Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) Car Rental, Smooth Rides from Alabama’s Busiest Airport

Welcome to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Alabama! Whether you’re flying into Birmingham for business, visiting family, or starting a Southern Road trip, renting a car at BHM is the ideal way to begin your journey. BHM is conveniently located just 5 miles northeast of downtown Birmingham, and its compact size means getting from plane to car is a breeze. By choosing AirportVanRental to book your Birmingham Airport car rental, you’ll enjoy a wide selection of vehicles, competitive prices, and the assurance of dealing with a trusted OTA that puts travelers first.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about renting a car at BHM: from the quick pick-up process and our exclusive benefits to tips for driving in the Birmingham area and exciting road trips you can embark on straight from the airport. We’ve benchmarked the quality of this content to industry leaders (like Expedia’s guides) and then some, ensuring you have all the info to make your rental experience top-notch and SEO-optimized to find exactly what you need.

Pro Tip: Birmingham Airport is relatively small, so you won’t face endless walking or shuttle rides to get your rental, all major rental companies operate on-site in the parking deck. This means after you land, you can be in your rental car and on I-20/59 heading downtown or

Opting to rent a car right from BHM airport comes with several advantages that can elevate your trip:

• Immediate Mobility: After a flight, the last thing you may want is to navigate an unfamiliar bus system or pay for a long rideshare. By renting at the airport, you can step off the plane and into your own vehicle. Birmingham’s attractions and suburbs are spread out, so having a car from the get-go saves you time and hassle. Land, grab keys, and you’re on your way, no waiting for someone to pick you up.
• No Shuttles Required: At many airports, you have to take a shuttle to a remote rental car center. Not at BHM! The rental car facility is right on-site, in the parking deck attached to the terminal. That means once you collect your luggage, you simply walk a short distance to the rental area, no extra transfers. This convenience is a big plus, especially if you have lots of luggage or kids in tow.
• Better Vehicle Selection: Airport locations typically have larger fleets and more vehicle types available than small city branches. Need a minivan or a 12-passenger van? The airport is more likely to have it ready. Looking for a specific model or a luxury car? You’ll have more choices. Because BHM serves travelers from everywhere, the rental companies stock a bit of everything here.
• Flexible Hours: The airport rental desks are open extended hours, often aligning with flight schedules (early morning to late night). If you have a late arrival or an early flight, the airport rental offices are ready to serve you. City locations often close by 5 or 6 PM and may not be open on Sundays, BHM counters are usually staffed from the first to last flight of the day. That means if your flight is delayed until 11 PM, you can still get your car that night.
• Competitive Rates & One-Stop Shopping: Renting at the airport can be cost-effective when you factor in convenience. Yes, there are some airport fees, but by using AirportVanRental’s comparison, you might find an airport special rate that’s as good as (or better than) off-airport. Also, if Birmingham is just your starting point and you’ll be driving to another city and flying out elsewhere, an airport rental makes one-way trips easy, rental companies at BHM can facilitate drop-offs at other airports.

In short, renting at Birmingham Airport is about convenience, choice, and freedom. You’ll hit the ground running, literally, and be free to explore Alabama on your own terms. Whether you’re here to delve into Birmingham’s civil rights history, attend a conference at the BJCC, or kick off a road trip through the South, starting with a rental car from BHM sets you up for success.

Our BHM Car Rental Advantages (Why Book with AirportVanRental)

When you rent through AirportVanRental at BHM, you’re harnessing a number of benefits tailored to give you a superior experience:

