Horse of the Year Show 7-11 Oct 2026

Travelling to the NEC is straightforward, aided by the venue's proximity to several major motorways. The NEC can be reached via the M6, M40, and M42, as well as the A41, A45, and A452.

Signs for the NEC are present from miles away, and once you approach the venue itself there are usually more localised signs referencing specific events, exhibitions, or shows; the car park you will be directed to depends on what you are seeing. There is a free shuttle bus service from all car parks, but they are also within a short walking distance of the buildings. 

There is a private hire taxi pick-up area at the NEC, situated next to the Moxy Hotel, just outside the Piazza. Taxis from Birmingham city centre can reach the NEC in as little as 20 minutes.

The nearest coach station to the NEC is Birmingham International Airport. Both National Express and Megabus services regularly stop at the airport, making it a convenient stop for travellers from all over the UK and even beyond. It is only a 1.8 km (22 min) walk to the NEC, but it is easier to use the airport's free "Air-Link Rail" monorail track, which makes the 90 second journey between the sites once every 2 minutes.

If you are travelling via public bus , the NEC can be reached most conveniently via Birmingham itself and Coventry. Again, it is easiest to alight at Birmingham Airport (or the adjacent train station, Birmingham International) and make your way to the NEC from there. The following are some of the main routes available:

• X1 Platinum and X12 Platinum - Birmingham International Station (SB Stop) · 1.6 km (19 min) walk
• X12 Platinum, 75, and 75A - Birmingham International Station (NB Stop) · 1.6 km (19 min) walk