Find the perfect rental in Birmingham in just a few clicks. Use the search tool above, enter “Birmingham, AL” as your pick-up (you can choose the city center or even the airport if you prefer), select your dates, and hit search. Our system will compare real-time deals from 100+ suppliers serving the Birmingham area, from national brands like Hertz and Budget to local companies with hidden gem deals. Once your results load, you can filter by vehicle type (maybe you need a compact for city driving, or a spacious SUV for a family trip to the mountains), by passenger capacity, or even by specific suppliers. We update availability continuously, so you’re always seeing the latest prices and options.
When you book with AirportVanRental, you’re also getting the advantage of our best price guarantee. Found a better rate for the same car and terms? Let us know, we’ll do our best to beat it. We want you to book with confidence, knowing you got a great deal.
Welcome to Birmingham, Alabama’s historic industrial hub turned modern renaissance city. As a major economic and cultural center of the Deep South, Birmingham (nicknamed “The Magic City” for its rapid growth in the early 20th century) offers a mix of rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, and easy access to the beauty of Alabama’s outdoors. Having a rental car in Birmingham is the best way to experience it all, from its famous Civil Rights District downtown to the rolling hills and state parks just outside the city.
AirportVanRental is your trusted OTA for finding cheap Birmingham car rentals that fit your needs. On this page, we’ll show you how to snag great deals, outline why a car is essential in this sprawling Southern city, and provide local tips so you can drive Birmingham’s roads like a pro. Our content here is crafted to match the top-quality you’d find on leading travel sites, so rest assured you’re getting a comprehensive guide.
Pro Tip: Birmingham’s public transit is limited (there’s no citywide rail, only buses with infrequent schedules). If you want to truly explore, whether it’s hopping between downtown museums and suburban barbeque joints or taking a day trip to the mountains, you’ll absolutely want a car. Luckily, Birmingham’s roads are well-maintained and traffic is moderate, making it a driver-friendly city.
Birmingham is a city where having your own set of wheels can vastly improve your visit. Here’s why renting a car in Birmingham is a smart move:
Our Birmingham Car Rental Benefits
Choosing AirportVanRental for your Birmingham booking means you’re getting more than just a car, you’re getting our commitment to a smooth, value-packed rental experience. Here’s how we make renting in Birmingham better:
In short, we’ve tailored our Birmingham offerings to meet the needs of all travelers, from the solo business visitor to a big family on vacation. We want you to love not just the destination, but the journey.
Birmingham Car Rental Deals
(Pricing note: “From” rates are based on recent averages for rentals in Birmingham; they exclude the 10% rental tax and any applicable fees, which we show in your final quote. Alabama’s peak travel times, like spring break or holidays, can affect prices, for instance, around college football season, demand can spike if there’s a big game at nearby Tuscaloosa or Auburn. Conversely, you can often snag great deals in off-peak months. Always enter your specific dates to see the most accurate prices. And remember, booking early typically gives you more choices and better rates!)
Driving in Birmingham, Alabama, What to Expect
Driving in Birmingham is generally a pleasant experience, the city is less congested than many metros, and roads are well signed. Still, being prepared will help you navigate like a local. Here are some Birmingham driving tips and things to know:
Traffic & Rush Hour: Birmingham’s rush hours are modest compared to larger cities, but you will see slowdowns on key routes. Morning rush is roughly 6:30–9:00 AM, and evening rush 4:00–6:30 PM. The busiest corridors tend to be I-65 (north-south through the city), I-20/59 (which run concurrently through downtown, connecting to I-459 beltway), and Highway 280 (which is a major artery southeast of downtown toward Mountain Brook, Homewood, and beyond). Highway 280 in particular is notorious locally for heavy traffic and many traffic lights as you go out toward the suburbs, if you’re heading out that way (for example, to The Summit shopping center or farther to Lake Martin), try to avoid peak times, or use alternatives like I-459 to bypass some of it. Downtown itself can get a bit busy around the hospitals (UAB area) and financial center at rush hour, but nothing too scary, maybe a few cycles of a traffic light at worst. Use a GPS app to check for any accidents (especially on I-20/59 which had major reconstruction completed recently, but an accident can still slow things). In general, plan a little extra time during rush hours, but you likely won’t be sitting too long.
Navigation & Layout: Birmingham’s city center has a regular grid in many areas (streets often numbered or in straightforward east-west, north-south orientation), but it also has hills and ridges. Red Mountain cuts across the south of downtown. As you drive, you’ll notice some steep grades, like on 20th Street South heading over the mountain. Don’t worry, all paved and manageable even for small cars, just be aware in heavy rain to be cautious on steeper roads. The city has a mix of interstate highways: I-65 (runs N-S through downtown), I-59/20 (runs SW-NE through downtown then east toward Atlanta as I-20 and north toward Gadsden/Chattanooga as I-59). There’s also I-459, a bypass loop on the south/east of the city, useful if you’re going from I-20 (toward Atlanta) around to I-59 north or I-65 south without cutting through downtown. One notable quirk: a few interchanges downtown are tricky, like where I-20/59 meets I-65, just pay attention to signage or your GPS well in advance, as multiple lanes diverge (the recent rebuild improved this, but it can still be sudden).
