Getting to Utilita Arena Birmingham by train, tram and bus

Utilita Arena Birmingham, the former National Indoor Arena (NIA), stands on King Edwards Road on the western edge of the city centre, beside the canal and just across the water from Brindleyplace. It has no railway station of its own, but four stations, two tram stops and plenty of buses are within walking distance. On a show night, public transport is usually simpler than driving: parking is limited and the arena sits inside Birmingham's Clean Air Zone.

By train: New Street, Snow Hill, Moor Street or Five Ways

The arena and Transport for West Midlands both list four stations "a short walk" from the venue:

• Birmingham New Street: the main station, served by long-distance and regional trains. Most visitors arrive here and walk west through the city centre.
• Birmingham Snow Hill and Birmingham Moor Street: useful if your train runs into one of them rather than New Street.
• Five Ways: on the Cross-City line, on the other side of Brindleyplace.

The walk from New Street generally takes around 10 to 20 minutes depending on your pace and the crowds; Visit Birmingham puts Brindleyplace, right next to the arena, about ten minutes on foot from New Street. Taxis wait at each of these stations if you would rather not walk.

If you are flying in, Birmingham Airport is next to Birmingham International station, which has frequent trains to New Street.

By tram: West Midlands Metro

The nearest Metro stops are Brindleyplace and Library, both a short walk from the arena according to Transport for West Midlands. The tram links the city centre with Wolverhampton, West Bromwich and Edgbaston, and is handy if you are coming from the Black Country. Frequencies drop in the evening: check the last tram on the West Midlands Metro website before the show.

By bus and coach

Buses run frequently past and around the arena. Transport for West Midlands mentions route 126 at a stop close to the venue, and many other city-centre routes stop within a few minutes' walk, on Broad Street and around the city centre. Routes change from time to time, so plan your journey with the Network West Midlands journey planner.

Arriving by coach, you will reach Digbeth Coach Station. The arena says the walk from there takes around 30 minutes and suggests a taxi instead.

By bike

Transport for West Midlands points to cycle racks nearby, for example at Brindleyplace, and to West Midlands Cycle Hire docks in the city centre, a short walk from the arena.

Getting home after the show

Plan your return before you leave home: check the times of your last train with National Rail or your train company, and of the last tram or bus with Transport for West Midlands. New Street is the station with the most late departures. If you are taking a taxi, the arena asks you to pre-book and use its designated pick-up and drop-off points rather than stopping in the street. Walking a few minutes away from the crowds usually makes pick-ups easier.

Step-free access

The arena's accessibility page describes the boardwalk to Entrance E as the most direct, level route into the building. Visitors being dropped off by car or taxi can be set down at the bottom of the main steps on King Edwards Road and follow the boardwalk to Entrance E. For step-free travel by train or tram, check lift availability at your stations with National Rail and West Midlands Metro before travelling. If you are driving, read our guide to parking at Utilita Arena Birmingham, which lists the Blue Badge bays.

For the rest of your evening, see where to eat near the arena and the best seats at Utilita Arena Birmingham. Been to a show there? Write a review.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nearest train station to Utilita Arena Birmingham?

Birmingham New Street, Moor Street, Snow Hill and Five Ways are all within walking distance. Most visitors use New Street, around 10 to 20 minutes away on foot.

Can I get the tram to Utilita Arena Birmingham?

Yes. The nearest West Midlands Metro stops are Brindleyplace and Library, both a short walk from the arena.

How do I get home after a concert at Utilita Arena Birmingham?

Check your last train, tram or bus before the show. If you need a taxi, pre-book it and use the arena's designated pick-up points.

Is there step-free access to Utilita Arena Birmingham?

Yes. The arena describes the boardwalk to Entrance E as the most direct level route, and drop-offs can be made at the bottom of the main steps on King Edwards Road.