The University of Birmingham campuses are well-connected for local and national transport links. There are a range of options for travelling around the local area, into the city centre and further afield, whether you are a commuting student or looking to explore the area.

Planning your journey

You can use the Transport for West Midlands (TFWM) journey planner to plan your journey by bus, train and tram across the West Midlands.

Plan my journey

Swift Go is a smart and contactless way to travel around the West Midlands. Make as many journeys as you like across different operators, and Swift Go will automatically cap you at a day or weekly ticket. Simply tap and go on trams and most buses.

Swift Go

Ways to travel around Birmingham

Rail

The University has its own train station - simply called University - right on the main Edgbaston campus. From here it is only two stops on the cross-city line to Birmingham New Street for the city centre and rail links to Wales, Scotland, and locations across England including direct links to London and Birmingham International Airport. Selly Oak and Five Ways stations are also nearby, and particularly handy for some of our student accommodation.

You can check train times, routes and ticket prices using the National Rail website, as well as other ticket providers. Many students decide to get a 16-25 Railcard (also available for those over 25 who are in full-time study) or a 26-30 Railcard to save money on rail travel. 

The University station can become busy at peak times - you can avoid the queues by buying your tickets or collecting pre-booked tickets at the ticket machines located in University Centre (R23 - Edgbaston Campus) and the Murray Learning Centre (R28 - Edgbaston Campus), or by using a train ticket app. You can buy your Railcards online to avoid needing to queue at the station.

University station is in the midst of a huge upgrade to increase capacity, improve station facilities, and provide better access for all passengers. As part of the works, a number of weekend closures are planned which will require that the line is closed. Find out more about the planned works.

Bus

There are a number of local bus services connecting the University to the city centre, as well as Harborne, Edgbaston, Bearwood, Northfield, Longbridge, Solihull and further afield.

A special University Hop fare is available for University of Birmingham staff and students, allowing you to travel for £1 between Selly Oak and Birmingham city centre when you show your University ID card. Find out more from National Express West Midlands, who also offer a range of student bus passes for travel across the West Midlands.

Visit National Express for more information on all timetables and ticket details. You can also download the National Express app for Android and iOS - search NXBus mTicket.

Cycles and scooters

Many students choose to cycle at the University, and we offer a range of services and benefits for cyclists. You can even hire one of our fleet of bikes for a term or academic year, which is a great way to try out cycling without a long term commitment.

Hire a bike

For even more flexibility, we have nine docking stations for West Midlands Cycle hire, and 14 parking locations for Voi's electric scooters.

West Midlands Cycle Hire

Cycle hire available 24/7 across Birmingham and the West Midlands

Voi scooters

Quick and simple electric scooter rentals

The Edgbaston Campus is well-located for links to local cycling routes such as the upcoming A38 cycle route to the city centre, as well as the popular Worcester and Birmingham Canal and the Rea Valley Route. The Canal and River Trust's Towpath Code encourages everyone who uses canal towpaths to be considerate - check their Share the Space campaign for more information.

Walking

Walking remains the most popular option for students getting around on a daily basis - many students choose to live within walking distance of the campus, and the Vale Village, Pritchatts Park, and Selly Oak Village are all within easy reach of the main Edgbaston campus. A dedicated footpath links the Vale Village and campus, providing an easy route away from traffic. The local shopping areas of Selly Oak and Harborne are easily accessible, offering a variety of shops, banks, pharmacies and other services.

Driving and parking

When considering travel options travelling by car will be necessary for some students in some situations.

You may be eligible for a student parking permit, otherwise parking on campus is available on a pay and display basis. Parking at student accommodation is very limited and requires a permit from the accommodation reception.

Campus maps and directions

Visit our campus maps and directions pages to find out more about where the different campuses are located, including information on disability access. The MyUoB app includes an in-built campus map, to help you navigate and find your way around.

Download MyUoB

Sustainable travel