NEC Birmingham parking - how much?

[funkyrobot]

Was planning on visiting the NEC at Birmingham for a show later in the year. Haven't been there for about 13 years, so thought I'd read up on what to expect now.

Found out that the show entry isn't massively expensive, but the cost of parking is nearly the same price again. What the hell?

When did it become so expensive to park at places like this to see shows?

I see you can pay £20 for 'better' parking. However, £12 takes the pee. So, I'm not going now.

Tight arse etc. I get it. However, I refuse to pay for things like this when they are so blatantly a rip off.

[ApOrbital]

Get the train?

[funkyrobot]

ApOrbital said:

Get the train?

£88.00 for the train. When adding entry, that's £100.

[N8CYL]

Park at Birmingham International Railway station... £7.00 all day (or it was). just walk into the NEC and to the show. No need for the buses then.

[Shakermaker]

N8CYL said:

Park at Birmingham International Railway station... £7.00 all day (or it was). just walk into the NEC and to the show. No need for the buses then.

This

its gone up a smidge but still cheaper

[Shirt587]

Agree with park at Birmingham International. Alternatively, park at one of the local train stations (Marston Green, Hampton in Arden, Berkswell) which are free and pay for a train ticket (£2-3).

[threespires]

I agree OP, parking is far too expensive, I doubt if I'll go to the NEC again.

[funkyrobot]

Thanks all.

Definitely some options to consider.

I may be wrong, but it looks like the International Train Station parking is £12 a day too. Won't save anything parking there as I'm planning on going on a week day.

[Impasse]

Stay at the show until it closes, or at least late into the early evening. There will be no one left to take your car park payment from you.

[FD3Si]

Park at Tile Hill for free and get the train.

[oldbanger]

N8CYL said:

Park at Birmingham International Railway station... £7.00 all day (or it was). just walk into the NEC and to the show. No need for the buses then.

It's gone up to £12 per day if parking before 9am, £9 all day off peak

[oldbanger]

Shirt587 said:

Agree with park at Birmingham International. Alternatively, park at one of the local train stations (Marston Green, Hampton in Arden, Berkswell) which are free and pay for a train ticket (£2-3).

Tile Hill has the biggest car park.

However if you use Berkswell you have the option of popping into the pub next to the station, 12am licence all week, and generally full of petrolheads

[Thankyou4calling]

Impasse said:

Stay at the show until it closes, or at least late into the early evening. There will be no one left to take your car park payment from you.

This!

When I go i drive in and park. Go to the show and leave through the automated barriers. At the barrier i drop my window and ask (pretending to be lost) the attendant where the Bike/Flower/Nut and bolt show is. They direct me to a different car park and off I drive thus avoiding any parking charge.

In 15 years of visiting this has never failed me and is a little win i enjoy ;-)

[Greendubber]

FD3Si said:

Park at Tile Hill for free and get the train.

It fills up quickly on a weekday with commuters cars..... I'd go for Hampton.