Not sure how you are going to get to Crufts? Have your plans changed and do you need to look at a new route? We have everything covered in this section on the different ways you can get to the NEC.
The NEC is served by the M6 and M42 motorways and there are extensive car parking facilities on site. For the convenience of the public, shuttle buses operate from the carparks to the main entrance.
For satnav users the NEC postcode is B40 1NT.
Please note that parking charges at the NEC per day (payable on the day) are:
- Cars - £16.95
- Minibuses - £15
- Coaches - £26.75
If you prepay for your car parking in advance, cars are charged at £12.85.
Travel notice
Please note there are roadworks in place across the West Midlands road network which may affect your journey to and from Crufts at the NEC, particularly if you are arriving very early in the morning or leaving late at night.
Please plan your journey, allow extra time and follow the diversion signage where required. For all the latest road travel information, please double-check the National Highways website and follow @HighwaysWMIDS on Twitter.
Further information
M6
M6 J6-5 southbound
On the 9 – 11 March it will be closed overnight from 10pm-6am for the duration of the event. We recommend those travelling south to the NEC between these hours use the M6 Toll to miss this section of the M6. An alternative but slightly longer route would be M6 south to M5 south and then M42 north.
Local road off M6 southbound J4 route to NEC
Throughout the show, there is an overnight closure on one of the local roads that leads to the NEC from M6 southbound J4 8pm – 6am. We would therefore recommend that if you are coming to the NEC from the north before 6am, use the M6 to J4a then take the M42 southbound to enter site at the M42 J6.
M42
M42 J11 to J10 southbound
Overnight closure on the 11 March only. The diversion is off at J11 then A444 south then A5 Watling Street West to M42 J10.
M42 J3 to J3A
We have been advised of an emergency lane closure on the M42 between J3 and J3A. This will be in place until Sunday. Delays are very likely.
M42 / M40 interchange
For visitors leaving us late and heading south, there will also be weekday overnight closures (6-10 March) between 10pm- 5.30am on the M42 southbound at J3a where it meets the M40. If you are heading south to the M40 you will need to use the A45 from the NEC and then A46 to the M40.
M5
M5 J5-6 southbound
Overnight closure on the 9 and 10 March from 9.30pm. The diversion is off at J5 A38 south to Worcester then A449 east back to J6.
We are also aware that there are narrow lanes on many of the local motorways, so please plan early and allow extra time for your journey. If in doubt on any of the above, please follow the diversion signage which will be in place.
For all the latest road travel information, please double-check the National Highways website and follow @HighwaysWMIDS on Twitter.
Running down the very backbone of England, London Northwestern Railway connects the economic powerhouses of London and the North West with the West Midlands. Tickets booked in advance offer the greatest saving, with London to Birmingham from £7.50 when booked in advance.
West Midlands Railway also offers a simple solution for those overseas visitors that may wish to explore the West Midlands region whilst they’re here. With direct links to the rural locations of Shrewsbury, Hereford and the historical Stratford Upon Avon, why not explore all that the midlands has to offer?
If you wish to travel with your dog then why not check out our handy guide to train travel with your dog.
With Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, your dog stays with you in the comfort of your car for the speedy 35-minute crossing to Folkestone. It is no wonder 68% of pets coming into the UK choose this stress-free way to travel*.
With its direct motorway links, you will be on your way to the NEC in Birmingham as soon as you drive off the shuttle in the UK. Let your beloved dog join the 1 million happy pets who have already travelled with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle! For more information visit: www.eurotunnel.com/pets or call their contact centre: 08443 35 35 35 (UK) 0810 63 03 04 (France) 070 22 32 10 (Belgium).
*Defra statistics correct as of 2013
The NEC is the busiest exhibition centre in Europe, hosting over 160 consumer and trade events and over 500 conferences and special events. It is located a short 15-minute walk from the airport via the Air-Rail Link and Birmingham International station.
Whether you are arriving from the island of Ireland, via France, The Netherlands or Spain, ferry services will link you directly to motorway links to get you on your way to the NEC in Birmingham. Choose from a variety of dog accommodation options depending on the service that you sail on. Make your dog comfortable in your own vehicle for the duration of the crossing, check your dog into the onboard kennels, or accompany your dog into the pet lounge. For longer crossings consider a pet cabin, though these sell out quickly so book ahead to avoid disappointment. Find more information on taking your dog on the ferry by operator.