Local Driving Habits: Alabamians are generally polite drivers but like anywhere, you’ll encounter speeders and the occasional abrupt lane changer. The speed limit on interstates around Birmingham is usually 60 mph near downtown, and 70 mph farther out, but many drivers do go 5-10 mph over. Keep with the flow and you’ll be fine. Use your turn signals (blinkers), courtesy is appreciated here. In residential neighborhoods, watch for lower speed limits (25 mph common). And a Southern caution: when it rains, roads can be slick (especially after a dry spell due to oil buildup), so slow down a bit during summer thunderstorms to avoid hydroplaning.
Parking in the City: Birmingham has plenty of parking. Downtown has both metered street parking and parking decks. Street parking is often free on evenings and weekends (check the signs). Meters, where present, might run until 6 PM on weekdays. The typical cost is modest, around $1 per hour. If you’re visiting the Civil Rights District (16th Street Baptist Church, etc.), there’s street parking and some free lots around. For areas like Five Points South (a popular dining/entertainment district), you’ll find street spots and a nearby public deck. At attractions like the Birmingham Zoo or Botanical Gardens, there are dedicated free parking lots. Same for Barber Motorsports Museum, free lot. Uptown around the BJCC (convention center and Legacy Arena) has garages that charge event rates (maybe $10) during big events, but otherwise are inexpensive. Neighborhoods: Places like Avondale or Lakeview (with breweries and restaurants) have free street parking on side streets, just be mindful of any residential permit signs (not too common in Birmingham except maybe near some university areas). Overall, you shouldn’t struggle to park; just avoid parking in clearly marked no-parking zones or blocking driveways (the usual common sense). And unlike some larger cities, Birmingham does not have widespread aggressive ticketing, as long as you follow posted rules, you’re unlikely to get a ticket or boot.
Road Rules & Laws: Alabama’s driving laws will feel familiar to anyone used to U.S. driving. A few highlights:
Weather & Driving: Birmingham has a mild climate most of the year, but summers are hot/humid and can bring sudden thunderstorms. If you see dark clouds rolling in on a summer afternoon, be prepared for heavy rain, turn on your headlights (it’s the law in rain) and slow down. These downpours are usually brief, but intense; avoid driving through flooded areas (when in doubt, wait it out, the water usually drains quickly). Winters are generally mild (daytime highs around 50°F), but once in a while (maybe once or twice a year) Birmingham gets a little snow or ice. The city isn’t as equipped for snow as northern cities, so if roads do ice over, things can get messy (remember the news about “Alabama ice storm traffic jam” a few years back?). If you’re visiting in the rare event of winter weather advisories, consider delaying driving until roads are clear, locals often just stay put for a day since it usually melts quickly. Spring and fall are gorgeous driving seasons, just watch out for wet leaves on the road in fall which can be slick, and in spring keep an eye on weather alerts, as the region can occasionally have severe weather (tornado watches, etc.). But the likelihood of that affecting your trip is low; it’s just good to be aware.
Navigation Tip: Birmingham’s street naming can be a bit confusing at first because of the quadrant system. You’ll notice similar street names repeating with different directional suffixes (e.g., 1st Ave North vs 1st Ave South). Downtown is divided by an “intersection” of Railroad Park/Tracks for north/south and 20th Street for east/west, roughly. So make sure you head to, say, 1st Ave South if that’s your destination, not North. A GPS will sort this out for you, but double-check an address’s quadrant (N, S, E, W) to avoid ending up at a similarly named spot across town.
All in all, driving in Birmingham is fairly straightforward and, dare we say, enjoyable. You’ll likely appreciate the lack of heavy traffic and the rolling scenery on the outskirts. And with these tips, you’ll feel prepared for anything the Magic City’s roads throw at you.
Popular Road Trips from Birmingham, AL
One huge perk of renting a car in Birmingham is the ability to embark on some awesome road trips. Alabama and its neighboring states are filled with destinations that are an easy drive away. We’ve identified three popular routes (based on traveler interest and search trends) to consider for a memorable trip out of Birmingham:
Of course, there are plenty of other road trip possibilities from Birmingham. A few more ideas: New Orleans is about 5.5 hours southwest (for jazz and beignets), Nashville is ~3 hours north (country music capital), and Destin, FL (in the Florida Panhandle) is about 4 hours south for another beach option. Even a short drive to Cheaha State Park (Alabama’s highest point, ~1.5 hours east) makes a great day outing for panoramic views and hiking.
