Birmingham Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Birmingham

Renting a car in Birmingham provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and tailor your travel plans to suit your preferences. This is particularly advantageous for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and business travellers alike. You can visit key attractions such as Barber Motorsports Park, perfect for adventure seekers, or the historic Sloss Furnaces for a cultural experience. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is another exciting stop for sports enthusiasts. Additionally, a rental car allows for convenient day trips to nearby cities like Hoover, where you can enjoy Moss Rock Preserve and Oak Mountain State Park, or Pelham, home to Cahaba River and Aldridge Gardens. Bessemer also offers lovely spots such as DeBardeleben Park. With a rental car, navigating these destinations becomes hassle-free, making your trip enjoyable and memorable.

Most popular car rentals in Birmingham

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle accommodates up to 5 travellers with the capability to carry up to 3 large suitcases. It is ideal for families, couples, or small groups, making it a popular choice for those wanting to explore Birmingham comfortably while having space for luggage.
• Standard SUV: With room for 5 travellers and the capacity for 2 medium suitcases, the standard SUV is an excellent option for couples, families, or groups. This vehicle offers a good balance of space and comfort, enabling you to navigate Birmingham and its surroundings with ease.
• Fullsize: Accommodating 5 travellers with room for either 3 large suitcases or up to 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize car is perfect for families and groups. Its spacious interior provides ample comfort and flexibility for your travel plans in Birmingham, allowing you to carry everything you need for your trip.

Top rated car suppliers in Birmingham

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice among travellers in Birmingham, known for its efficient service and well-maintained vehicles. They have one rental location in the area, making it convenient for customers. The most booked vehicles with Alamo include Midsize SUVs and Standard Convertibles, providing a good mix of comfort and style for your journey. With positive feedback on cleanliness and hassle-free returns, Alamo offers a reliable option for those looking to explore Birmingham at their own pace.
• Dollar Rent A Car: Dollar Rent A Car is another reputable supplier with a single rental location in Birmingham. Customers frequently choose Midsize and Compact SUVs from their fleet, which are ideal for navigating both urban and rural settings. Dollar is appreciated for its straightforward rental process and competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for travellers seeking flexibility and convenience during their stay. Their focus on customer satisfaction contributes to a positive rental experience.
• Avis: Avis stands out with its excellent selection of Economy and Fullsize vehicles, catering to various traveller needs. With one rental location in Birmingham, Avis offers a seamless pickup and drop-off experience. Customers often highlight the quality of the vehicles and the professionalism of the staff, ensuring a pleasant rental process. Avis is a solid choice for those who value reliability and efficiency while exploring the attractions in and around Birmingham.

Where to stay in Birmingham

• Hoover: Located in the Birmingham area, Hoover is an ideal spot for families and sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities at notable sites such as Moss Rock Preserve, Oak Mountain State Park, and Aldridge Gardens. These attractions are perfect for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. Hoover is also home to excellent shopping options and a variety of dining establishments, including restaurants, pubs, and wineries, making it a great base for exploring the vicinity.
• Homewood: This charming neighbourhood offers a blend of outdoor activities and city experiences, making it suitable for families and culture seekers. Key attractions include the Alabama Men's Hall of Fame, Sloss Furnaces, and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, all within easy access. Homewood is known for its vibrant dining scene, featuring breweries and wineries that cater to various tastes. The local historic college university and lakes provide additional cultural and recreational opportunities.
• Downtown Birmingham: As the heart of the city, Downtown Birmingham is perfect for families and business travellers alike. The area features a range of entertainment options, including the Birmingham Museum of Art and the McWane Science Center, both offering enriching experiences. With convenient access to shopping centres and event venues, Downtown Birmingham also has a lively dining scene with breweries and wineries. This neighbourhood is central to many attractions, ensuring a fulfilling stay.

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 specific features. Whether you require an SUV for enhanced space, a convertible for warm summer days, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover 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’re likely to obtain lower rates and benefit from better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles tend to be more affordable to hire and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between expense, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid incurring extra fees. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure that you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards as a form of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides additional peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to hire a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Birmingham

The best time to rent a car in and around Birmingham is January, when prices are moderately low and demand is at its lowest. February also offers good value, with average demand and similarly low prices. Moving into March, prices tend to rise as demand increases, making it the most expensive month for rentals. April and May see average demand with moderately high pricing, while June through August continue to experience high demand with average prices. October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.