Home | Plan Your Visit | Getting Here
By Train
The NEC is right next to Birmingham International rail station. You can get to any of our halls quickly and conveniently, without having to step outside!
The NEC entrance is on the right hand side as you exit the station, and clearly signposted.
Many services run direct to Birmingham International. If yours doesn’t, you can catch a connecting train at Birmingham New Street. There are regular services, and the journey only takes 10-15 minutes. Buses to the NEC can be caught at Birmingham Moor Street and Solihull stations. For further information call National Rail enquiries on 08457 484950.
By Bus or Coach
Coach services are operated by National Express and Megabus, with over 120 daily services from acorss the UK to Birmingham Airport. From here you can get to the NEC in minutes on the free air-rail link.
Regular local buses depart from Birmingham City Centre. The 900 service runs every 15 mins during the day, taking approximately 30 mins. The 97 service operates every 30 mins, 24hrs a day, taking approximately 45 mins.
Local bus services also run every 30 mins throughout the day to Solihull (service 966) and Coventry (service 900).
By Taxi or Car
If using a taxi or car is your only option for getting to the venue, please consider if there is anyone else that you could share the journey with.
By Taxi
NEC has teamed up with TOA Taxis to ensure a safe, friendly service is available to you 24/7 at the NEC
You can book over the phone by calling 0121 427 8888 or 0800 0142 729, online or via their handy app. Alternatively, pick one up at the clearly marked ranks outside the NEC main entrances. For added convenience TOA Taxis accept all major credit cards, subject to a charge of 10%+VAT.
Other Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles
If you plan to arrive at the NEC using other Taxi or Private Hire provider you will be dropped off at either the Piazza drop off and pick up area, or the Atrium entrance.
At the end of your visit if you choose to use TOA you can be picked up by the main entrance, or if you are being picked up by other Taxi or Private Hire provider, you will need to go to the Private Hire pick up area. You will find one located at either the Piazza or Atrium, a short walk from the main entrances.
By Car
The NEC is in the perfect location for car travel - 8 miles east of Birmingham city centre, and at the heart of the UK motorway network.
Postcode: B40 1NT
With 16,500 spaces available we’ve got plenty of room for you. Follow the electronic signage or directions provided by the traffic team to get you to the right car park area for ESS. Once you’ve parked you can either take a free shuttle bus or walk to the halls using our sign posted footpaths.
PARKING IS FREE FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY VISITORS - SIMPLY CLAIM YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY BADGE FROM THE LA LOUNGE AND USE IT TO LEAVE THE CAR PARK FREE OF CHARGE.
Plan ahead for any journey. See how much you spend on petrol and diesel, whether it's your regular commute or a one-off trip. Use this fuel price calculator.
Travel Smarter to ESS Expo with Liftshare
Reduce your carbon footprint when attending ESS Expo! By partnering with Liftshare, we’re helping attendees and exhibitors connect to share lifts, cut travel costs, and reduce environmental impact.
It’s free, easy and open to everyone attending the event. Whether you’re a driver with spare seats, or looking for a lift, simply sign up via the ESS Liftshare page below and start planning a smarter, greener journey.
✅ Lower your travel costs
✅ Reduce emissions
✅ Meet fellow ESS Expo attendees
✅ Help make this the greenest ESS Expo yet
Badges
As part of our effort to put on a sustainable event and to avoid wastage, we no longer send out badges by post.
Once you have registered you will be sent an email with a barcode, bring this with you on your phone and scan it at one of the self-serve terminals. Your badge will be printed automatically.
Accessibility
ROAR B2B the organisers of ESS Expo are also the custodians of Naidex, the UK’s largest event for the Disability community. Therefore, we understand the importance of making our events truly accessible. Along with our Head of Inclusion and Accessibility, Dr Shani Dhanda, we have adapted staff training, feature design and introduced tools to improve the experience of those attending the events with different needs. Our theatres have auto captioning, wheelchair dedicated seating space, height adjustable lecterns and BSL Interpreters on request. The NEC offers free disabled parking and mobility scooter hire. As organisers we also offer support staff to accompany visitors that need assistance and a quiet space for visitors who need to rest during the day.
The NEC aims to be fully user-friendly for visitors with access needs. Click here for a guide to some of their accessible facilities.
More information and maps can be found on the NEC website: www.thenec.co.uk/visiting-us/getting-here
Hotels
We've officially partnered with EventBeds™ by NuBreed Hotels to give this year’s Exhibitors and Attendees access to exclusive discounts at carefully selected properties near to the event. Save up to 30% versus booking direct, and fully flexible rates are available. Due to increasing demand we recommend you book asap through the EventBeds™ booking link below:
Travel Sustainably to ESS Expo
There are several ways to reduce the environmental impact of travelling to ESS Expo, which can be found here.
For those looking to further their contribution to sustainability, the ESS Green Ticket offers an excellent opportunity. By choosing the Green Ticket you're making a direct contribution to the planet. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of Green Tickets are allocated to our partner environmental protection projects.
Find out more here.
Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
We believe in the power of collective action. By using the Carbon Calculator to work out the emissions associated with your visit to the event, you're not just quantifying your impact – you're taking a step towards a greener future. Whether you choose to offset your emissions, explore eco-friendly travel options, or simply become more aware of your environmental impact, your contribution matters.
Join us in making the Environmental Services & Solutions Expo a showcase of sustainability, innovation, and conscious choices. Use the Carbon Calculator today and be part of the positive change our world needs.
Calculate your carbon footprint now and set the course for a more sustainable tomorrow.