FAQs

The venues have been chosen for their ease of access.

The NEC is in the perfect location for car travel – 8 miles east of Birmingham city centre, and at the heart of the UK motorway network. With 16,500 spaces available we’ve got plenty of room for you. Follow the electronic signage or directions provided by the traffic team to get you to the North Car Park which is being used for the event. Car park charges apply. Once you’ve parked you can either take a free shuttle bus which will drop you off at Atrium 3 entrance or walk to the halls using our sign posted footpaths. Enter through the Atrium 3 entrance and The Autism Show is in Hall 18 directly in front of you. Disabled parking can be found by Hall 16 or North 1B which is accessible via Gate G3.

If you are travelling by train, the NEC is positioned immediately next to Birmingham International rail station. Once you alight from your train, follow signs for the NEC, and as you exit the station you will see the entrance leading into the venue on your right. Walk along the sky walk and descend the escalators or stairs into the main venue. Carry straight on, opposite 3a turn right where it will be sign posted to go up the escalators or stairs. Follow the skywalk along to the end and then use the escalators or stairs to go down, where the signs will direct you left towards the Autism Show in Hall 18. Many services run direct to Birmingham International. If yours doesn’t, you can catch a connecting train at Birmingham New Street. There are regular services, and the journey only takes 10-15 minutes. Buses to the NEC can be caught at Birmingham Moor Street and Solihull stations.

–

The Business Design Centre has excellent public transport links to Central London and national destinations. We recommend using Angel London Underground Station which is only a four minute walk from the venue or Highbury & Islington Station which is either a 15 minute walk or short bus journey away.

If travelling by car, the Business Design Centre is easily accessible, and although only a stone’s throw from Central London, is not in the Congestion Charge zone. A car park is positioned immediately beside the venue, under the Hilton Hotel. It is a secure, wheelchair accessible, 250-space car park with EV rapid charging points and dedicated blue badge parking spaces. If you wish to pre-book your parking space please CLICK HERE.

If you are using a SatNav, please use N1 0PW to get to the venue entrance and car park. Alternatively you can use the What3Words: ///wishes.itself.path.

–

Manchester Central is an iconic venue in the heart of Manchester. Reaching the venue is straight forward, whichever mode of transport you choose. If you are travelling by car, Manchester Central is at the heart of a comprehensive motorway network. Manchester’s M60 orbital motorway provides easy access from north, south, east and west. There is a large NCP car park directly below Manchester Central which includes 15 disabled parking bays and offers direct access to the venue by lift, stairs and escalators. If you are planning to find Manchester Central using a sat nav, please enter the postcode M2 3GX.

If you are travelling by train, it takes a little over two hours to reach Manchester from London, and Manchester also has direct connections to most major UK cities. Services arrive at Piccadilly or Victoria stations where passengers can connect with Metrolink trams for easy access to the city centre. Manchester Central is a 20 minute walk from Piccadilly Station or just five minutes by taxi. Alternatively, catch a connecting train to Oxford Road Station – just five minutes from Manchester Central on foot.