Moving from Birmingham to London
- Rob
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Moving from Birmingham to London is one of the most common long-distance moves we carry out. The route is well-travelled, but a lot of people come to us having already made decisions that cost them money or caused stress on the day. This guide covers everything worth knowing before you book.
How far is it from Birmingham to London?
The drive is around 120 miles — usually two to two and a half hours without significant traffic, though that can stretch considerably depending on the time of day you travel, roadworks on the M40 or M1, and where in London you are heading.
For a removal van, the journey needs to be planned properly. We leave early to beat the worst of the traffic and build time into the schedule so nothing is rushed at the London end. A move that starts loading at 8am in Birmingham can realistically begin unloading in London by early afternoon.
What affects the price of a Birmingham to London move?
Several things determine what a long-distance move costs, and being upfront about them from the start means your quote is accurate and there are no surprises.
Volume of items. The more you are moving, the longer loading and unloading takes. A one-bedroom flat is a very different job from a three-bedroom house. We base quotes on what you are actually moving, not a rough guess.
Access at both ends. Parking restrictions, staircases, no-lift blocks, long carries from van to front door — all of these add time. Tell us about both properties when you enquire and we will factor them in from the start.
Timing. Long-distance moves are generally priced at a day rate. Booking midweek where you have some flexibility can sometimes help, though we are available seven days a week.
The London property type. London moves often involve high-rise apartment buildings with strict loading bay rules, concierge sign-in procedures, and lift booking requirements. We have carried out enough London deliveries to know what to expect and how to handle it, but it helps to let us know in advance.
Congestion charge and ULEZ — what you need to know
If your new home is in central London, our van will drive through the Congestion Charge Zone and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Both apply to commercial vehicles.
Our 3.5-tonne Luton van is ULEZ-compliant, so there is no ULEZ charge. The Congestion Charge applies on weekdays between 7am and 6pm and at weekends between 12pm and 6pm. For a removal van, that charge is currently £15 per day. We factor any applicable charges into your quote so you are not caught out.
If your property is outside the central charging zone — in areas like Hackney, Lewisham, Stratford, or further out — the Congestion Charge does not apply, but ULEZ covers almost all of Greater London, so that compliance matters regardless.
What to expect on the day
We arrive at your Birmingham property in the morning and carry out a full load of your belongings into the van, using protective blankets and ratchet straps to secure everything properly. Our 3.5-tonne Luton van has approximately 16 cubic metres of loading space and an electric tail lift, which makes loading safer and faster. We drive to London and unload directly into your new property. You deal with the same two people from start to finish.
We carry Goods in Transit insurance up to £10,000 and Public Liability insurance up to £2 million, so your belongings are covered throughout.
Tips for a smooth long-distance move
Book as early as you can. Long-distance dates fill quickly, especially at weekends and at the end of the month. Declutter before you move. Label boxes by room. Check your access details at both ends — parking suspensions, lift bookings, and building access passes all need to be arranged before moving day. Take photos before you leave.
Get a fixed-price quote
Call or WhatsApp Rob on 07525 827958 and we will get back to you quickly with a price based on your specific move.
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