Location and travel information

THE is committed to ensuring that all delegates experience a safe, inclusive and enjoyable visit to our events. To help prepare for your visit to our upcoming event, we encourage you to review the travel advice and information below.

Prior to travel, we recommend that delegates refer to the travel advice and instructions provided by their home country's embassy.

International Convention Centre (ICC)
8 Centenary Square
Birmingham
B1 2EA
UK

Delegates are responsible for their travel arrangements and travel costs to and from Birmingham.

By car

Birmingham is close to the M6, M5 and M42.

There are several parking lots near the ICC, with the closest one at Utilita Arena Birmingham. Payment is made by phone on arrival via Park Jockey, quoting location code 5020.

Please be aware that the ICC and associated visitor car parks are in Birmingham's Clean Air Zone.

Vehicles that do not comply with the zone's criteria are subject to a daily charge. Check if your car is compliant.

By train

Birmingham has three train stations in the city centre – New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill. They are all a short walk from the ICC, but New Street is the closest.

There is also a tram network that connects Birmingham to Wolverhampton, with a stop just outside the ICC at Centenary Square.

By plane

Birmingham Airport offers a 10-min train from the arrivals terminal to Birmingham New Street. Alternatively, you will find a taxi rank directly outside the terminal.

Delegates are responsible for reserving and covering the cost of accommodation for the duration of their stay.

Below you will find information about recommended hotels, as well as a map through which you can easily browse for other hotels and private accommodations. Hover over an accommodation to view travel times and distances to the venue.

McDonald Burlington Hotel

Burlington Arcade, Birmingham B2 4JQ

12-min walk to the venue

To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below

Novotel Birmingham Centre

70 Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2HT

6-min walk to the venue

To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below

Hilton Garden Inn Brindleyplace

1 Brunswick Square, Birmingham B1 2HW

6-min walk to the venue

To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below

Crowne Plaza City Centre

Central Square, Holliday Street, Birmingham B1 1HH

10-min walk to the venue

To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below

Holiday Inn Express City Centre

19 Holliday Street, Birmingham B1 1HH

7-min walk to the venue

To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below

Radisson Blu Hotel Birmingham

12 Holloway Circus, Birmingham B1 1BT

15-min walk to the venue

To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below

Some delegates may require a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the country. Please note that it can take several weeks to process a visa application so early application is recommended.

 Check if you require a visa

We can provide visa invitation letters for ticket-holders. Please email a photo/scan of your passport to events@timeshighereducation.com once you have booked your ticket.

We cannot accept any responsibility for visa applications. If you are unable to attend because of failure to obtain a visa on time, the normal cancellation policy for the ticket fee will apply.

We recommend having travel insurance for the duration of your trip. Please contact your travel agent for further details.

To protect your personal safety we recommend:

• avoiding having valuables on show
• taking safe and reliable transport
• travelling with colleagues or other delegates, especially at night
• being alert in crowded and tourist areas, airports, restaurants, pubs and bars and on public transport
• keeping your card in sight and concealing your PIN when using ATMs and paying by card

The UK's main emergency service number is 999. Call this number if you need urgent help from police, fire or ambulance services.

What is the main language?
English is the most widely spoken and the language of official business and commerce.

Which currency can I use?
The UK’s currency is the pound sterling (£, GBP) with notes in denominations of £5, £10, £20 and £50, and coins in denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2. While most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, it is still a good idea to have some cash on you (especially small change). ATMs are easily accessible in most shopping malls, high streets and banks.

Which plug socket is used?
The UK uses type G plug sockets. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. We would recommend bringing a universal adapter.

Will wi-fi be available?
Free wi-fi is available throughout the university's buildings. Connection details will be displayed at the check-in desk.

Are there data roaming charges?
You will need to check the exact charges with your network provider but most international delegates will incur high data roaming charges. We recommend buying an eSIM via Airalo which gives you 1GB of data for 7 days for US$4.50. Use our referral code TIMESH7718 for US$3 off. We recommend checking that your phone supports eSIMs before making your purchase.

Is tap water safe to drink?
Tap water in the UK is subject to very strict regulations and is considered one of the best water supplies in the world. All tap water is safe to drink and cook with.

Do you have any guidance for LGBTQ+ delegates?
Homosexuality is legal and it is illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation. For more information and advice for LGBTQ+ travellers, visit the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association's website.