Birmingham car hire information
| Pick-up location | Birmingham |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Hire locations | 28 |
| Airport locations | 11 |
Cheap car rentals in Birmingham
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People mover |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
Top tips for hiring a car in Birmingham
- Getting around Birmingham will be easier for you with a rental car, and best of all, you’ll be able to travel on your own schedule. With a rental car in Birmingham, you can easily take trips to towns like Guntersville, a lakeside town about 75 miles north of Birmingham, where you can fish, hike, and do some bird-watching. In your rental car, you'll also want to consider a drive to Talladega County, where you can visit the Talladega Speedway and the Desoto Caverns. The city of Talladega is about a 45-minute drive from the airport and 55 miles from downtown Birmingham.
- The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) has its own rental car facility. Here you can rent a car from several different car-rental agencies, including Enterprise, Hertz, and National. To rent a car at the airport, you'll go to the airport's parking deck, which is right beside the taxi, shuttle, and limo pick-up areas. Having only one terminal, the airport is small enough for you to walk there in no time. The Birmingham car rentals at the airport are located in section 1B on the ground level of the parking deck. You will both pick up and return your rental car to this same area of the airport.
- When driving past construction zones in Alabama, be extra careful. Alabama state law requires motorists to move over to the lane farthest away from the construction worker(s) for added safety. Also, all passengers in the vehicle, front or back, must wear a seat belt at all times.
- Traffic congestion is not a big problem in Birmingham. This is true even during rush hour. However, if you're driving between 7am and 9am or between 4pm and 7pm, you might want to avoid Interstate 20/59. Also, be aware that during these times, you could experience traffic delays if there is construction or a car accident.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Birmingham for $110 or less
- Book your rental car in Birmingham at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy rental cars in Birmingham are around -26% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Birmingham
What type of car is recommended for driving in Birmingham?
Would you like to enjoy a scenic drive through the back roads and mountains of Alabama while on vacation? If this is your plan, make it more fun and safe by renting an SUV or a car with four-wheel drive to make it easier to drive on gravel roads or rough terrain. Because it’s typically very hot in Alabama during the summer months, you’ll want to rent a standard or intermediate-size car to give everyone room to spread out. Alabama can also get a lot of rain. If you’re traveling during the rainy seasons, an all-wheel-drive vehicle would be ideal for keeping traction on slick roads.
What’s the speed limit in Birmingham?
The speed limit on major highways in Birmingham is 65-75mph. When driving in residential areas in your Birmingham rental car, you’ll notice that the speed limit decreases to a maximum of 35mph or even as low as 25mph. Be aware that there are traffic cameras on many highways in and around Birmingham.
Where are the best places to park in Birmingham?
Parking can be hard to find in the downtown area. This is especially true on weekdays during business hours. For parking, there are five city-owned parking decks, located on Pierce Street, Park Street, Peabody Street, and N. Old Woodward Avenue. When you park in one of these parking decks, parking is free for the first 2h. If you want to park for the entire day, you can expect to pay around $10.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Birmingham?
On average a hire car in Birmingham costs $110 per day.
How much is the price of fuel in Birmingham?
The average price of fuel in Birmingham is $6.93 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $83 and $111, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Birmingham?
Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Birmingham.
Which hire car agencies are at Birmingham airport (BHM)?
The only car hire company onsite at Birmingham airport is Dollar.
Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Birmingham airport (BHM)?
The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Birmingham airport to off-airport locations is Dollar.
How can I find car hires near me in Birmingham?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Birmingham?
An Economy car hire in Birmingham costs $92 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Birmingham?
In Birmingham, cars are most frequently hired at Dollar 5600 Airline Drive (7 km from city centre ).
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Birmingham?
On average a car hire in Birmingham costs $773 per week ($110 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Birmingham?
On average a car hire in Birmingham costs $3,311 per month ($110 per day).
