Parking in Birmingham

Pound

I parked in one of the NCP car parks in the city centre. I was quite shocked to be charged £8.50 for 3 hours parking. Going on the train is about £15 for a return.

I was looking for cheaper alternatives to getting into Birmingham.

They seem to have free parking covered. Anything within walking distance of the city centre is either double yellow lines, private parking or more dreaded pay and display.

I was thinking of parking a bit further away from the centre and either going the rest of the journey on bike or bus.

Firstly, is it feasible to cycle into the centre of Birmingham without being crushed by the heavy traffic? Is there places to lock a bike up and is it safe?

How much would it be to get a return bus from a nearby town, say Ladywood?

spacenase

There are also a number of local train stations in and around Birmingham, so you could look at parking up at one of those and catching a train into the centre.

anewman

Although parking at train stations can be pricey too. I think the record is £10 a day at Wakefield Westgate.

Pound

I was thinking of just parking on a residential street somewhere

evesham1988la

All car parking at train stations in the Birmingham area are Free - with the exception of New St, Moor St and Snow Hill.

BillScarab

Cycling would be no problem if you use one of the canal tow paths. Obviously it depends if there is a convenient one for your journey but Birmingham does have a lot of Canals so you may be OK.

Pound

I want to go into the city centre. I also have a road bike which isn't suited for canal tow paths.

blue_haddock

I used to work on Icknield Port road and could walk to Broad street in about 15 minutes. When i visit now i usually park around that area on the side streets and walk into town. Never had a problem doing it.

Pound

Funnily enough I was thinking of parking on that very road or Freeth St. which runs off it. Only because I used to park there when I went to the nearby auction house.

blue_haddock

I don't think you can actually park on icknield port road itself but the side streets like you suggest are fine whereas the roads just off ladywood middleway are resident only parking.

millie

You can buy a daysaver ticket on any West Midlands Travel bus for £3 with this you can travel on any WM bus all day until the last bus which is usually about 23.30.