What to Do at BHX

BHX isn't huge, but the food options feel cosy, varied, and surprisingly decent.

• Caffè Nero – Landside: A cosy place for travellers looking for a coffee and a warm pastry before heading through security. It’s perfect for a star to your journey without rushing into the crowded terminal hustle.
• Gregor’s Bar – Landside: A lit bar ideal, for savouring a casual pint or a light drink before heading through security. It’s a spot to relax, decompress and tune into the airport’s tempo.
• Factory Bar & Kitchen – Airside: Bright and modern, this location provides dishes with plenty of space to relax. It’s a choice for a reliable meal, especially if you have some spare time before you leave.
• Wetherspoon – The Meriden Bar – Airside: A reliable option for pub fare at affordable prices. The service is quick, and seating is available. It’s ideal when you want familiar food and a simple meal before your flight.
• Pret A Manger – Airside: Perfect for revitalising sandwiches, wraps and quick bites. Pret is a choice when you want something nutritious and reliable, providing convenient grab-and-go options to keep your pre-flight timing seamless.
• Giraffe – Airside: This is an active yet family-friendly hub serving comfort food in a cosy setup. Also, it is suitable for the kids, social events and quick meals. B

• World Duty Free – Departures: BHX might be compact, but this spot feels packed with lots of fragrances and sweets. Fine bottles are arranged as if they’re anticipating your choice. It’s the airport walk, leisurely, enticing, somewhat risky, for your budget.VAT refunds are available landside, so yeah, easier on the bill too.
• Superdry – Departures: You notice it prior to intending to shop. Vibrant jackets. Comfy tees. Items you instantly sense are essential for the journey. It's fast, it's fashionable. Somehow you leave holding… something.
• WHSmith – Departures: This is where everyone lands for a book or for some gum. It’s straightforward, recognisable and oddly soothing when your mind is already partly switched to vacation mode.
• JD Sports – Departures: If you are looking for something athletic to make the airport stroll more comfortable, JD is the pit stop. You can step inside, select what suits you, and you’re out in no time.
• InMotion – Departures: For gadgets like Earphones, cords, and travel accessories, you can head to InMotion. Here you can find the essentials that are essential for your sudden requirement before boarding.InMotion is stylish, compact and remarkably practical when your battery decides to give up on you.

• Aspire Lounge – South Side: For the people who love soft lighting and quiet corners, this is that kind of place where your shoulders finally drop a bit. There’s a hot buffet, a bar that doesn’t judge, and plenty of space to disappear into. It costs around £34–40 per person, depending on when you walk in.
• No.1 Lounge – North Gate Area: This lounge is known for its stylish interiors and warm colours, coffee that actually wakes you. Here, the Fresh meals are served slowly and almost calmly. Runway views that make the wait feel shorter. It costs around £36 for entry. It is great to book early, as it fills up quickly.
• Emirates Lounge: This one’s a different world. Most of the premium passengers are in this lounge, so the mood is quieter and softer here. You can find warm lighting and spacious seats here. Their showers that reset your whole day. And a buffet that feels a little too good for an airport.

BHX has one main terminal, which is split into two wings, North and South. It’s compact and surprisingly walkable, but it will be mostly busy during the morning surges. Still, the renovations are ongoing, especially around security lanes and departure halls, all aimed at speeding things up.

• South Side (Check-in Halls 1 & 2): Most airlines live here: Most of the airlines at the south side are Jet2, Emirates, Lufthansa, Ryanair and Wizz Air. Here you can find bright lighting, newly polished floors, and long counters stretching across the hall. It feels organised, but lines appear suddenly during peak hours.
• North Side (Gates 1–20): North Side is domestic and short-haul mostly. It is Smaller, at the same time,e it is slightly older and easy to navigate. A free air-rail link connects the airport to Birmingham International Station in just 2 minutes. From there, the trains whisk passengers to Birmingham city centre in 10–12 mins. It feels seamless when everything works smoothly.
• South Terminal Area: In the South Terminal Area, the Jet2 dominates Check-in Zone B. Emirates counters are usually at Zone C with sleek branding. Ryanair and Wizz Air are in Zones A & D, and these get busy early in the morning.

• Multi-faith prayer rooms: You can find two prayer rooms, one before the security and one after, which cater to travellers of all faiths.
• Family-friendly play area (Sky Zone): If you are travelling withyour children, this is for you. This dedicated play area helps keep the kids entertained while you wait.
• Aircraft viewing area. There is a designated area for all the plane spotting enthusiasts and curious travellers. It offers a good vantage point to watch the aircraft movements.
• Meeting rooms & Business facilities: BHX provides access to business-friendly meeting rooms for working and business professionals.
• Transit-hotel & nearby accommodation options: If you are having a long layover or early/late flight, there are various hotels associated with the airport to make your overnight stays or rest convenient for the travellers.

• 3-hour layover (airside only): Slip into the Aspire Lounge or the No.1 Lounge, grab a warm plate, hydrate, and settle your breathing. Here, the lounges are calm and peaceful. If you are someone who likes to wander and explore new things, visit Factory Bar & Kitchen or Pret. Later, walk towards the gate to reach the duty-free zone.
• 5–6-hour layover (quick nearby loop): Take a ride from the Air-Rail link to Birmingham International Station, from here it's a short trip to the Birmingham city centre. There you can see the cafes, small relaxing spots and warm coffee hubs. Keep this simple and head back with a 90-minute buffer for security. If you prefer staying in the landside, sit down for a proper meal, take a rest and book an hour or two at the lounge to unwind.
• 8+-hour layover (half-day taste of the Midlands): This is the best chance to take a train and visit Birmingham New Street. You can also take a canal side walk near the Brindleyplace, visit the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery or take a peaceful park loop at the Eastside. Keep this light without any rush. After spending your time, return with 2 hours of padding for the security and possible queues. Later end with the fast track, lounge time and maybe a shower. Meanwhile, charge your phones, clear your emails, and you're all set to fly again.