Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is 5 miles from downtown Birmingham, with taxi, rideshare, rental-car and pre-booked transport options at the airport. BHM is about a 10-minute drive from Kings Inn Civic Center/UAB.
- Airport address: 5900 Messer Airport Highway, Birmingham, AL 35212.
- Downtown distance: 5 miles, according to the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.
- Drive from the hotel: about 10 minutes by car.
- Taxi pickup: ground level, directly outside baggage claim.
Where is BHM in relation to downtown Birmingham?
BHM is on Messer Airport Highway, about 5 miles from downtown Birmingham. Its address is 5900 Messer Airport Highway, Birmingham, AL 35212, and the airport lies east of the downtown area.
How do you drive from the airport to the Civic Center area?
The airport authority directs drivers from downtown to take I-59/20 East, use Exit 129 toward Airport Boulevard, turn left at the bottom of the exit, then follow Messer Airport Highway to BHM. To drive from BHM toward downtown, use the reverse direction toward I-59/20 and downtown; confirm your final route to your destination before setting off.
For a walkable plan once you arrive, the one-day downtown Birmingham itinerary on foot covers a downtown day on foot.
What ground transportation is available at BHM?
BHM offers taxis, rideshares, rental cars, Turo vehicles, and reservation-based limousine and shuttle services. The airport authority says taxi service is available around the clock and the cabs are independently owned and operated.
Taxi
Taxis are on the ground level directly outside baggage claim. Companies serving BHM include American Cab Company, Birmingham Metro Cab Company, King Cab, Magic City Taxi, Silver Cab Company and zTrip.
Rideshare and car rental
Uber and Lyft pickups are authorized at the Arrivals/Lower-Level curbside. Rental cars are picked up and returned in section 1B on the ground level of the parking deck. Alamo and National counters are open from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., 7 days a week.
Other pre-booked options
Turo is authorized to operate in the Economy Lot and Parking Deck, and may also arrange an in-person curbside handoff. Limousine and shuttle services operate by reservation; contact the provider before arriving.
What should you check before travelling?
Pickup locations, operating hours and provider arrangements can change. Check the official site before you go, using the Birmingham airport authority’s ground-transportation and parking information to confirm details for your arrival.
If you’re arriving by train instead, the Birmingham station-to-Civic Center guide covers that connection.
For someone collecting an arriving passenger, follow Arrivals signs to the ground-level access ramp and remain with your vehicle. For a longer wait, use Hourly parking in the deck or the Cell Phone Waiting Lot.
FAQs
How far is BHM from downtown Birmingham?
BHM is 5 miles from downtown Birmingham, according to the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Where do you get a taxi at BHM?
Taxi pickup is on the ground level directly outside baggage claim.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up passengers?
Authorized Uber and Lyft pickups are at the Arrivals/Lower-Level curbside.