Is Birmingham walkable?

Yes, the city center is pedestrian-friendly.

How far is the airport?

Birmingham Airport is 15 minutes from the city center by train.

Are there direct flights?

Yes, Ryanair operates direct flights from Belfast International.

What is the best train station?

Birmingham New Street is the primary station for intercity travel.

Is the ferry reliable?

Yes, but check weather conditions before travel.

Newtownabbey

Birmingham

Train Flight

Newtownabbey to Birmingham

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Newtownabbey to Birmingham involves crossing the Irish Sea. The most practical route is a flight from Belfast International to Birmingham Airport. Alternatively, you can take the ferry to Liverpool or Birkenhead and continue by train. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour, while the sea route takes significantly longer. Birmingham is a major rail hub, making it easy to reach from any UK port.

Total Distance: 350 km driving distance, 320 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Direct flight from Belfast International to Birmingham Airport.

Cheapest Way

Ferry and train, provided you book the rail portion well in advance.

Compare Newtownabbey to Birmingham Routes

	Train Connecting	Flight Direct
Duration	9 hours	1 hour 5 mins
Avg Price	60-140 GBP	50-150 GBP
Operator	Avanti West Coast	Ryanair
Route	Ferry to Liverpool, then train to Birmingham New Street.	Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Birmingham Airport (BHX).
Tip	Book train tickets in advance via the Trainline app for better rates.	Birmingham Airport is connected to the city center by the Air-Rail link.

Travel Tips

Transport
Use the Swift card for discounted travel on local buses and trams.
Navigation
Birmingham New Street is the main station for all national rail connections.
Booking
Always book train tickets as 'Advance' to save money.
Walking
The city center is compact and very walkable.
Events
Check the NEC Birmingham schedule for major exhibitions and concerts.