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Birmingham car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65
Fri 02.08
Fri 09.08

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Cheap car rentals in Birmingham

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Economy
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Compact
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Intermediate car
Intermediate
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Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
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Luxury car
Luxury
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Minivan car
Minivan
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Passenger van car
Passenger van
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Commercial
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Pickup truck car
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KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Birmingham

  • Getting around Birmingham will be easier for you with a rental car, and best of all, you’ll be able to travel on your own schedule. With a rental car in Birmingham, you can easily take trips to towns like Guntersville, a lakeside town about 75 miles north of Birmingham, where you can fish, hike, and do some bird-watching. In your rental car, you'll also want to consider a drive to Talladega County, where you can visit the Talladega Speedway and the Desoto Caverns. The city of Talladega is about a 45-minute drive from the airport and 55 miles from downtown Birmingham.
  • The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) has its own rental car facility. Here you can rent a car from several different car-rental agencies, including Enterprise, Hertz, and National. To rent a car at the airport, you'll go to the airport's parking deck, which is right beside the taxi, shuttle, and limo pick-up areas. Having only one terminal, the airport is small enough for you to walk there in no time. The Birmingham car rentals at the airport are located in section 1B on the ground level of the parking deck. You will both pick up and return your rental car to this same area of the airport.
  • When driving past construction zones in Alabama, be extra careful. Alabama state law requires motorists to move over to the lane farthest away from the construction worker(s) for added safety. Also, all passengers in the vehicle, front or back, must wear a seat belt at all times.
  • Traffic congestion is not a big problem in Birmingham. This is true even during rush hour. However, if you're driving between 7am and 9am or between 4pm and 7pm, you might want to avoid Interstate 20/59. Also, be aware that during these times, you could experience traffic delays if there is construction or a car accident.
  • Book your rental car in Birmingham at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard rental cars in Birmingham are around 25% cheaper than other car types, on average

Birmingham car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Birmingham 
Verified travelerSep 2023
I went to visit a friend in Northport-Tuscaloosa and only picked up and returned the car to get off and on my flights. It would be nice to have a built-in GPS in the cars and that all cars, if possible have a cigarette lighter to plug in their own GPS s like I had to do. I have no smartphone and it would be dangerous for me, as the sole person in the vehicle, to have to look at a Smartphone and map to get to my destination.
SamSep 2023
Traffic was pretty bad going through BHM on I-59/I-20. Try to avoid rush hour. We had a 10 minute delay due to a wreck. Plan for extra time to get through the traffic.
THOMASOct 2023
PICK YOUR CAR UP EARLY!
Verified travelerAug 2023
It is a busy place so be prepared to be flexible and be patient. The employees are very helpful and kind, but I always expect a hiccup or two because of the volume of cars and people flowing in and out of BHM who need rentals.
Verified travelerAug 2023
Try to avoid peak times like 5 p.m. pickup. More traffic is on the road and may be challenging depending on the traffic.
Verified travelerJun 2023
it was fine- would do again but only bc it was the cheapest
TommyAug 2023
Make sure you have an actual credit card

FAQs about renting a car in Birmingham

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Birmingham?

    Would you like to enjoy a scenic drive through the back roads and mountains of Alabama while on vacation? If this is your plan, make it more fun and safe by renting an SUV or a car with four-wheel drive to make it easier to drive on gravel roads or rough terrain. Because it’s typically very hot in Alabama during the summer months, you’ll want to rent a standard or intermediate-size car to give everyone room to spread out. Alabama can also get a lot of rain. If you’re traveling during the rainy seasons, an all-wheel-drive vehicle would be ideal for keeping traction on slick roads.

  • What’s the speed limit in Birmingham?

    The speed limit on major highways in Birmingham is 65-75mph. When driving in residential areas in your Birmingham rental car, you’ll notice that the speed limit decreases to a maximum of 35mph or even as low as 25mph. Be aware that there are traffic cameras on many highways in and around Birmingham.

  • Where are the best places to park in Birmingham?

    Parking can be hard to find in the downtown area. This is especially true on weekdays during business hours. For parking, there are five city-owned parking decks, located on Pierce Street, Park Street, Peabody Street, and N. Old Woodward Avenue. When you park in one of these parking decks, parking is free for the first 2h. If you want to park for the entire day, you can expect to pay around $10.

  • How much is gas price in Birmingham?

    The average gas price in Birmingham is ₪13.96 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between ₪167 and ₪223, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Birmingham?

