Birmingham Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Birmingham

Renting a car in Birmingham offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting key attractions like Broad Street, ideal for urban experiences, or the Black Country Living Museum, perfect for cultural immersion. Families will appreciate the convenience of having a car, especially when heading to Coombe Abbey Country Park for outdoor activities.

A rental car also allows you to venture beyond Birmingham to popular destinations such as Coventry, where you can discover Coventry Cathedral and Warwick Castle, or the charming city of Solihull, featuring the National Motorcycle Museum. Exploring Birmingham City Centre is simple with your own vehicle, enabling you to visit Brindleyplace and Victoria Square without the hassle of public transport. Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, having a rental car streamlines your journey, making it easier to enjoy the diverse attractions and experiences this dynamic region has to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Birmingham

• Compact: This car type is perfect for accommodating 5 travellers with up to 3 medium suitcases. The Compact option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for a nimble vehicle that’s easy to handle in urban settings. Its smaller size makes it easier to navigate Birmingham's streets and find parking, while still providing enough space for luggage and travel essentials.
• Midsize SUV: If you’re travelling with family, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV is a great choice. This vehicle accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, offering ample room for both passengers and luggage. The Midsize SUV provides a comfortable ride for longer journeys and is well-suited for exploring the Birmingham area with ease, ensuring everyone travels in comfort.
• Economy: The Economy car option is another excellent choice for those travelling in groups of up to 5, with capacity for 2 medium suitcases. This car is particularly appealing for solo travellers, couples, or small families who want to keep rental costs low while enjoying the flexibility to explore Birmingham. Its efficient design makes it a practical option for navigating both city streets and surrounding areas.

Top rated car suppliers in Birmingham

• Alamo Rent A Car: With 1 rental location in Birmingham, Alamo Rent A Car is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility and convenience. They are known for their well-maintained fleet, with the most booked cars being Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs. This makes Alamo a great option for those looking to explore the beautiful surroundings of Birmingham while enjoying a comfortable ride.
• Enterprise: Boasting over 15 rental locations throughout Birmingham, Enterprise provides maximum convenience for travellers. With a wide selection of vehicles, the most booked options include Compact and Economy cars, catering to those who desire efficiency and affordability. Their extensive network ensures that you're never far from your next set of wheels, allowing you to make the most of your journey.
• Hertz: With 3 rental locations in Birmingham, Hertz is a trusted name in car rentals. They offer a variety of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Compacts being the most popular choices among customers. Hertz is known for their reliable service and quality cars, making it easy for you to navigate the city and its scenic areas at your own pace.

Where to stay in Birmingham

• Birmingham City Centre: Located at the heart of Birmingham, this vibrant neighbourhood is ideal for family, entertainment, and business-themed experiences. Key attractions include the theatre and arena entertainment facilities, as well as shopping centres. Notable points of interest nearby are Victoria Square, a beautiful piazza suitable for cultural exploration, and Broad Street, which is lively and bustling. Visitors can also enjoy nearby food options such as sweet treats and local breweries, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.
• Coventry: Situated close to Birmingham, Coventry offers a unique blend of family-friendly, outdoor, and entertainment-themed experiences. Noteworthy attractions include Coombe Abbey Country Park for outdoor adventures and the historic Coventry Cathedral for culture seekers. The city is also home to an arena entertainment facility and various shopping centres. Visitors can indulge in nearby food options, including local distilleries and sweet treat shops, making it a perfect spot for families and those seeking leisurely activities.
• Solihull: This charming city near Birmingham caters to families, entertainment enthusiasts, and business travellers. Solihull features the National Motorcycle Museum, ideal for cultural and family outings, and offers access to shopping mall centres. The area is also home to Blythe Valley Park, providing a lovely outdoor space for relaxation. With various nearby food and drink options, including distilleries, Solihull is a great choice for travellers looking to experience a mix of culture and leisure.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Birmingham

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for the summer, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, use the filters on Expedia to locate the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals mandate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuelling choices, which are acceptable too. Just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this might be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. It’s simple to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Birmingham

The best time to rent a car in and around Birmingham is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is also modest. January and March follow closely, offering similar benefits with low demand. Moving into the summer months, June through August see increased prices and demand, with July being the most expensive month for rentals. After the busy summer, demand and prices moderate again in September and October, while November and December maintain steady pricing with average demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	39.0°F (3.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	40.1°F (4.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	43.0°F (6.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
April	46.9°F (8.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	61.5°F (16.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	60.8°F (16.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
September	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
October	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
November	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	41.0°F (5.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average