Birm U.K. drop off or car park walk
 

Car park 2/3 is the multi-storey adjacent to the terminal? Two minute walk. Car parks 4/5 are surface and have free shuttle bus every 10 minutes or a five minute walk.

Well, I'd say that depending on where you get to find a space in car park 4 or 5 I think that you are looking at more than a five minute walk with bags.

Use International Train Station. 20 mins free parking in the short stay (not in the main car park, don't make that mistake it'll cost you £13).

Simply jump on the free air/rail train which drops you right at departures. By far the easiest way to drop pax at BHX.

xanda_man, my understanding from his post is that the OP needs to park, not just drop-off.

my bad, was reading too fast this morning. Then I can't offer any advice as I'm so close to the airport that I just cab it when the need arises

As for drop off only, like yourself, I always cab it too. When the airport introduced the £1 drop off charge I changed tack and got dropped off at the International Station. Not that I can't afford £1, it was just a matter of principle. Been doing it ever since. I also pick up taxis at the station as this (for me) is roughly 25% cheaper than taking one from outside the airport terminal.

Thats all fine and dandy and we have done just that on occasion. BUT if you arrive at BHX on a holiday Red-Eye between 00.30 and 03.30 you'll be waiting for a shuttle bus. Case in point - Jet2's LS1230 scheduled to arrive c01.45 !!

There are always exceptions to any suggestions. If I was to travel at such times it would be bleeding obvious that I would have little option but to go for the more expensive alternative. However, the International Station option remains available for the great majority of travelers.