    Standard (Nissan Rogue or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Birmingham.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Birmingham?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does a Standard car rental cost in Birmingham?

    A Standard car rental in Birmingham costs ₪261 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Mini car rental cost in Birmingham?

    A Mini car rental in Birmingham costs ₪465 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Birmingham?

    An Intermediate car rental in Birmingham costs ₪259 per day, on average.

Birmingham car rental reviews and directory

Budget

6.8

Best rated

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

7.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.7

Value for money

6.6

4 locations in Birmingham

Show locations

Locations in Birmingham

2301 Third Avenue South

+1 205 322 3598

Monday07:30 - 16:30
Tuesday07:30 - 16:30
Wednesday07:30 - 16:30
Thursday07:30 - 16:30
Friday07:30 - 16:30

450 Cahaba Park Circle

+1 205 552 1515

Monday07:30 - 16:30
Tuesday07:30 - 16:30
Wednesday07:30 - 16:30
Thursday07:30 - 16:30
Friday07:30 - 16:30

5344 Messer Airport Highway

+1 205 322 3596

Monday06:00 - 22:00
Tuesday06:00 - 22:00
Wednesday06:00 - 22:00
Thursday06:00 - 22:00
Friday06:00 - 22:00
Saturday06:00 - 22:00
Sunday06:00 - 22:00

5900 Messer Airport Highway

+1 205 322 3596

Monday06:00 - 22:00
Tuesday06:00 - 22:00
Wednesday06:00 - 22:00
Thursday06:00 - 22:00
Friday06:00 - 22:00
Saturday06:00 - 22:00
Sunday06:00 - 22:00

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2024

KAYAK
Thank y’all very much

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2024

KAYAK
Staff was amazing and car was perfect!

8.0 Very good

Jan 2024

KAYAK
What I like was that they were able to switch from one to another because I came to wrong Budget.

2.0 Poor

Oct 2022

KAYAK
The car was filthy and not clean when I picked it up. It seemed heavily of smoke and gas fumes. The fee was astronomical and the representative would not change it to the government rate, even though I showed them the paperwork.

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2022

KAYAK
Very clean vehicle great person who rented to us

2.0 Poor

Sep 2022

KAYAK
We made a reservation for a truck & made the rental request a week in advance. When we got there to pick up the vehicle, no trucks. They offered us a small SUV which would not fulfill our needs. They gave us no other options. If I had wanted a small SUV, I would have requested that from the options menu.

1 out of 10

Avis

5.6

Cleanliness

5.8

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.7

Value for money

5.9

2 locations in Birmingham

Show locations

Locations in Birmingham

3439 Colonnade Parkway Ste 700

+1 205 991 6201

Monday09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
Thursday09:00 - 17:00
Friday09:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 12:00

5900 Messer Airport Highway

+1 205 599 0685

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday08:00 - 12:00
Sunday08:00 - 12:00

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Nov 2023

KAYAK
Hidden fees and charges not in the agreement. Double the quoted cost

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2023

KAYAK
In my opinion, I would not recommend to anyone a different car rental place than Avis. I dealt with enterprise a lot They don't care about your opinion. And they try to nickel and dine you to death Also, they try to blittle you. They make you feel uncomfortable and at.Avis, always had the better deals. Cleaner cars and great staff.

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2022

KAYAK
Check in and check out was easy. There was a car waiting for me and it was even nicer than I reserved!

2.0 Poor

Oct 2022

KAYAK
Horrible experience. No car received.

2.0 Poor

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Drop off was quick but it looked like both the workers at the booth wanted to be anywhere other then there.

Cons:

It took awhile to pick up the car because the front desk was understaffed. The vehicle smelled heavily of smoke the interior driver and passenger side doors where cut up and the seats were stained and filthy. The front windshield had two big chips in it and there were scratches all over the vehicle. Lastly, someone took the floor mats out of the vehicle and never returned them. I will NEVER RENT FROM AVIS AGAIN and I strongly suggest you don’t either.

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

The only issue I had was finding your office. Once I found it - the service was fast and helpful.

