How to find a cheap car hire deal in Birmingham (BHM)
Searching for a cheap Birmingham rental car? You're in just the right place. With prices averaging $117 a day, we compare the best deals so you can book easily, save more, and hit the road happy.
Daily rental prices at Birmingham start from just $54.
Making it more than a quick visit? Grab a weekly rental from $375 and take the time to discover more of Birmingham.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap BHM car hire. Book around two weeks before you travel to score the best price.
Dollar, Avis and Hertz are some of the top providers at Birmingham.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Birmingham car hire policy, whether with Dollar or another supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in BHM.
Skip the hidden fees by choosing a car hire in Birmingham with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and only pay for what you actually use.
Travel without limits by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at $87 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $143, this provider lands in second place.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly $152 a day for one of their rentals.
If you can't decide which ride is right for you, choose something from the Intermediate rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of vehicle at BHM.
Compare car hire types from Birmingham (BHM)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Birmingham rental car makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These nimble, fuel-efficient rides are good for city driving and short trips.
Medium: A dependable choice when you want something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.
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 option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Birmingham effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different BHM car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Birmingham by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for an additional fee, so always check the terms before finalizing your booking.
If you're bringing the kids along, check if you need to add a child car seat to your BHM car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll have to provide some documents when you collect the keys. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits are often about 40kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to drink, hand the keys to someone else or take another form of transport.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases and expenses throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash so you always have a backup option.
Drive smarter from the start
Buckle up and go once you've picked up your BHM car hire. Central Birmingham is around 6 kilometres to the southwest if that's the direction you're heading.
Allow roughly 30 minutes to travel from Birmingham to the city centre during rush hours.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.
Don't need a set of wheels right after landing? Think about picking up a car hire in Birmingham instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Birmingham (BHM)
You'll want to experience some of the top attractions in Birmingham before doing anything else. 16th Street Baptist Church and Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument are a great way to kick things off.
Around 88 kilometres southwest of BHM, Tuscaloosa belongs on your itinerary. Head to must-see sights like Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre and The University of Alabama Arboretum.
Alternatively, grab the wheel of your Birmingham car hire and travel roughly 88 kilometres northeast to Gadsden. Featuring Noccalula Falls and Lookout Mountain Parkway, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Why slow down now? Motor on to Montgomery, around 137 kilometres south of BHM. From Civil Rights Memorial to Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.