Which car hire companies in Birmingham have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
One car hire company which has updated their car hire health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected is Dollar
Birmingham car rental reviews and directory
Alamo
7.6
Good
151 reviewsCleanliness
7.4
Comfort
7.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.7
Value for money
7.7
One location in Birmingham
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Drop off was great - quick and easy and rep was polite.Cons:
Had to ask the rep at pick up to note the obvious vehicle damage onto my rental contract.10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2021
Pros:
Staff both departing and returning were great. Needed Suv and was given as promisedCons:
The only negative was there were no floor mats or paper sheet covers for the interior floorboard. The place I was going was rural and muddy, so I had to constantly lay down towels or garbage bags to keep the interior floor carpet clean.8.0 Very Good
Jan 2021
Pros:
Easy drop offCons:
Slight delay at pickup2.0 Poor
Oct 2020
Cons:
Car was smoked in4.4 Mediocre
Aug 2020
Pros:
Dropoff staff were friendlyCons:
Pickup staff were unaware of time lapse for vehicle waited one and a half hours for vehicle I didn't order4.0 Mediocre
Aug 2020
Pros:
Drop off was very easyCons:
The executive Synethia at the counter was extremely rude. I was with my 7 month old son and wife. She was hostile, kept on talking to other people and interrupting me when it was my turn. I would have cancelled the reservation right then if we did not need the car for my son.Dollar
7.5
Good
127 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
7.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.1
One location in Birmingham
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Competent staff.Cons:
Price has gone up substantially in the past year.10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Cons:
They need to stay open later for late flight arrivals. Otherwise, great experience!10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
The staff was friendly and courteous. Drop off was super easy.Cons:
I didn't get the car quoted, but I had a very good substitution. I realize what one wants is not always available at the time.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Not enough staff working. Waited an hour in line for a rental I had reserved several weeks in advance. Additionally, I was double charge. I am currently working on how to correct this.Cons:
Better speed on processing customers. Better billing system.8.0 Very Good
Jan 2021
Pros:
Pick up and drop off was easy and the staff was friendly and helpfulCons:
We scheduled our pick up but when we got the it was closed for the night so we had to find a ride to our hotel and a return ride to pick it up the next day. Also the car had been smoked in.8.0 Very Good
Dec 2020
Pros:
Nice carCons:
Was over charged and drop off was not clearThrifty
8.8
Very Good
53 reviewsCleanliness
8.8
Comfort
8.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.8
Value for money
8.8
2 locations in Birmingham
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Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2020
Cons:
A REFUND ON MY CANCELLATION10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2020
Pros:
Yes10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2020
Pros:
staff was very friendly and helpful - even to recommend a place to have lunch9.6 Wonderful
Dec 2019
Pros:
Staff was very helpful.Cons:
Reduce the different location drop off fee.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2019
Cons:
i need info from the first week rental through Kayak for insurance reimbursement and I can not get someone to email me back from kayak.8.0 Very Good
Oct 2018
Cons:
Funky entertainment system was too difficult to navigate.Budget
6.9
Okay
82 reviewsCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.7
Value for money
6.7
4 locations in Birmingham
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Sep 2022
5.9 Fair
Jun 2021
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
Waited over an hour for a car that smelled like cigarettes had holes in the seeds and was absolutely disgusting. Do you have one person working the counter and 12 people in line.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
Staff was awesome. Easy pickup and a nice, low milage, nice carEnterprise Rent-A-Car
6.8
Okay
43 reviewsCleanliness
6.5
Comfort
6.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.2
Value for money
6.7
10 locations in Birmingham
Locations in Birmingham
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Reviews
6.0 Okay
Mar 2021
Cons:
They over charged me at the counter than actuall deal which was online very disappointed2.0 Poor
Oct 2020
Pros:
NOTHING! ENTERPRISE IS TERRIBLECons:
THEY OVERGHARGED MY CARD BY $275!!!!!5.6 Fair
Aug 2020
Pros:
