National Express West Midlands is launching a new 17A bus service between Birmingham city centre and Birmingham Airport via Small Heath, Yardley and Tile Cross.

From 3rd August the new 17A service will offer frequent journeys up to every 30 minutes, connecting passengers from central and east Birmingham with Birmingham Airport and the National Exhibition Centre.

The new route comes after the region’s largest bus operator worked with Birmingham Airport to extend its 97A route to the airport in July 2024, and recently celebrated over 100,000 passenger journeys. 

Mat Hidson, Area Network Manager for National Express West Midlands, said: 

“Following on from the successful introduction of our 97A service, we continue to work in partnership with Birmingham Airport to improve sustainable transport options for those travelling to and from the airport and the NEC for holidays and events, and for the many colleagues who work at both major sites. 

“The launch of the new frequent 17A service will provide improved connections for passengers across central and east Birmingham, offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative to driving by helping them save on expensive fuel, airport drop-off or parking costs, as well as helping to reduce traffic and drive down harmful emissions on our region’s roads.”

As part of its Airport Surface Access Strategy and wider Sustainability Strategy, Birmingham Airport is working with public transport operators including National Express West Midlands to reduce its Scope 3 carbon emissions from passenger transport to and from the airport, while also reducing pressure on the surrounding road network from private car use. 

Nikki Bains, Head of Planning, Transport & Strategy at Birmingham Airport, said: 

“We are delighted to welcome another sustainable travel option to and from the airport. In line with the objectives of our Airport Surface Access Strategy, we continue to increase our sustainable modal split targets and look forward to exploring additional routes in the near future.”

Alongside the introduction of the new 17A service, National Express West Midlands will also extend some journeys on its existing 17 service between Birmingham and Tile Cross to serve Chelmsley Wood every 30 minutes. Between the 17 and the 17A these changes provide passengers travelling between Birmingham and Tile Cross with a bus every 10 minutes.

With fares starting at £3, Tap and Cap means that bus users can tap their contactless card or device every time they get on a National Express West Midlands bus and their payment will be capped to give the best value fare, no matter how many journeys they make. 

To find out more about National Express West Midlands visit www.nxbus.co.uk.