How to find a cheap car hire deal in Birmingham
Whether you need a compact for scooting around town or a bigger ride for longer drives, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Birmingham. Pick from options averaging $286 a day and hit the road for less.
The cheapest daily rental price in Birmingham is $71.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from $495 and make room for more adventures.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Birmingham car hire. Try booking around two weeks before your departure date.
Dollar, Avis and Hertz are some of the best-known providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Birmingham car hire policy, whether you book with Dollar or a different supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Birmingham.
Skip the hidden fees by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at $169 a day.
Coming in second is [this provider](this provider), which offers daily rates of around $135.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly $186 a day for one of their rentals.
If you can't decide which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of car in Birmingham.
Flying to Birmingham? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by picking up a car hire at Birmingham Airport. If you're flying to Birmingham through this airport, simply pick up your wheels after landing and go. The drive to the city centre is about 14 kilometres and takes around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Birmingham
Small: These cheap rental cars in Birmingham may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, fuel efficient, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for small families and couples.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this Birmingham car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Birmingham that can handle the big jobs. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Birmingham car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Birmingham.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles at an extra cost, so always go over the policies before finalizing your ride.
If you're travelling with kids, check if you should add a car seat to your Birmingham car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
Come prepared to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for day-to-day spending throughout your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash to cover you in every situation.
Best hotels in Birmingham for drivers
Offering parking, The Painted Lady takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Birmingham and also comes with a lobby bar and express check-in.
Birmingham Tree House makes things simpler with parking and features such as air conditioning and a laundry. It's roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Want more inspiration? Browse the full list of hotels in Birmingham. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If you're driving electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
It's time to get out and explore now you've found a car hire deal in Birmingham and your hotel. From 16th Street Baptist Church to Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, you'll never run out of things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Birmingham
Tuscaloosa should be on your to-do list if you'd like to visit Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre and The University of Alabama Arboretum. This city is about 80 kilometres southwest of central Birmingham.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Americas Best Value Inn Tuscaloosa and Best Western University Inn, two accommodation options with parking in Tuscaloosa.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Birmingham and head roughly 97 kilometres northeast to Gadsden. Featuring Noccalula Falls and Lookout Mountain Parkway, its highlights live up to the hype.
Relax after a big day out in Gadsden at Best Western Plus Gadsden Hotel & Suites or Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gadsden. These hotels cater to guests with cars.
Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Montgomery, about 137 kilometres south of Birmingham. Make your first stop Civil Rights Memorial, then take your time exploring Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church.
Time to think about catching some z's. Red Roof Inn Montgomery - Midtown and Staybridge Suites Montgomery - Downtown by IHG have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Montgomery.
