HOW TO GET TO
SOLEX
- ADDRESS
National Exhibition Center, Halls, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1PA
- CONTACT INFO
Hall 5 - National Exhibition Centre (NEC)
- North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
- Monday- Sunday
- 12:00 - 12:00
- +44 (0) 121 780 4141
IMPORTANT M42 TRAFFIC INFORMATION – SOLEX 2023
We have just been informed by the NEC that there will be an M42 Full motorway closure (Junctions 9 to 10) – from 9pm on Friday 7th July to 5am Monday 10th July 2023.
A clear signed diversion route will be in place over this period with advance signage in place to help remind motorists of the closure.
Roadworks taking place in and around the NEC as part of the M42 junction 6 improvement scheme and enabling works for HS2.
Following several discussions with the National Highways contractor, Skanska, works have now begun on-site. As part of the planned works, the NEC has negotiated with Skanska to schedule some of the work on dates where there are less events happening on-site. Much of the work is taking place off line and where events are taking place, traffic management on our roads will, wherever possible, be delayed and scheduled to avoid impacting access and egress.
Our rail and road partners will be increasing their works activities on, and close to, the NEC Campus from August 2022 onwards.
The works are a combination of two major infrastructure projects:
National Highways has a £282 million project to improve the road journey to our Campus. A new junction, 5A, will be created on the M42 to help visitors get better access to the NEC, and to divert current drivetime traffic volumes to other areas. It will be much easier for you to reach the NEC, and to get home.
In the longer-term, we have High Speed 2 rail coming to us. This is a complex and ambitious project with an estimated completion time between 2029 and 2033. This will see the first stop, only 38 minutes from London, being located less than a kilometre from the NEC and directly connected by an automatic people mover linking HS2, the NEC, Birmingham International Railway Station and Birmingham Airport. As you will be aware, this is a long-term project which will impact on our site operations as the programme of works progresses.
The dedicated NEC Travel Updates page includes helpful links for planning your journey and key information on any localised roadworks.
- By Car
You’ll find the NEC clearly signposted from all motorways and major routes including the M42, M40 and M6 – just pop B40 1NT in your sat nav.
When you arrive at the NEC don’t follow your satnav anymore, look out for the show name you’re visiting on our signs. Then, simply jump on our free shuttle bus or take a leisurely stroll along our sign posted footpaths.
- Trainline
Trainline is Europe’s leading train and coach app. Working with 270 rail and coach companies to offer customers travel to thousands of destinations in and across 45 countries in Europe. The aim is to bring together all rail, coach and other travel services into one simple experience so people can get the best prices and smart, real-time travel info on the go. www.thetrainline.com
- Parking
When it comes to exhibition parking, it’s rare to be spoilt for choice. Yet with over 16,500 spaces available you won’t need to search for a spot – once your satnav has brought you to the NEC, follow the signs for the show you’re visiting. Standard parking is free for SOLEX visitors. There are 180 spaces with EV charging.
Keep up to date with what’s happening on the roads – plan your journey in advance and find out the latest traffic information when you’re at the exhibition, available on Highways England’s website.
- Taxi
The NEC have teamed up with TOA Taxis to ensure a safe, friendly service is available to you 24/7.
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 our main entrances. For added convenience TOA Taxis accept all major credit cards, subject to a charge of 10%+VAT.
- Train
You won’t even need to brave the elements. Direct services run to the NEC all day, however if you’re travelling from further afield you may need to catch a connecting train at Birmingham New Street, which is less than a 15-minute journey away.
For more information, visit National Rail or call them on 08457 484950.
- Bus and Coach
From Birmingham Airport you can get to the NEC via the free air-rail link, which takes just 90 seconds and runs every two minutes.
Jumping on a bus in the West Midlands area? There are numerous options that will get you to the NEC.
- National Express – www.nationalexpress.com/en
- Megabus – uk.megabus.com
- Check out Network West Midlands to plan your journey.
- 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. The location of these is shown on the NEC site plan.
If you are a disabled visitor please visit the NEC dedicated page for disabled visitors.
- Plane
Birmingham Airport is right on the doorstep of the NEC, so it’s hardly surprising we attract thousands of international visitors every year.
Visitors to SOLEX
![Firmans3[1]](https://www.solexexhibition.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Firmans31-e1709558720305.jpeg)