• Fast & Easy Pick-Up: We’ve streamlined the reservation so that all your details are sent to the rental company ahead of time. This often means less paperwork at the counter. Some suppliers even allow you to check-in online in advance. Plus, since BHM’s rental center is on-site, you can go from baggage claim to the driver’s seat in minutes. We also recommend providing your flight number when booking, this helps the rental staff track your arrival (so if you’re late, they typically hold your car). We do everything we can to make the pick-up quick and frictionless.
• Best Rate Guarantee at BHM: The Birmingham Airport rental market can be competitive, and we leverage that to your advantage. By aggregating all the deals, we often secure lower rates than you’ll find elsewhere. If any special promotions are running (say Hertz has a weekend sale, or Budget offers a free day on weeklies), those reflect in our listings. We’re confident in our pricing, in fact, if you were to find a better publicly available rate for the same rental, let us know; we’ll try to match or beat it. We want AirportVanRental to be your go-to for the cheapest BHM rentals without sacrificing quality.
• Wide Vehicle Selection (Including Vans & Specialty): Through us, you have access not just to standard cars, but also the specialty fleet at BHM. Birmingham’s airport often has vehicles like pickup trucks, 12-15 passenger vans, premium SUVs, and luxury sedans that smaller locations might not carry. And because our name is Airport Van Rental, we pay special attention to van availability, a big plus if you’ve got a church group or a big family vacation. We ensure those larger vehicles are visible in your search results (and at great prices). In short, whatever wheels you need, chances are we can secure it for you at BHM.
• No Hidden Fees & Total Transparency: We’ve said it before, but it’s worth emphasizing: the price breakdown for your rental will be clearly shown. Birmingham Airport rentals will include an 11.5% concession fee (that all airport rentals have) and a Customer Facility Charge (around $5/day), we itemize these so you know. There’s also a 2.75% surcharge Birmingham Airport Authority imposes, and the state rental tax (~10%). Rather than hide these, we show them. You won’t finish booking and wonder “why is it more now?” The only extras you’d pay at the counter are optional ones you choose (like GPS, child seat, extra insurance) or if you don’t return the car full of gas, etc. We take pride in honest pricing.
• Flexible One-Way Rentals: Planning to fly into Birmingham and out of another city? We’ve got you. Many of our partners allow one-way rentals from BHM to other airports or cities (like drop in Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, etc.). On our site, just choose a different drop-off location and we’ll show you available cars. Any drop fee (if applicable) will be included in the quote. We often see popular one-ways like BHM to ATL with no additional fee or minimal fee, because the companies redistribute cars along those routes. It can save you the time of a round-trip drive. So feel free to map out a road trip, we’ll help make the logistics easy.
• Local Expertise & Travel Tips: We don’t just hand you the keys and say goodbye, we equip you with knowledge. On this page (and our Alabama travel pages) we sprinkle in local tips, like best routes out of the airport, where to refuel before returning, and what to expect on Alabama’s highways. We want you to feel like a local even if it’s your first time here. For example, did you know if you’re heading downtown from BHM, taking I-20/59 west is usually quickest, but at rush hour, you might consider going a slight loop via I-459 and coming in from south to avoid downtown traffic? We’ll mention things like that. Little insights can make a big difference in your experience.

In essence, when you book a car at Birmingham Airport with AirportVanRental, you’re getting convenience, value, and support. We’ve fine-tuned our service to match what modern travelers need, drawing from the best practices of big players like Expedia, but adding our personal touch and specialization, especially in van/group rentals. It’s all about making your journey from BHM safe, affordable and enjoyable.

Navigating Birmingham Airport’s Rental Car Center

Picking up your rental at BHM is straightforward and stress-free. Here’s a step-by-step look at the process, so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive:

After You Land: Once you step off the plane, follow the signs for Baggage Claim/Ground Transportation. Birmingham’s terminal is not huge, so it’s a short walk. If you didn’t check bags and have only carry-on, you’re already ahead of the game.

Finding the Rental Car Counters: In the baggage claim area (lower level of the terminal), you’ll see the rental car counters for all the major companies lined up (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo, National, Thrifty). If you have bags to collect, you can actually grab them from the carousel which is right by these counters, convenient! The layout is compact: basically baggage claim area transitions into the rental car counter area.

Paperwork & Verification: At the counter, you’ll present your driver’s license and credit card. They’ll find your reservation (if you booked through us, they have it in their system). They may ask for your confirmation number or last name, provide that and mention you booked via an OTA (if they ask, “did you prepay?” you can say no, it’s a pay-later booking through AirportVanRental/Travantas). If you’re a member of the company’s loyalty program, now’s a good time to provide that number for points. The agent will confirm the car type, dates, etc., and offer any add-ons (insurance, GPS, toll device, etc.). Know what you want to do about those (see our FAQ for guidance). They’ll also put a hold on your credit card for the rental. In Alabama, they’ll verify you have a valid license (international renters: have your passport and possibly an IDP if needed for translation as mentioned in the city page FAQ). The process is usually quick, BHM doesn’t have huge lines typically, especially if multiple flights aren’t arriving simultaneously. If it is busy, rest assured they move through customers efficiently since everyone’s eager to get going.

Picking Up the Car (Location): Here’s the great part: you don’t need a shuttle. The rental cars are housed in the Parking Deck attached to the terminal, specifically in section 1B on ground level. Once you’ve done the paperwork, the agent will direct you to walk just a couple minutes to the garage area. It’s covered (nice if it’s raining or very hot). You might exit the baggage area and immediately be at the garage entrance, it’s that close. Each company has its designated parking area within the garage. For example, Alamo/National might be in one row, Hertz in another, etc. Usually they’ll either escort you or give you a stall number and directions (like “go out this door and turn left to the Alamo section, your car is in spot A12”).

