How to find a cheap car hire deal in Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
Searching for a cheap Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport rental car? You're exactly where you need to be. With prices averaging $277 a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and feel good about what you paid.
The cheapest daily rental price at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is $78.
Staying a while in Birmingham and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $364 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To land the cheapest price, book your BHM car hire around two weeks in advance.
Check out the offers available from Dollar, Avis and Hertz. These are a few of the top providers at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
The coverage Dollar or another supplier offers for your Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport car hire can differ, so remember to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in BHM.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average $150 a day.
Close behind, this provider offers daily rates of around $158.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly $160 a day for one of their rentals.
The Intermediate rental category is a solid choice if you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need. It's also the most commonly booked car type at BHM.
Compare car hire types from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport rental car makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are good for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to couples and small families.
Large: Long drives fly by in this BHM car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport that makes light work of heavy loads. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your BHM car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Look into which add-ons could improve your trip when you rent a car in Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may rent vehicles to younger drivers at an extra cost, so carefully review the policies before finalizing your ride.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat requirements vary depending on where you are, and the best setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Check if you need to add one to your BHM car hire reservation.
You'll need some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Driving in the United States might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the right side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to drink, leave the driving to someone else or take another form of transport.
Drive smarter from the start
The real trip begins once you've collected the keys to your BHM car hire. You've got the freedom to explore wherever you like, but if you're headed to central Birmingham, it's around 6 kilometres away to the southwest.
Allow roughly 30 minutes to get from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to the city centre during peak hours.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
If you're not ready to take the wheel just yet, consider picking up a car hire in Birmingham instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it suits you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
You'll want to explore the major attractions in Birmingham before doing anything else. 16th Street Baptist Church and Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument are classics for any first-time visitor.
Tuscaloosa should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre and The University of Alabama Arboretum. This city is around 88 kilometres southwest of BHM.
Alternatively, grab the wheel of your Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport car hire and drive around 88 kilometres northeast to Gadsden. Featuring Noccalula Falls and Gadsden Downtown Historic District, there's no shortage of attractions that demand a visit.
Want to head even further out? Montgomery is a top road trip destination that's around 137 kilometres south of BHM. Civil Rights Memorial and Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church make perfect pit stops.
