Planning a trip to the NEC Birmingham? The UK’s largest event space has a complex parking system that caters to everything from motorcycles to electric vehicles. With up to 16,500 bays available on-site, not getting lost is a challenge faced by exhibitors and visitors alike. Trust us, we’ve been there!
That’s why we’ve put together this handy list of NEC car parking tips and common pitfalls you can follow to put your concerns to rest. Find out how to avoid common snags and arrive on time, in style.
Tip #1: Pre-book To Save Time And Money
Unlike parking at the ExCeL London, you can save £5 when you book your parking online before you visit the NEC. For ordinary passenger cars, that equates to a price of £13.95.
Those who don’t book online via the NEC website must pay a parking charge of £18.95 or more on the day and queue at the ticket machines.
If you want to save even more time and avoid disappointment, pre-book a guaranteed express parking bay closer to the entrances for £26.95.
Please note: Some event tickets come with standard parking included. Motorcycle riders don’t have to pay any NEC parking charges. Don’t be the one who wastes money booking a parking space when you don’t need to!
Tip #2: Display Your Blue Badge Clearly (If Applicable)
The organisers at the NEC have tried to make parking as easy as possible for motorists who hold a disabled parking badge. Disabled parking spaces are located near the entrances, and staff can direct you to them more easily if they see your vehicle displaying your Blue Badge.
If all the disabled bays have been taken, outer parking bays will be used in conjunction with an easily accessible shuttle bus service. Each shuttle is equipped with a wheelchair ramp.
Please note: Disabled parking is charged at the same rate as regular parking at the NEC, and the pre-book discount still applies.
Tip #3: Bring A Type 2 Connector To Charge Your EV
Parking at the NEC is about more than just being closer to where you need to be. Electric vehicle drivers have access to one of the largest EV charging hubs in Europe at the NEC. Choose “NEC park and charge” when making your online booking and bring along a Type 2 cable to start charging!
EV charging points can be found at North Car Park 2, East Car Park 1, and South 7. You’ll need the bp pulse app to make your payment.
Please note: Standard park and charge at the NEC costs the same as normal parking and uses a 7 kW charger. There are other charge options available at an additional cost.
Tip #4: Follow The Signs
Out of all the UK venues we’ve worked at, we found Birmingham’s NEC the most visible in terms of signage. As you get closer, the signs become labelled according to event names. From any major routes straight to your parking bay, there’s no way you’ll get lost if you keep your eyes open.
When things get chaotic, the NEC team normally assists with parking. They can provide you with directions and help you arrive at your destination, whether you’re entering or exiting. Things can get confusing with 16,500 bays and the M42 and A45 highways nearby, so don’t hesitate to ask someone if you feel a bit stuck.
Tip #5: Don’t Be Afraid To Park Further Out
While parking further away usually means a longer walk to the venue, this isn’t the case at the National Exhibition Centre. The traffic team at the NEC has put together a free, regular shuttle service that runs from the parking areas to the main venue entrances. It’s safe, convenient, and the best way to get between the venue and your vehicle.
Please note: The shuttle service is sometimes used by disabled attendees when disabled parking overflows.
Tip #6: Use Birmingham International Airport As A Backup
Keep Birmingham Airport in the back of your mind as a backup for when the NEC is just too busy or if you forget to pre-book. It’s cheaper to park here for an hour than at the NEC, and airport car parks 1, 2, and 3 are a minute’s walk away from the NEC site.
The Airport parking charges are as follows:
| Duration | Charge |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | £10.50 |
| Up to 2 hours | £21.00 |
| Up to 3 hours | £31.50 |
| Up to 4 hours | £42.00 |
| Up to 24 hours | £64.00 |
Your NEC Birmingham Event, Sorted
And there we have it: six tips to make NEC parking stress-free. By following this guide, you can say goodbye to headaches and rest easy knowing you have one less thing to worry about.
Want to know something else people worry about? Their exhibition stand. Standing out at a huge venue like the NEC can be a real challenge. Speak to Booth Exhibits™ today to learn how we take the stress off your shoulders and turn your vision into a reality.