Vehicle Inspection & Exit: When you reach your car, take a moment to do a quick walk-around inspection. Note any pre-existing scratches or dents. Though with on-site rentals, often a staff member may walk with you and mark any damage on the form (or the car may have a slip noting it). It doesn’t hurt to snap a few photos with your phone for your records. Adjust your seat, mirrors, etc. The keys might already be in the car or an attendant may hand them to you, procedures vary by company, but commonly they give you the key at the counter now that cars are keyless entry and such. When ready, follow the signs to exit the rental facility. There’s typically an exit booth where you show your rental agreement and ID to a security gate person as you drive out. They’ll lift the gate and you’re on the airport road system.

Leaving the Airport: BHM is right off I-20/59 and I-459. From the rental exit, you’ll be on Airport Highway which connects directly to the interstate. Signs will point you to Downtown Birmingham (I-20/59 West) or Atlanta/Chattanooga (I-20/59 East / I-59 North) or Montgomery/Tuscaloosa (I-459/I-20/59) depending on where you’re heading. It’s well-marked. In just a couple minutes, you can be on the freeway of your choice. Downtown Birmingham is only about a 10-15 minute drive west on I-20/59 from the airport.

Returning Your Car: When your trip is done, returning to BHM is simple as well. Follow your GPS to the airport (I-20/59 has an exit 129 for Airport Blvd). As you approach the terminal area, look for Rental Car Return signs (they’ll direct you into the parking garage). You’ll go to the same area where you picked up, entering the garage and following signs to your company’s return lane. An attendant will typically greet you, inspect the car (quick look for damage, fuel level, mileage). If all is good, they’ll print or email you a receipt. If you’re returning after hours, there’s usually a drop box for keys in that return area (though at BHM, many flights are daytime, so returns after midnight might be rare, but check with your rental company). Once done, you’re right at the terminal, simply walk a minute into the departures area to check in for your flight. No shuttles needed here either!

Time Needed: Overall, budget maybe 20-30 minutes from plane to car on arrival (could be faster if no bags, or a bit more if it’s peak time and a short line). For return, give yourself 10-15 minutes from entering airport property to dropping keys (plus whatever time you need to get from there to your airline check-in, which is just a short walk). It’s pretty efficient.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth’s on-site setup is a huge convenience that many travelers love. We’ve given you the play-by-play so you can confidently stride through it. If you have any doubts or need guidance, any airport staff or rental staff are friendly and will point you the right way. Now, onto enjoying that rental car!

Driving Out of Birmingham Airport: Tips for a Smooth Start

Once you’ve got your rental car from BHM and you hit the road, here are some immediate driving tips to ensure your trip starts off right:

• Know Your Exits: Leaving the airport, you’ll likely hop on I-20/59 (which are combined near the airport). If you’re heading downtown or to UAB, take I-20/59 West. It’s about 5 exits (10 minutes). If you’re heading to suburbs south like Homewood, Hoover, or to Montgomery, you may take I-459 South from I-20/59. If heading to Atlanta, you’ll go I-20 East; to Chattanooga or northeast Alabama, I-59 North. Signs are clear, but just double-check you’re going in the right direction because the interstate junctions come up quickly after leaving the terminal. A quick look at Google Maps before you depart can help.
• Traffic Awareness: If it’s rush hour (weekday ~7-9 AM or 4-6 PM), I-20/59 through downtown can slow down, especially due to the recent construction zones (though the big rebuild finished in 2020, alleviating a lot). If traffic is heavy and you’re headed south of downtown, consider taking I-459 bypass to skirt around. Your GPS will likely route you optimally. Also note, I-59 Northeast (toward Gadsden/Chattanooga) can have congestion where it narrows from 3 to 2 lanes about 10 miles out. Just be patient or plan around peak times if possible.
• Speed Limits: On Airport Blvd leaving the terminal it’s around 40 mph until you hit the interstate. Once on I-20/59, speed limit is 60 mph then 65 mph as you leave city limits (and eventually 70 mph further out). Many locals tend to go 5-10 over the limit on highways. Birmingham police and Alabama state troopers do enforce speeds, especially near the airport and on the I-459 bypass. Keep it reasonable until you gauge the flow.
• Fuel Up Tips: If you plan to drive a lot immediately or head out of town, note that gas stations near the airport are available but somewhat limited on airport property. There’s a Shell and a Marathon on Airport Blvd not far from the terminal. Prices might be a bit higher due to proximity. If you drive a few miles toward downtown, you might find cheaper gas. But if you need a quick refill or snacks, these are convenient. For returning later, the Shell on Aviation Avenue (by the airport entrance) is a popular last fill-up spot.
• Toll Roads: None around Birmingham, so you won’t encounter any as you depart the airport. Only focus on navigating to the correct highway.
• Rental Car Specifics: Take a moment in a safe spot (like the airport cell phone lot or a parking area) right after you pick up to familiarize yourself with the car, adjust mirrors, figure out the headlights (Alabama law: headlights on when wipers are on in rain), connect your phone via Bluetooth if you plan to use it for calls/music. Many accidents happen in first 15 minutes just from unfamiliarity, so it’s worth the 2 minutes to get comfy.
• Navigation: Most likely you’ll use your phone’s maps. Pro-tip: set your destination while still parked, or have a passenger do it, so you’re not fiddling with it on the road. The first couple turns out of the airport come quick, and being prepared helps. If you need to pull aside to verify directions, do so, there are shoulders on the ramp if absolutely needed (with hazards on), or better, a gas station you can pop into.
• Watch for Airport Traffic: There might be airport shuttles, taxis, or pedestrians in the terminal area roads. Go slow and yield to anyone crossing. Once you’re on the main airport parkway heading to the interstate, it’s clear sailing.