With your Birmingham rental car, the South is your oyster. We’ve covered some of the most popular routes that people search for and love, but feel free to blaze your own trail. And if you need more inspiration, check out our blog or Google “road trips from Birmingham”, you’ll find lots of travelogues and suggestions. We’re all about enabling your adventure with a reliable car and great rate!
Quick-Reference: Birmingham Driving & Rental Info
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome! Southern hospitality extends to the roads too (well, mostly). A few etiquette pointers: • Wave/Thank You: In Alabama, if someone lets you in or gives you right of way, a little wave of thanks is common and appreciated. • School Buses: As mentioned, never pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights, it’s considered very rude (and illegal). People are protective of kids’ safety here, understandably. • Left Lane on Interstates: It’s meant for passing. If you find yourself cruising slower, it’s polite to move right and let faster cars overtake on the left. Left-lane lingering, especially under the speed limit, might get you some annoyed looks or a flash of headlights. • At Four-Way Stops: Don’t be overly timid, if it’s your turn, go. Sometimes overly polite stand-offs (“No, you go… no, you go”) can cause confusion. Usually, folks follow the rules, but if someone waves you on, give a quick wave back and go. • Merging: In heavy merge areas (like where I-20/59 merges near downtown), try the zipper merge approach, one car from each lane alternating. And if someone is signaling to merge in front of you, if you can safely let them in, do so (and they’ll likely wave). • Honking: We’re not NYC, a honk is relatively rare and usually only if someone’s truly not paying attention or it’s urgent. Don’t take it personally if you get honked at (maybe the light turned green and you were daydreaming), just give a friendly wave “oops” and move on. Drive with a smile, enjoy the experience, and don’t hesitate to ask locals for directions if needed (though GPS has you covered, sometimes locals know shortcuts). Birmingham is a friendly city, and that extends to drivers more often than not. Enjoy your time exploring it by car!
To get the absolute best deal, consider these tips: • Book Early: Rates often go up as the pick-up date nears, especially during high-demand times (spring break, summer, holidays, big event weekends like college graduations). Reserving weeks or a couple months in advance can lock in lower prices. Remember, with free cancellation, there’s little risk, you can always cancel if you find a better deal later. • Be Flexible with Location: Check both airport and city locations. Sometimes, downtown locations might have cheaper rates if they have lower demand. Conversely, the airport might run a promo with more inventory. On our site, you can compare both easily. For example, if you’re flying in but staying downtown, you might compare picking up at BHM vs. taking a quick Uber to a downtown branch the next morning if it saves money. Just weigh the savings vs. hassle. • Vehicle Size vs. Price: Don’t always assume economy will be cheapest. If a lot of people are renting compacts, the price can actually be higher than a mid-size. We’ve seen midsize or even SUVs on special go for less than compact at times. So when you search, look at all vehicle classes, you might score a larger car for the same price or less. • Use any Membership Discounts: If you have AAA, AARP, military, student discounts, etc., many rental companies honor them. AirportVanRental already factors many of those deals in our rates, but it never hurts to mention or apply them. Sometimes you can add coupon codes when you book or show a membership card at pick-up for an extra driver fee waiver, etc. • Avoid Upsells You Don’t Need: The counter agent might offer upgrades or add-ons (GPS, toll pass, etc.). If you’re watching budget, you can politely decline. Use your smartphone for GPS and consider if you truly need that rental GPS or SiriusXM radio. However, if they offer a bigger car for free or a nominal amount and you want it, that can be a value, just be clear on any cost. • Refuel Yourself: Always better to refill the gas before returning than to pay the rental company’s per-gallon price (which can be double the pump price). So plan a stop at a gas station near return. In Birmingham, gas stations are plentiful (airport area included). • Check for Weekly Rates: If you need a car 5 or more days, sometimes a weekly rate (7-day) can be cheaper than a 5- or 6-day rate. Strange, but true. If you’re close to the next tier, see if extending a day lowers the average rate. And if you need say 8 days, compare a 7-day + 1-day separate booking vs. 8-day on one contract, but keep in mind you’d have to possibly swap cars if separate bookings. Often the weekly will already account for it, but it’s something our support can help with if needed. By comparing and using these strategies, you’ll position yourself to snag a bargain. AirportVanRental is designed to help with that by aggregating the lowest prices for you. And remember, sometimes spending a tiny bit more for a much better experience (like a slightly bigger car for comfort on a long drive) is worth it, balance cost with value to suit your needs.
