March 27 – 29, 2026
- March 27 – 29
Everything you need to plan your DreamHack Birmingham weekend, all in one place. From getting here by train, car, or plane to where to stay nearby, this guide helps you focus on what matters most — the festival. The event takes place at the
National Exhibition Centre (NEC), located next to Birmingham Airport with excellent transport links.
Coming from the UK or travelling internationally? Birmingham is one of the UK’s most connected cities, with easy access by train, car, and plane. Here’s everything you need to know to get to DreamHack Birmingham with ease.
The NEC is clearly signposted from all major motorways, including the M42, M40, and M6. Use postcode B40 1NT to reach the NEC site. Once on site, follow event signage rather than your sat nav to access the correct car park.
Parking is available at the NEC, with free shuttle buses and signposted walking routes connecting car parks to the venue.
For live traffic updates and journey planning, check National Highways before travelling.
The NEC is clearly signposted from all major motorways, including the M42, M40, and M6. Use postcode B40 1NT to reach the NEC site. Once on site, follow event signage rather than your sat nav to access the correct car park.
Parking is available at the NEC, with free shuttle buses and signposted walking routes connecting car parks to the venue.
For live traffic updates and journey planning, check National Highways before travelling.
Birmingham Airport (BHX) is Birmingham’s only airport, located around 10 km from the city centre. It offers domestic and international routes and is connected by train, road, and bus, with a journey time of around 10 minutes by train.
Take the free air-rail link to Birmingham International Railway Station, located at the terminal. Trains run every few minutes and take around 90 seconds, with direct access to the NEC.
Taxis can drop off at the Piazza drop-off and pick-up area or the Atrium entrance.
Rideshare services are available from Birmingham Airport, with designated pick-up points and direct drop-off at the NEC.
Birmingham is one of the UK’s main rail hubs, with direct services from cities across the country. Birmingham New Street is the primary city-centre station, offering frequent connections from London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, and beyond.
For direct access to DreamHack, travel to Birmingham International Railway Station, which is located next to Birmingham Airport and the NEC. Direct services run throughout the day. If you’re travelling from further afield, you may need to change at Birmingham New Street, with onward connections taking under 15 minutes.
Rail services are operated by multiple providers, including Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Railway, and London Northwestern Railway. For routes, timetables, and tickets, visit National Rail.
Parking is available on site at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and is managed using ANPR (automatic number plate recognition).
Pre-booking parking in advance is recommended for the best rates, with savings available when booked before arrival. If you don’t pre-book, parking can still be paid for on site by card or smartphone (the NEC is a cashless venue).
A range of parking options are available, including standard parking, express parking closer to the venue, accessible parking, motorcycle parking, and parking for minibuses and coaches. EV charging is also available on site, with both pre-bookable and first-come, first-served options.
For full details, pricing, and to book parking in advance, visit the NEC’s official parking page.
The NEC is well served by local bus services from across the West Midlands, making it an easy option for visitors travelling from nearby towns and cities. Bus routes run regularly throughout the day, with stops located close to the venue.
National coach services also operate direct routes to Birmingham and the NEC from locations across the UK. Journey planning, routes, and timetables are available through Network West Midlands, with long-distance services operated by National Express and Megabus.
DreamHack Birmingham takes place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), North Avenue, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT.
No. Once you reach the NEC campus, follow electronic and event signage rather than your sat nav to reach the correct car park or drop-off area.
The NEC is directly next to Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International Railway Station, connected via signposted indoor walkways.
Yes. Most routes between the airport, station, and NEC are indoors or covered.
Yes. Peak arrival times are typically mornings and early afternoons, especially when multiple events are running at the NEC.
No. Some long-distance services terminate at Birmingham New Street, where you can change for Birmingham International (journey time under 15 minutes).
Services run frequently throughout the day.
No. It is a dedicated transport hub serving the airport and NEC.
Yes. Travelling by train or plane allows direct access to Birmingham International without going into the city.
For live services, delays, and platform information, check National Rail.
Yes. The NEC has multiple on-site car parks managed using ANPR (automatic number plate recognition).
Pre-booking is recommended for the best rates, but on-the-day payment is also available.
The NEC is cashless. Payments must be made by card or smartphone.
Yes. Both pre-bookable and first-come, first-served EV charging options are available across the NEC campus.
Yes. Motorcycle parking is free across the NEC site (excluding Express car parks).
Yes. Local bus services operate from across the West Midlands with stops near the venue.
National coach services operate via National Express and Megabus.
Use Network West Midlands for routes, timetables, and journey planning.
Yes. Licensed taxis operate at Birmingham Airport and across the NEC site.
Yes. Rideshare services are permitted, with designated pick-up and drop-off points on site.