Transport in Birmingham...

To see Birmingham at its best, you really need to stay in the centre, but most of the less expensive accommodation is scattered around the suburbs. This may well mean that you'll be dealing with Birmingham's excellent local transport system, whose trains, metro and buses delve into almost every corner of the city. Various companies provide these services, but they are co-ordinated by Centro , who operate both a city-wide public transport information line, Centro Hotline (tel 0121/200 2700) and a regional equivalent, covering the West Midlands conurbation (tel 0247/655 9559). A one-day Centrocard , valid on all services, can be purchased from bus drivers and at train and metro stations; it costs £5 (£4 after 9.30am and at the weekend).

Local public transport is by bus, local train and tram (the Midland Metro light railway system between Birmingham city centre and Wolverhampton). The number 11A and 11C outer circle bus routes are the longest urban bus routes in Europe. The city's main station, Birmingham New Street, is at the centre of the national rail network, whilst Birmingham International railway station serves Birmingham International Airport which has flights to cities across Europe and several Asian and North American destinations.