Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport Guide (BHM)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

There are practically no benches apart from a few of the oddly curved metal benches. – a guest reviewer

BHM Airport Overview

birmingham shuttlesworth airport guide To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.

What to Expect

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport (code: BHM) consists of a single terminal building with 19 departure gates in three new concourses (A, B and C). The two-level Landside terminal entrance features ticketing and check-in facilities on the upper level, with baggage claim and airport offices on the lower level. There are more than a dozen eateries and shops in the terminal, almost all of which are Airside near the gates. WiFi is available. There are no private lounges at this airport.

Sleeping in Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport is open 24 hours. However, if you plan on sleeping in this airport, you will be confined to the Landside area once security checkpoints close for the night. A reviewer mentioned you may likely be offered a hotel voucher if you are stuck here due to a flight cancellation/delay. Check with your airline.

Locations & Seating

Seating options are described as uncomfortable for sleeping with only a limited number of armrests-free benches throughout the terminal. However, one traveller found a hidden nook of comfortable seating on the Landside near the ticketing counters across from a door labelled ‘event room’ (November 2017). Another reader mentioned the Arrival area downstairs, where he “Slept across from the Starbucks right next to an outlet to charge my phone and across from the bathroom” (July 2018).

For uninterrupted sleep, there are some hotels within a quick shuttle ride of the airport. See Airport Hotels below for more information.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, scroll down to explore more in our Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours; however, the TSA security checkpoints are only available from 4:30 AM until the last flight departure of the day. You cannot stay on the Airside when the TSA checkpoints are closed. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near the airport offering airport shuttles:

Ramada by Wyndham Birmingham Airport (1 mi) Mid-range hotel.
Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport (1.3 mi) Mid-range hotel.

Airport Shuttles: Check with your hotel for pick-up instructions, schedules and any reservation requirements.

Airport Lounges

There are no pay-per-use lounges in the airport. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Food & Drinks

Food outlets operate on limited schedules, and there are no 24-hour dining options. Overnight travellers should buy food and water in advance, as most concessions close by early evening.

Concourse A: Scoreboard Bar and Cafe (5:00 AM-7:00 PM) • Starbucks (5:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Concourse B: Red Mountain Grill (5:00 AM – 7:00 PM).
Concourse C: Tacos Locos (5:00 AM – 7:00 PM) • Starbucks (5:00 AM – 5:00 PM) • Burger King (5:00 AM – 7:00 PM).
Food Courts: Chick-fil-A (4:30 AM – 7:00 PM) • The Great American Bagel (5:00 AM – 7:00 PM).

Drinking Water
Information is unavailable. Does Birmingham Airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and lockers are not available. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

FuelRods portable charging kiosks are available throughout the terminal, including baggage claim. A reader also reported seeing fixed charging stations near Starbucks (last reported July 2018), though this has not been recently confirmed.

Showers

Showers are not available. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport. Connect to the “BHMFREEWIFI” network and start surfing.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Accessibility – Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD) are available on the lower level near baggage claim areas.
Mobile translation devices (ELSA™) are available through airport operations and the information counter.
Visual paging is offered for hearing-impaired passengers and can be requested at the information desk in the baggage claim area.
Art in the Airport – Several art exhibits are displayed throughout the terminal, including Earth Wind and Water: The Landscape of Alabama, a living plant wall in Concourse B.
ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available throughout the terminal. Fees may apply, so travellers should check with their bank regarding international withdrawal limits and charges.
Baby Care Facilities – Nursing Rooms are available for feeding or caring for infants in a private setting. Changing tables are located in airside restrooms.
Baggage Carts – Baggage carts are available in baggage claim and near the terminal entrance for a fee.
Children’s Area – Kid Zones are located near select gates across the concourses.
Duty-Free and Shopping – Duty-free shopping is not available. Convenience and souvenir shops operate in each concourse, with additional gift and specialty retail options landside.
Information Desk – An information desk is available in the baggage claim area to assist travellers.
Observation Deck – An observation deck offers views of arriving and departing aircraft.
Pet Relief Area – A pet relief area is available for travellers with animals.
Prayer Room – A quiet meditation room is available near the C gates.
Sensory Room – A sensory room is available for travellers who benefit from a calm, low-stimulus space before flying.

Airlines

Birmingham Airport is served by the following airlines: American Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Southwest Airlines • United Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies offer service on-site in the BHM Rental Car facility, located in Section 1B on the ground level of the parking deck: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Thrifty.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Limousine and Shuttle Service

Several companies offer scheduled or on-demand shuttle service to and from BHM airport. Reservations are required in advance. Contact your service provider of choice for details, or visit the Birmingham Airport website for a list of providers.

Shuttles

Shared-ride shuttles offer service to and from BHM but usually need to be booked in advance. Contact your service provider of choice for details.

Taxi

Metered taxis are readily available 24 hours a day on the ground level outside of the baggage claim area.

Safety & Security

Airport staff tolerate overnight sleepers. We have had no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Birmingham Airport. Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Last updated: 2026-02-05

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport Guide