Car wasn’t ready at expected time. Delayed by 45+ minutes waiting for car to be cleaned.4.8 Mediocre
Jul 2020
Pros:
staff was friendlyCons:
car had been smoked in, gas tank was not on full7.6 Good
Mar 2020
Pros:
Easy to deal with, fast and courteous. I had to switch out a car that I had rented in CA but the power steering failed. No hassle.Cons:
The car had bald tires which I didn't realize until I had to drive through a snowstorm and heavy rain.8.0 Very Good
Nov 2019
Pros:
Staff was very friendly and helpful! I will definitely rent a car againPayless
6.4
Okay
51 reviewsCleanliness
7.1
Comfort
6.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.7
Value for money
7.2
One location in Birmingham
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2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Newer car and cleanCons:
The Payless was closed and Avis had many issues with the Initial rental8.4 Very Good
Dec 2019
Pros:
Pickup counter was a challenge, drop-off was easyCons:
Better integration with Avis8.8 Very Good
May 2019
Pros:
Car was clean, new, and a good price.Cons:
There aren’t Payless parking spots at BHM airport, so I parked it in an Enterprise spot upon returning. When I returned the keys to the Payless desk, the employee asked why I didn’t park it in the Avis section. Like wtf, get your own parking spaces or tell me to return to an Avis spot when I pick up9.2 Wonderful
Apr 2019
Pros:
The woman who checked us in was very nice. The car was pretty scratched up and the inside was dirty. She gave us a different car which served the purpose.Cons:
Better quality vehicle.6.8 Okay
Feb 2018
Pros:
Good price and at the airport.Cons:
Interior of car smelled a little like smoke. Not bad but noticeable. They did not tell me that the return was self park and it was not clearly noted until I found a space. Going back to the counter was an extra step but worth the cost savings.6.0 Okay
Dec 2017
Pros:
Everyone was busy, the staff were friendly and tried their best to accommodate our needs. Inventory was not available for the reservation. Had to take a smaller vehicle. My family was happy with the service.Avis
5.6
Fair
78 reviewsCleanliness
5.8
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.7
Value for money
5.8
2 locations in Birmingham
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10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Drop off was quick but it looked like both the workers at the booth wanted to be anywhere other then there.Cons:
It took awhile to pick up the car because the front desk was understaffed. The vehicle smelled heavily of smoke the interior driver and passenger side doors where cut up and the seats were stained and filthy. The front windshield had two big chips in it and there were scratches all over the vehicle. Lastly, someone took the floor mats out of the vehicle and never returned them. I will NEVER RENT FROM AVIS AGAIN and I strongly suggest you don’t either.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Cons:
The only issue I had was finding your office. Once I found it - the service was fast and helpful.4.0 Mediocre
Apr 2021
Pros:
Clean. Easy pickup and great service in BHM.Cons:
Problem with steering. Canceled part of trip. “No replacements anywhere.” Called multiple times. Incredible wait time with service. Spoke with manager at drop off. Also sent email with details. Still charged full price. Will leave bad review on Yelp and Google if not fixed.10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Cons:
Everything was fine.Hertz
5.5
Fair
95 reviewsCleanliness
6.3
Comfort
6.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.6
Value for money
5.6
4 locations in Birmingham
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Sep 2023
2.0 Poor
Nov 2022
2.0 Poor
Jan 2022
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
The wait for a car would have been 2 hours. There were no cars available, I had a reservation but that did not matter. Employees not truthful! I completed the initial paper work that included paying A security deposit if 500 dollars. I CANCELLED MY RESERVATION AND WENT TO AVIS THAT WAS 10 STEPS TO THE LEFT OF HERTZ FRONT COUNTER. Berminham Airport. You have morons working for you. This is your review and do not contact me, if you do I will expose you on social media and start a campaign of ni or using Hertz10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Price and serviceCons:
Pick up service from airport2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Staff was exhaustingly slow. Car wasn’t full of gas. Check engine light came on during trip, tire pressure came on during trip, the USB port had been ripped out, car didn’t appear to have been cleaned. AwfulCons:
All of the above.National
6.0
Okay
2 reviewsCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
6.0
One location in Birmingham
Easirent
No score available yet
One location in Birmingham
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Birmingham