Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Birmingham gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from BHM to the city takes roughly 70 minutes by MAX Transit Route 20, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Before heading into Birmingham, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for United States vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Birmingham is roughly 70 minutes from BHM via MAX Transit Route 20. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Exploring Birmingham on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Birmingham, two standouts are:
- Vulcan Park and Museum — Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
- Kelly Ingram Park — Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside BHM — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- The Club BHM
- BHM Art Program & Rocking Chairs
Getting to Birmingham from the Airport
From BHM, the MAX Transit Route 20 gets you to Birmingham in around 70 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 90 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the MAX Transit Route 20 offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Food & Dining Options
For food in Birmingham, local travelers recommend Dreamland BBQ. If you have time for a second stop, Pizitz Food Hall is another popular pick.
Back at BHM, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q is the go-to. Chick-fil-A rounds out your in-terminal options.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Birmingham might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Birmingham, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
WiFi at BHM should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in United States and you’re good to go.
Storing Your Luggage at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at BHM may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Birmingham’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at BHM include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United States also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Birmingham exploring the streets or relaxing at BHM, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.