Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport BHM

United States

The single terminal handles domestic connections to major cities in the south-east of the United States.

Gateway to Birmingham, the most populous city in Alabama, with an important role in the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: www.flybirmingham.com

How to get to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Birmingham city center is some kilometers from the airport: transfer via MAX On-Demand takes approximately 15-20 minutes, bookable upon request.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach downtown Birmingham in approximately 10-15 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

There is no railway station at the airport: Birmingham does not have an urban railway network.

By Bus

MAX On-Demand, a call-based public transport service (not a fixed scheduled route), connects the airport to Central Station downtown; fare $1.50 USD per person ($0.75 USD per each additional passenger), bookable via the dedicated app.
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Tips MAX On-Demand requires booking through an app, as it is not a fixed-schedule service: download the app before you arrive to arrange your transfer in advance.

Average travel time to BHM

TrainNot available (Birmingham has no urban rail)
Shuttle bus15-20 minutes (1.50 USD, MAX On-Demand, app booking)
Taxi / Private hire10-15 minutes (15-25 USD)

Parking near Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

The Economy Lot with complimentary shuttle is the most cost-effective option at $10/day; Daily parking costs up to $17/day; Hourly parking costs $2/hour with a $26/day cap; valet parking is $28/day.

How to get to Birmingham from BHM

By Train

The airport does not have its own railway station.

By Bus

MAX On-Demand connects the airport to downtown's Central Station via app booking; fare $1.50 per person.

By Taxi

A taxi or Uber/Lyft costs approximately $18-35 to downtown, with travel time 10-15 minutes (tip 15-20% additional); traditional taxis charge metered rates (approximately $2.56/mile).

Need an airport transfer?

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Car rental at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Every major car rental company has a desk inside the terminal.

With a license in Latin characters, for a short period a driver's license, passport, and credit card are sufficient without needing an IDP.

 

Hotels near Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Birmingham's airport sits about 8 km from downtown, a 10-15 minute drive away, and has no rail link at all: only taxis, rideshare and a few hotels' free shuttles. For a dawn flight or an overnight layover, staying a stone's throw from the terminal avoids the gamble of traffic on I-20. Anyone arriving for work at UAB, for an event at the BJCC, or wanting to explore Birmingham without moving every day is better off choosing downtown, which still leaves the airport a mere quarter of an hour away.
Airport area

Airport area

free shuttle on request from the terminal (about 5 minutes), 3 minutes by car

Best for: anyone with a very early flight or landing late at night who doesn't want to travel further

Pros
  • direct free shuttle from the terminal
  • a few minutes' drive from early check-ins
Cons
  • industrial area, nothing to do on foot in the evening
  • takeoff noise noticeable in rooms facing the runway
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Downtown and BJCC

about 15 minutes from the terminal by car or rideshare, no rail link

Best for: anyone attending an event at the BJCC or wanting to visit downtown museums and venues

Pros
  • walking distance to restaurants, museums and the BJCC
  • the widest choice of evening venues
Cons
  • parking is almost always paid
  • farther from the terminal than the airport area
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Five Points South and UAB

about 15-20 minutes from the terminal by car or rideshare

Best for: anyone with appointments at UAB or looking for a lively neighborhood with venues and restaurants

Pros
  • walkable neighborhood with restaurants and evening venues
  • a short walk from the UAB university campus
Cons
  • farther from the terminal
  • limited street parking in the evening hours
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport serves Birmingham, Alabama's most populous city, with domestic connections.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features typical Southern products and luxury items.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport offers a good number of lounges for business clients.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal; customers with a major U.S. cellular provider will have no signal problems.

Families & Children

Play areas for young children have been created in each terminal, along with family assistance services.

Terminal guide

The terminal, sole, is dedicated to domestic flights.

Passengers departing on flights should arrive with 2-2.5 hours lead time.

Map of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Map of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is MAX On-Demand in Birmingham?

An on-demand public transport service, not a fixed-schedule line: booked via app for the connection between the airport and downtown.

Q. How much does MAX On-Demand cost?

1.50 USD per person, with 0.75 USD for each additional passenger on the same ride.

Q. Is Birmingham Airport close to civil rights sites?

Yes, the city played a crucial role in the civil rights movement, with several historic sites downtown open to visitors.

Q. Is there a train at Birmingham Airport?

No, Birmingham does not have an urban rail network.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

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