Birmingham car rentals
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Birmingham car rental information
| Pick-up location | Birmingham |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Minivan, Standard, Standard SUV |
| Rental locations | 28 |
| Airport locations | 11 |
| Popular agencies | Avis, Hertz, Turo |
Cheap car rentals in Birmingham
| Economy | $29/day |
| Compact | $29/day |
| Intermediate | $29/day |
| Standard | $30/day |
| Full-size | $32/day |
| Minivan | $45/day |
| Full-size SUV | $45/day |
| Compact SUV | $34/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $35/day |
| Standard SUV | $37/day |
Top tips for renting a car in Birmingham
- Get yourself a cheap car rental in Birmingham and explore the rest of Alabama in style. A rented car provides you with a perfect opportunity to enjoy road trips, access various points of interest, or get around downtown anytime you feel like doing so. In this case, you may drive yourself to Birmingham’s McWane Science Center, visit the Birmingham Museum of Art, tour the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center and wind up your day at the Alabama Theater to enjoy shows, classic films, live music, dance, and theatrical performances. All those top attractions are accessible by car rentals since most of them are within the city center.
- Birmingham, Alabama boasts several locations with car rental agencies. Top on the list is Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) on 5900 Messer Airport Highway. At this car rental location, you will come across car rental agencies such as Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis Car Rental, and Alamo Rent-A-Car. Upon your arrival at BHM, proceed to the car rental counter, choose the most appropriate car rental agency, present your identification, and sign the rental agreement. The representative at the counter will provide you with keys and directions to your rented car. Booking cheap car rentals with any of these BHM airport agencies allows you to start exploring the city and its numerous attractions right from the moment you sit behind the steering wheel.
- Typical of larger cities, Birmingham, Alabama experiences heavy traffic at times. Therefore, you need to avoid getting caught up in a traffic snarl by driving around outside the rush hour. Usually, the rush hours in a city as big as Birmingham start at around 7:00 am and end at 9:00 am. In the evening, the rush hour starts at 4:00 pm and lasts up to 6:30 pm. In this regard, you need to stay away from major highways, and main entry or exit points to save your time. Also, acquaint yourself with the traffic flow lines on your navigation map if you are driving during the commute times. For instance, avoid Red lines since they indicate heavy traffic flow. Instead, choose Yellow/Orange lines for the medium traffic flow or take the Green line to drive within the normal traffic flow.
- 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 $44 or less
- Book your rental car in Birmingham at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Standard rental cars in Birmingham are around 67% 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 rent a car in Birmingham?
On average a rental car in Birmingham costs $56 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Birmingham found in the last 2 weeks is $42.
How much is gas price in Birmingham?
The average gas price in Birmingham is $4.12 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $49 and $66, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Birmingham?
Standard (Class Commercial Truck or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Birmingham.
How can I find car rentals near me in Birmingham?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Birmingham?
A Standard car rental in Birmingham costs $28 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Birmingham?
A Mini car rental in Birmingham costs $37 per day, on average.
How much does a Premium car rental cost in Birmingham?
A Premium car rental in Birmingham costs $37 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Birmingham?
In Birmingham, cars are most frequently rented at Hertz 2508 5th Avenue S (1 miles from city center).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Birmingham?
On average a rental car in Birmingham costs $394 per week ($56 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Birmingham?
On average a rental car in Birmingham costs $1,690 per month ($56 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Birmingham?
Most car rental providers in Birmingham offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Birmingham, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Birmingham?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 11 car rental agencies in Birmingham.
Which car rental companies in Birmingham have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Some car rental companies in Birmingham which have updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected include Hertz, Budget and Avis
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Birmingham?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Birmingham?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Birmingham so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Is it possible to rent a car for more than a month in Birmingham?
You can rent a car for a month or even longer in Birmingham. Several Birmingham car rental companies provide weekly or monthly car rentals for different types of cars. Choose the right car from one of the car rental agencies and explore every part of Birmingham and beyond.
What do I require to rent a car in Birmingham?
Just like in most cities across the county, getting cheap car rental in Birmingham requires you to present your current valid driver’s license and a credit card under your name. Make sure to read and understand car rental terms and conditions to be sure that there are no additional charges before the pickup date.
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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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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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
94 reviewsCleanliness
6.4
Comfort
6.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.7
Value for money
5.7
4 locations in Birmingham
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Reviews
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.6.0 Okay
Mar 2021
Pros:
Eventually getting a carCons:
Overbooked cars. Did not have one when promised.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
Car rental locations in or near Birmingham
When to book a rental car in Birmingham
Airports serving Birmingham
Popular rental types in Birmingham
- Van Rentals in Birmingham
- Luxury Car Rentals in Birmingham
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Neighborhoods in Birmingham
Popular car brands to rent in Birmingham
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