Birmingham car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in Birmingham
KAYAK’s top tips for renting 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.
- Book your rental car in Birmingham at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Premium rental cars in Birmingham are around 63% more expensive than other car types, on average
Birmingham car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
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 is gas price in Birmingham?
The average gas price in Birmingham is 13.06 ﷼ per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between 157 ﷼ and 209 ﷼, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Birmingham?
Premium (Ford Mustang 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 Premium car rental cost in Birmingham?
A Premium car rental in Birmingham costs 296 ﷼ per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Birmingham?
A Full Size car rental in Birmingham costs 182 ﷼ per day, on average.
Birmingham car rental reviews and directory All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Budget
6.6
Okay
Read 27 reviewsCleanliness
7.1
Comfort
7.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.6
Value for money
6.5
4 locations in Birmingham
Locations in Birmingham
2301 Third Avenue South
+1 205 322 3598
450 Cahaba Park Circle
+1 205 552 1515
5344 Messer Airport Highway
+1 205 322 3596
5900 Messer Airport Highway
+1 205 322 3596
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Intermediate
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Pickup truck
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Intermediate SUV
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Standard SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2022
Avis
5.6
Fair
Read 49 reviewsCleanliness
5.7
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.6
Value for money
5.8
2 locations in Birmingham
Locations in Birmingham
3439 Colonnade Parkway Ste 700
+1 205 991 6201
5900 Messer Airport Highway
+1 205 599 0685
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Economy
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, 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
Marlene, Apr 2021
Cons:
The only issue I had was finding your office. Once I found it - the service was fast and helpful.Hertz
5.0
Fair
Read 52 reviewsCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
5.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.1
Value for money
5.3
5 locations in Birmingham
Locations in Birmingham
2508 5th Ave S
+1 205 320 2533
2508 5th Avenue S
+1 205 320 2533
5406 Highway 280 E Ste D105
+1 205 980 9271
5900 Messer Airport Hwy
+1 205 591 6090
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Intermediate
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Supplier choice
4.0 Mediocre
THOMAS, Oct 2023
Intermediate SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Supplier choice
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sep 2023
Intermediate SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2022
National
10.0
Wonderful
Read 1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
One location in Birmingham
Locations in Birmingham
5900 Messer Airport Hwy
+1 833 886 0849
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2022
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.2
Very good
Read 13 reviewsCleanliness
8.2
Comfort
8.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.1
Value for money
7.8
10 locations in Birmingham
Locations in Birmingham
1230 Inverness Cors
+1 205 991 6222
2325 5th Ave N
+1 205 323 4446
2509 Ensley Ave
+1 205 786 3868
2551 John Hawkins Pkwy
+1 205 823 4446
2728 4th Avenue South
+1 205 326 6555
3328 Old Columbiana Rd
+1 205 823 4446
400 Palisades Blvd
+1 205 414 9393
4704 Cahaba River Rd Ste J
+1 205 991 6222
5900 Messer Airport Hwy
+1 833 886 0848
9709 Parkway E Ste G
+1 205 838 4979
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Standard SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Economy
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Cons:
They over charged me at the counter than actuall deal which was online very disappointed2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2020
Pros:
NOTHING! ENTERPRISE IS TERRIBLECons:
THEY OVERGHARGED MY CARD BY $275!!!!!5.6 Fair
John, Aug 2020
Pros:
Car wasn’t ready at expected time. Delayed by 45+ minutes waiting for car to be cleaned.4.8 Mediocre
Anonymous, Jul 2020
Pros:
staff was friendlyCons:
car had been smoked in, gas tank was not on fullAlamo
7.9
Good
Read 12 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.9
One location in Birmingham
Locations in Birmingham
5900 Messer Airport Hwy
+1 833 886 0850
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Minivan
8.0 Very good
Nicholas, Jun 2024
Standard
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Premium SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Curtis, 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
Anonymous, 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
Anonymous, Jan 2021
Pros:
Easy drop offCons:
Slight delay at pickup2 locations in Birmingham
Locations in Birmingham
2508 5th Avenue South
+1 205 320 2533
5600 Airline Drive
+1 877 283 0898
Filters
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Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Oct 2020
Cons:
A REFUND ON MY CANCELLATION10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2020
Pros:
Yes10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2020
Pros:
staff was very friendly and helpful - even to recommend a place to have lunch9.6 Wonderful
Gorman, Dec 2019
Pros:
Staff was very helpful.Cons:
Reduce the different location drop off fee.2 locations in Birmingham
Locations in Birmingham
2508 5th Avenue S
+1 205 320 2533
5600 Airline Drive
+1 866 434 2226
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Compact
8.0 Very good
Fidelia, May 2024
Standard
10.0 Wonderful
Steve, May 2021
Pros:
Competent staff.Cons:
Price has gone up substantially in the past year.10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2021
Cons:
They need to stay open later for late flight arrivals. Otherwise, great experience!10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, 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
Anonymous, 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.One location in Birmingham
Locations in Birmingham
5900 Messer Airport Hwy
+1 205 591 7020
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Tara, Apr 2021
Pros:
Newer car and cleanCons:
The Payless was closed and Avis had many issues with the Initial rental8.4 Very good
Anonymous, Dec 2019
Pros:
Pickup counter was a challenge, drop-off was easyCons:
Better integration with Avis6.0 Okay
kenneth, Mar 2023
Pickup truck
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2022
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2022
10.0 Wonderful
David, Dec 2021
One location in Birmingham
Locations in Birmingham
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Birmingham
Locations in Birmingham
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near Birmingham
Good to know
Most popular car type | Premium |
|---|
When to book a rental car in Birmingham
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Birmingham
Birmingham car rental information
| Pick-up location | Birmingham |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Rental locations | 30 |
| Airport locations | 11 |