Trains to NEC Birmingham
The NEC Birmingham is the UK’s largest event space and home to some of the nation’s favourite shows and exhibitions throughout the year. Whether they’re annual favourites or brilliant one-off events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this vast exhibition space. Join CrossCountry as we let you know the best ways to enjoy a visit to NEC Birmingham.
How to get to NEC Birmingham by train
The nearest train station to NEC Birmingham is Birmingham International. CrossCountry runs trains to this station from various locations across the UK, including Southampton Central, Coventry, Oxford, Manchester Piccadilly, and Birmingham New Street.
Where to stay near NEC Birmingham
The combination of the NEC’s popularity and its vicinity to Birmingham International Airport means there are dozens of places to stay for your visit. For example, there are stopgap favourites that offer budget-friendly rooms and a comfortable night’s sleep, such as Ibis, Novotel, and Hilton. There’s also Moxy Birmingham NEC, which is three minutes walking distance to the venue and close to Resorts World, where you can enjoy food at great restaurants and shop at your favourite high street stores.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Popular NEC Birmingham events
The NEC Birmingham hosts some of the best annual events in the UK. Here are just a few of the most exciting annual NEC shows taking place that have defined the venue’s popularity over the years:
Good Food Show
Foodies will be pleased to know there are plenty of events catering to hungry appetites. Each year, the NEC hosts both a Summer and Winter Good Food Show, where you can enjoy cookery demos, debut recipes from world-famous chefs, expert kitchen tips and tricks, and, of course, plenty of delicious food to sample and shop for.
Grand Designs Live
If you appreciate showstopping architecture, Grand Designs Live takes place every October at the NEC Birmingham. Visitors can expect a day filled with home inspiration, sustainable and technological innovations in architecture, and ideas for their gardens too. Spanning three to four days, the event features live talks with industry experts, covering everything from property development advice to the work of housing and homelessness charities.
Comic-Con
Comic-Con, the mecca for cosplayers worldwide, returns to the NEC each summer for a day of sports, Comic-Con is a great opportunity to meet like-minded fans and celebrate your interests. The experience includes gaming areas, unique traders, talented artists, and plenty of photo opportunities with sets and props.
Crufts
Everyone’s favourite pooch pageant, Crufts, has been filling the NEC with dogs and dog lovers since 1991. Held every March, Crufts tests the skills and adorability of canines from all over the world. From the first-ever Best in Show winner in 1928, a red greyhound named Primley, to some memorable (and occasionally unruly) characters along the way, Crufts continues to capture the nation’s heart time and time again.
About NEC Birmingham
In 1976, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II cut the ribbon at the NEC Birmingham, unveiling, what still is, the largest exhibition centre in the UK. Back then, there were only seven exhibition halls, expanding to eighteen in the following years. They also have plenty more outdoor space to enjoy and conference rooms for any business-related needs.
The events space is passionate about sustainability and utilises energy-saving measures across the site, including lighting that has been set to follow daylight savings, escalators that only move when in use, and food that has been locally sourced. They also support a range of good causes around the community, such as providing bedding for Cats Protection with surplus materials and donating food to food banks.
Within the NEC complex, there is also the BP Pulse LIVE indoor arena, used for concerts and live events. It functions separately from the exhibition halls and has hosted thousands of unforgettable live shows, including the Crufts Best in Show ceremony every year.
If you’re planning to get a train to NEC Birmingham, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.