When flights from London's six airports are expensive, my first choice alternatives are Birmingham and Southampton airports. Although cheap flights out of Liverpool are often too attractive to turn down, and I recently flew out of Leeds Bradford.
I've written posts about getting to Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Heathrow - by bus, tube and train. And since I'm currently on a train to Birmingham International, I thought it was worth a post as well.
Train operator choice
The great thing about getting to Birmingham Airport from London is that you have a choice of operators. Whilst Avanti West Coast will speed you from Euston station to Birmingham International station in just over an hour, you also have the slower London Northwestern Railway option. If you have the patience for a two hour journey, you can save a lot of money.
These options are for a weekday daytime booked around 48 hours in advance.
If you have a travelcard you may save even more, and with a Network Railcard most ticket sellers will check whether two tickets are cheaper.
If you want to see more cheap London Northwestern options, it's worth checking their own website, and clicking on the Our Trains toggle box.
I look at which train gets into Birmingham International an hour before my flight departs (I'm usually flying out at quieter times), and then take the train before that in case of cancellations. Your risk tolerance may be different! One time the whole line was closed, so I couldn't get to BHX in time - but that can happen travelling to London airports as well.
Sometimes it's cheaper getting to Birmingham Airport, and even Liverpool Airport, than it is on the Express train to Stansted or Luton.
And when booking a train from Birmingham back to London the off peak single (more flexibility for a late arrival) on LNR is usually reasonably priced.
Birmingham SkyRail
Once you exit the barriers at Birmingham International train station, you turn right for the NEC and turn left for the airport.
The little people mover gives a frequent service and takes under two minutes to get to the airport terminal.
Or if the weather is fair the walk is less than 10 minutes - although you don't get any aeroplane views.
Only once when I've used BHX has the people mover been out of action - but the airport provided a bus replacement service.
Once you're in the main terminal there are a decent number of shops - including an M&S and a Greggs between the far check in desks and the arrivals section. It's worth having a look around if you have time and are in the mood.
Conclusion
If you like a cheap rail journey, then the slow train to Birmingham might be for you.
Just be aware that you probably won't be able to get a train in time for an early departure from BHX - although I'm not a fan of first wave flights, so it's not really an issue for me!