1 out of 17

Hertz

5.1

Cleanliness

6.2

Comfort

5.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.3

Value for money

5.4

5 locations in Birmingham

Show locations

Locations in Birmingham

2508 5th Ave S

+1 205 320 2533

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00

2508 5th Avenue S

+1 205 320 2533

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00

4851 65th Place N

Opening times not available

5406 Highway 280 E Ste D105

+1 205 980 9271

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00

5900 Messer Airport Hwy

+1 205 591 6090

Monday07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:00
Friday07:00 - 23:00
Saturday07:00 - 23:00
Sunday07:00 - 23:00

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Jul 2024

KAYAK
The Kayak reservation I made was intended to be for pickup at the Birmingham airport. Once at the Hertz counter at the BHM airport after a long wait in line, I was told that the address was another location and I would have to get myself there via taxi/uber. I called to confirm, but they had given away my reserved car and had no more available. I took another hour to rent from the airport Hertz counter at twice the price of my original Kayak reservation. I am very disappointed with both Kayak and Hertz for the miscommunication throughout the process, and will be asking for a refund.

2.0 Poor

Jan 2024

KAYAK
I came to the Hertz location as stipulated in advance. They told me the car would be ready in two hours. I left and came back in two hours. Then, they told me the car doesn’t exist and that I’d have to go to the Pelham office, a 30 minute drive away. I had to pay for an Uber to get there. They then didn’t care about the situation. Completely unacceptable to make a booking and then not have the car at the agrees upon time. No attempt was made to contact me to tell me there was no care despite my existing reservation.

4.0 Mediocre

Oct 2023

KAYAK
NEVER ANY CARS FOR LATE NIGHT PICK UP. EVERYTIME PICK UP A CAR THERE IS A LONG WAIT.

2.0 Poor

Oct 2023

KAYAK
Upon arrival I was told no cars were available I ended up taking a 14 hour bus and cost me an additional 250 dollars because of this I have been a kayak user for years and I will not use in future because it’s not a reliable source

2.0 Poor

Sep 2023

KAYAK
Got there and they stated they did not have any cars

2.0 Poor

Nov 2022

KAYAK
Called 20 mins before time of pickup and said they didn't have any cars, even though rate said guaranteed and was paid for in advance. Asked local office when they might have a car for my employee and they said, try back in 4-5 days! umm. no, bud that won't work!

1 out of 19

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.3

Very good

22 reviews

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.2

Value for money

8.0

10 locations in Birmingham

Show locations

Locations in Birmingham

1230 Inverness Cors

+1 205 991 6222

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2325 5th Ave N

+1 205 323 4446

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday12:00 - 15:00

2509 Ensley Ave

+1 205 786 3868

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2551 John Hawkins Pkwy

+1 205 823 4446

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2728 4th Avenue South

+1 205 326 6555

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

3328 Old Columbiana Rd

+1 205 823 4446

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday12:00 - 15:00

400 Palisades Blvd

+1 205 414 9393

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

4704 Cahaba River Rd Ste J

+1 205 991 6222

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

5900 Messer Airport Hwy

+1 833 886 0848

Monday07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:00
Friday07:00 - 23:00
Saturday07:00 - 23:00
Sunday07:00 - 23:00

9709 Parkway E Ste G

+1 205 838 4979

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2024

KAYAK
Laila and Jay got us in and out so quickly! Very professional and answered all of the questions we had. We’ll definitely be back!

10.0 Wonderful

Jun 2024

KAYAK
Kayla was very courteous and professional

6.0 Okay

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

They over charged me at the counter than actuall deal which was online very disappointed

2.0 Poor

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

NOTHING! ENTERPRISE IS TERRIBLE

Cons:

THEY OVERGHARGED MY CARD BY $275!!!!!

5.6 Fair

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Car wasn’t ready at expected time. Delayed by 45+ minutes waiting for car to be cleaned.

4.8 Mediocre

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

staff was friendly

Cons:

car had been smoked in, gas tank was not on full

1 out of 5

Alamo

8.1

Very good

26 reviews

Cleanliness

7.9

Comfort

8.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.2

Value for money

8.2

One location in Birmingham

Show locations

Locations in Birmingham

5900 Messer Airport Hwy

+1 833 886 0850

Monday07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:00
Friday07:00 - 23:00
Saturday07:00 - 23:00
Sunday07:00 - 23:00

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Reviews

8.0 Very good

Jun 2024

KAYAK
Pick up with amazing super helpful. Though in the end, there was never anything in the car that said Alamo. So when I went to drop off, I couldn’t remember which brand I had used so I had to look that up and at the airport that we dropped off at there was literally no direction and no attendant to help, I think it’s an airport issue, but it was confusing . And then I never received a final invoice via email like they said.

