Bears, and bohemian Digbeth with its stunning street art.

Escape the city

No matter how good the hustle and bustle of the city can be, there’s always those days that you want to escape to the country. Birmingham's prime location offers easy access to the surrounding countryside, with excellent road links making it a breeze to get there.

Head off on either the A34 or the A38, and in just 30 minutes you can be strolling around the 2,400 acres of Sutton Park, filled with picturesque lakes and woodland walks - there are plenty of options available to help every driver make the most of this fantastic city.

Ensure your car is road trip ready

With centres across the UK, you’re never too far from a Kwik Fit centre - and can simply locate your nearest centre here.

Whether you’re making a cross-country journey or just coasting through the city centre, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is always working its best. From regular services to replacing a tyre, the experts at your local Kwik Fit are always ready to help. Why not get in touch today?