Railroad Park: Birmingham's Downtown Oasis
Discover Birmingham's vibrant heart at Railroad Park: a blend of green space, recreation, and history in a revitalized urban oasis.
Railroad Park is a 19-acre urban green space in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, that blends recreation, culture, and history. Opened in 2010, the park transformed a former industrial site into a vibrant gathering place, offering walking trails, a lake, and event spaces. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, providing a green escape and a connection to the city's past.
A brief summary to Railroad Park Foundation
- 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, Five Points South, Alabama, 35233, US
- +1205-521-9933
- Visit website
- Monday 7 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-11 pm
- Thursday 7 am-11 pm
- Friday 7 am-11 pm
- Saturday 7 am-11 pm
- Sunday 7 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Check the park's event calendar for concerts, movie nights, and other activities [5, 6, 7].
- Take a stroll or jog along the Rail Trail for city views and a close-up look at the trains [4, 16].
- Visit the park during the evening for free metered parking along the perimeter [3, 6].
- Pack a picnic to enjoy on the open lawn, but remember that outside alcohol and glass are not allowed [18].
- Utilize the free Wi-Fi available throughout the park [3, 16].
Getting There
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Walking
From the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), head south on 9th Ave N towards 19th St N. Turn right onto 19th St N and continue south for approximately 0.6 miles. Turn left onto 1st Ave S. Railroad Park will be on your right, spanning from 14th Street to 18th Street. This walk is approximately 15 minutes and is free [3].
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Public Transport
From Central Station, several bus lines (100, 14, 25, 280, 31) will take you close to Railroad Park [3, 14]. Exit Central Station and board any of these buses. The closest bus stops to Railroad Park are Central Station (Ib) and 20th St S And 3rd Ave S, each a 4-minute walk to the park [3]. A one-way fare is $1.50 for adults, $1 for students (grades 1-12), and $0.75 for seniors (62+) with valid ID, those with disabilities, military IDs, and Medicare cards [3].
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From anywhere in downtown Birmingham, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Railroad Park is readily available [3]. Simply provide the destination address (1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233) to the driver. The ride typically takes 5-10 minutes depending on traffic and costs approximately $8-$15 [3].
Discover more about Railroad Park Foundation
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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