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2023

KAYAK
Blake, our check-in attendant, was excellent.

10.0 Wonderful

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Drop off was great - quick and easy and rep was polite.

Cons:

Had to ask the rep at pick up to note the obvious vehicle damage onto my rental contract.

10.0 Wonderful

Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff both departing and returning were great. Needed Suv and was given as promised

Cons:

The only negative was there were no floor mats or paper sheet covers for the interior floorboard. The place I was going was rural and muddy, so I had to constantly lay down towels or garbage bags to keep the interior floor carpet clean.

8.0 Very good

Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Easy drop off

Cons:

Slight delay at pickup

2.0 Poor

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Car was smoked in

1 out of 4

Thrifty

7.6

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.0

Value for money

7.6

2 locations in Birmingham

Show locations

Locations in Birmingham

2508 5th Avenue South

+1 205 320 2533

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00

5600 Airline Drive

+1 877 283 0898

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday08:00 - 12:00
Sunday08:00 - 12:00

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Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

A REFUND ON MY CANCELLATION

10.0 Wonderful

Jun 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

staff was very friendly and helpful - even to recommend a place to have lunch

9.6 Wonderful

Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was very helpful.

Cons:

Reduce the different location drop off fee.

1 out of 2

Dollar

7.6

Cleanliness

7.9

Comfort

7.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.4

Value for money

7.2

One location in Birmingham

Show locations

Locations in Birmingham

5600 Airline Drive

+1 866 434 2226

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday08:00 - 12:00
Sunday08:00 - 12:00

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Reviews

8.0 Very good

May 2024

KAYAK
Staff at pickup was slow, but nice when finally got to counter. Staff at drop off was excellent. Vehicle was good.

10.0 Wonderful

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Competent staff.

Cons:

Price has gone up substantially in the past year.

10.0 Wonderful

May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

They need to stay open later for late flight arrivals. Otherwise, great experience!

10.0 Wonderful

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was friendly and courteous. Drop off was super easy.

Cons:

I didn't get the car quoted, but I had a very good substitution. I realize what one wants is not always available at the time.

2.0 Poor

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Not enough staff working. Waited an hour in line for a rental I had reserved several weeks in advance. Additionally, I was double charge. I am currently working on how to correct this.

Cons:

Better speed on processing customers. Better billing system.

8.0 Very good

Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Pick up and drop off was easy and the staff was friendly and helpful

Cons:

We scheduled our pick up but when we got the it was closed for the night so we had to find a ride to our hotel and a return ride to pick it up the next day. Also the car had been smoked in.

1 out of 7

National

6.0

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

6.0

One location in Birmingham

Show locations

Locations in Birmingham

5900 Messer Airport Hwy

+1 833 886 0849

Monday07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday07:00 - 23:00
Thursday07:00 - 23:00
Friday07:00 - 23:00
Saturday07:00 - 23:00
Sunday07:00 - 23:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2022

KAYAK
More people at the check out I mean less waiting period at the counter or a self check out booth

1 out of 1

Payless

5.5

Cleanliness

6.3

Comfort

6.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.3

Value for money

6.5

One location in Birmingham

Show locations

Locations in Birmingham

5900 Messer Airport Hwy

+1 205 591 7020

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday08:00 - 12:00
Sunday08:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Newer car and clean

Cons:

The Payless was closed and Avis had many issues with the Initial rental

8.4 Very good

Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Pickup counter was a challenge, drop-off was easy

Cons:

Better integration with Avis

6.0 Okay

Mar 2023

KAYAK
The vehicle I rented was in rough shape. The brakes weren't working well and it had body damage on it. Customer service was good at pickup.

2.0 Poor

Jun 2022

KAYAK
The van was broken. Windshield had black tape and flap with noise throughout the trip. The van was flithy when I picked it up.

2.0 Poor

Feb 2022

KAYAK
The car smelled of smoke to the point that we had to keep the windows open the entire time we had the vehicle.

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2021

KAYAK
The rental from BHM airport was simple. The minivan was just what we needed

1 out of 4

Easirent

No score available yet

One location in Birmingham

Show locations

Locations in Birmingham

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Birmingham

Show locations

Locations in Birmingham

5900 Messer Airport Hwy

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

280 travelers who rented a car in Birmingham gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6.5

Car rental locations in or near Birmingham

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a rental car in Birmingham

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches

Birmingham car rental information

Pick-up locationBirmingham
Car types
Rental locations29
Airport locations11