Birmingham Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Birmingham

Renting a car in Birmingham, Alabama, offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and adapt your travel plans as needed, making it an ideal choice for families, business travellers, or anyone seeking outdoor adventures. Key attractions such as Barber Motorsports Park and Sloss Furnaces are easily accessible by car, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture and sports experiences. Additionally, you can visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of motorsports history.

Beyond Birmingham, cities like Hoover, Pelham, and Bessemer are just a short drive away, offering attractions like Moss Rock Preserve and Oak Mountain State Park. These destinations provide great opportunities for outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences. Having a rental car ensures you can explore various parks and gardens without the constraints of public transportation, making your visit to Birmingham truly enjoyable and convenient.

Most popular car rentals in Birmingham

• Midsize SUV: This car type is ideal for accommodating up to 5 travellers along with 3 large suitcases, making it a fantastic choice for families, couples, or small groups. Its spacious interior allows for comfortable travel, and the added luggage space ensures that you can bring everything you need for your adventures in and around Birmingham.
• Standard SUV: Perfect for couples, families, or groups, this SUV type can comfortably seat 5 travellers and has room for 2 medium suitcases. It strikes a balance between size and efficiency, allowing for an enjoyable driving experience while still providing adequate space for your belongings during your stay in Birmingham.
• Fullsize: This option can accommodate 5 travellers along with either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it a versatile choice for families and groups. Its generous capacity ensures that everyone can travel together comfortably, with ample room for luggage, which is especially beneficial for longer trips or those requiring more gear.

Top rated car suppliers in Birmingham

• Dollar Rent A Car: Dollar Rent A Car operates 2 rental locations in the Birmingham area, making it convenient for travellers. This supplier is particularly popular for its offerings of Midsize SUVs and Standard cars, which cater to various needs for comfort and space. Customers appreciate the flexibility and ease of the rental process, enabling them to explore Birmingham and its surroundings effortlessly.
• Alamo Rent A Car: With 1 rental location in Birmingham, Alamo Rent A Car is a reliable choice for tourists. It is well-regarded for its Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, providing excellent options for those looking to navigate the city with ease. Travellers often highlight the efficiency of the rental process, making it a great option for those eager to start their adventures promptly.
• Enterprise: Enterprise has more than 5 rental locations throughout Birmingham, offering ample convenience for renters. Known for its extensive selection of vehicles, including Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, it caters well to families and groups. Customers frequently commend Enterprise for its exceptional service and helpful staff, which enhances the overall rental experience, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Where to stay in Birmingham

• Hoover: If you're looking for a family-friendly experience with plenty of outdoor activities, Hoover is an excellent choice. This village is known for its sports facilities and stunning green spaces. Enjoy attractions like the Moss Rock Preserve and Oak Mountain State Park, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Additionally, Aldridge Gardens offers a beautiful botanical experience. Nearby, you'll find various dining options including restaurants, pubs, and wineries to unwind after a day of exploration.
• Homewood: Homewood is a vibrant neighborhood that caters to families and those seeking an urban experience. It boasts a mix of outdoor activities and cultural attractions, such as the Alabama Men's Hall of Fame and Sloss Furnaces, both steeped in history. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is also nearby, ideal for leisurely strolls. Homewood offers various breweries and wineries, making it a great place to savour local flavours while enjoying the community's lively atmosphere.
• Downtown Birmingham: For those who thrive on entertainment and culture, Downtown Birmingham is the heartbeat of the city. With attractions like the Birmingham Museum of Art and the McWane Science Center, there's much to see and do for families and business travellers alike. The area is also home to numerous shopping centres and venues for events. After a day of activities, you can relax at one of the local breweries or wineries, ensuring a fulfilling stay in this dynamic neighbourhood.

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're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, using filters on Expedia can help you discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to access lower prices and better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, 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 available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, requiring you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra fees. This is often the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuelling options, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the additional cost.
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 unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring 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 value period to rent a car in and around Birmingham is February, when both prices and demand are low. May also offers decent rates with slightly lower demand, making it a good shoulder month. However, April tends to be the most expensive month, with high prices and average demand. Following April, June through August see increased demand and average pricing, which can make renting a bit more challenging.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
February	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	62.1°F (16.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	70.3°F (21.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	77.5°F (25.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
July	80.1°F (26.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	79.3°F (26.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	74.5°F (23.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	64.4°F (18.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
November	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low