Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport: where to stay, areas…

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

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

Recommended hotels in this area

Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport by IHG: the only hotel linked by a free shuttle and just 3 minutes by car from the terminals

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Downtown and BJCC

City centre · 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

Recommended hotels in this area

Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection: in the heart of the historic downtown, convenient for exploring Birmingham on foot
The Westin Birmingham: directly connected to the BJCC, convenient for anyone in town for a conference

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Five Points South and UAB

Neighbourhood · 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

Recommended hotels in this area

Residence Inn by Marriott Birmingham Downtown at UAB: rooms with kitchen a short walk from the UAB campus, useful for longer stays
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Birmingham: a recent property between Five Points South and UAB, convenient for business travelers

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