We covered a lot in the driving section, but here are a couple quick-fire local quirks: • U-Turns: Generally legal in Alabama if done safely (and not signed otherwise). Birmingham has some wide roads where U-turns at lights are common (to get to opposite direction on a divided highway like Highway 280). • Weather Sirens: Birmingham (and many AL communities) have tornado sirens. If you hear a loud siren wail while driving (especially in spring), it means there’s a tornado warning in the area. Not a “rule,” but if it happens, probably wise to seek shelter. Gas stations or underpass (parked) are better than being in motion. It’s rare on a given trip, but just a heads up. • Four-Way Stops: In more residential areas, if traffic lights are out (like after a storm) or if you come to four-way stop signs, remember the rule: first come, first go; if tied, yield to the driver on your right. People are usually polite about it here. • College Football Saturdays: If you’re driving outside Birmingham on fall Saturdays, be aware of potentially heavy traffic to Tuscaloosa (UA, about 1 hour west on I-20/59) or Auburn (2 hours southeast on I-65/I-85) during game days. Birmingham itself might not be affected, but if you plan a side trip on those days, just note game traffic patterns (and lots of vehicles flying flags of their team!). In Birmingham, Legion Field or Protective Stadium events (UAB Blazers games, etc.) can cause local congestion for an hour or so. Overall, Birmingham doesn’t throw many curveballs at drivers. It’s a “what you expect” kind of place to drive. Stay alert, follow normal traffic laws, and you’ll be just fine.
At Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport (BHM), rental car counters typically have hours that align with flight schedules. Many are open from early morning (5 or 6 AM) until late (10 or 11 PM). If you arrive after hours, a few companies may have arrangements, for example, Avis/Budget might have after-hour service where you go to their parking garage office if the counter is closed, or some allow picking up at an off-hour with prior notice. But generally, if your flight arrives super late (say midnight), check the hours of your chosen rental location. You might need to wait until morning if it’s completely closed. For returns, BHM allows after-hours drop-off: you park in the return lot and drop keys in a secure drop box. The airport is staffed 24/7 security-wise, so it’s safe to do so. If you’re renting from a city (non-airport) location, their hours will likely be standard business hours (e.g., 8 AM, 5 PM weekdays, maybe a half day on Saturday, closed Sunday). In that case, you’d need to pick up/return when they’re open, there’s usually a drop box for after-hour return, but confirm with that branch. Summed up: Airport, better coverage for early/late, but check specifics; city locations, plan around their schedule or arrange drop box returns if available. Always allow extra time if catching a flight, don’t cut it too close with a last-minute return; give yourself at least an hour before your flight for car return and shuttle (at BHM, though, the rental car drop is right at terminal so it’s quick).
Yes. Unlimited mileage rentals from Alabama typically allow travel to any neighboring states (and usually anywhere in the U.S.). There is no border stopping you at Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, etc. Rental agreements in the Southeast often mention allowed driving area as the continental U.S. (sometimes Canada too). Just ask or check the terms if you plan to go very far, but generally, a Birmingham rental can be driven throughout the South. One thing: if you intend to drive into Mexico, that is not allowed with U.S. rental cars without special arrangement (and Mexico-specific insurance). But within the U.S., you’re fine. Some companies like to be informed if you’ll go far (e.g., driving to New York or California, mostly for maintenance tracking), but there’s no additional fee for out-of-state. The only thing to watch is one-way, if you aren’t returning to Birmingham, you need a one-way reservation (see below). But if it’s a round trip, go ahead and explore beyond Alabama. For instance, many folks rent in Birmingham and road trip up to the Smoky Mountains, over to the Mississippi Delta, or down to Florida, all on one rental. Enjoy the freedom!
Not really. Birmingham and Alabama in general have very few toll roads. In the Birmingham metro, there are no toll highways. The only tolls in Alabama are minor ones like the Emerald Mountain Expressway near Montgomery and a couple of beach-area bridge tolls near Gulf Shores (the Beach Express bridge), none of which you’re likely to encounter unless you stray onto them. If you plan a trip into Florida or Georgia: Florida has turnpikes and toll roads (like around Orlando or Florida Panhandle’s Highway 293 Mid-Bay Bridge), and Georgia has some express lanes in Atlanta that charge tolls. If you think you’ll hit those, talk to your rental company about a toll transponder or program. Many rental cars come with SunPass/PlatePass devices that you can opt to activate. In Alabama itself, it’s very likely you won’t pay any tolls on your routes. Should you accidentally take a toll road in another state without a transponder, you’ll get billed via the license plate, the rental company will charge your card later with a service fee. So, better to either avoid toll roads or opt-in to the rental’s toll program if your trip includes toll-heavy areas. To reiterate: Birmingham local area, no tolls, drive worry-free. We’ll let you know at pick-up about any toll options for longer trips.