You’re now on your way from BHM with confidence. If Birmingham is your main stay, switch over to our Birmingham city driving tips (in the section above or on the city page) for more in-depth info on local driving. If you’re immediately road-tripping elsewhere, check out the road trip routes section on the city page or in the FAQs below for some insights on leaving town.

Next up: some hot road trip ideas directly from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth, because who says you have to stay put? A rental car gives you the freedom to roam.

Popular Road Trips from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport

If your plan is to land at BHM, pick up a rental car, and hit the open road, you’re in luck. Birmingham’s central Deep South location means you have some amazing road trip options radiating out from the city. Here are a few popular road trip itineraries (some overlap with what we mentioned on the city page, but worth highlighting here for airport arrivals looking to start driving straight away):

• BHM to New Orleans, LA (approx 350 miles, ~5.5 hours):Jazz, Creole, and Carnival Spirit. This is a fantastic drive if you want to experience a completely different vibe from Birmingham. Head south on I-59 through Hattiesburg into Louisiana. En route, consider a leg-stretch in Mobile, AL (3 hours from BHM) to see the USS Alabama or grab some seafood. Continue on I-10 to New Orleans. In less than a day, you go from the heart of Alabama to the Big Easy. New Orleans offers an explosion of culture, the French Quarter, beignets at Café du Monde, live jazz on Frenchmen Street. If you’re doing this one-way, no problem, drop the car at MSY Airport or a city location (we can arrange one-way rentals). Driving tip: watch your speed in small Mississippi towns on I-59; they enforce limits. And near New Orleans, the causeway bridges can be windy, keep two hands on the wheel.
• BHM to Nashville, TN (approx 200 miles, ~3 hours):Music City Roadtrip. Take I-65 North straight up to Nashville. It’s a direct route through scenic rolling hills. You’ll cross from Alabama into Tennessee halfway. On the way, you might stop in Decatur, AL or Athens, AL for a quick bite or fuel, quaint small towns. Nashville makes for a perfect weekend from Birmingham, hit Broadway’s honky-tonks, tour the Ryman Auditorium, and enjoy hot chicken. One fun detour: about 30 miles south of Nashville, take a break at Franklin, TN, a lovely historic town with a cool downtown (if Civil War history interests you, there’s Carnton Plantation here). This route is common and typically traffic-free except maybe a bit around Nashville’s metro. If you return to BHM, great; if not, dropping off in Nashville is easy too.
• BHM to Florida Gulf Coast (Panama City Beach/Destin, ~250 miles, 4-4.5 hours):Sun and Sand Escape. From the airport, hop on I-65 South to Montgomery, then go southeast on US-331/231 to the Florida Panhandle beaches. Many folks land at Birmingham and drive to the Emerald Coast, especially if flights to smaller Florida airports were expensive or sold out. You’ll pass Montgomery (stop to see the downtown historical sites or grab lunch). As you near Florida, the scenery changes to pine forests and coastal flatlands. Destin or Panama City Beach offer sugar-white sands and emerald waters, a stark contrast to Birmingham’s cityscape you left behind. You can do this drive easily in half a day. Just note, summer Saturdays can be heavy with beach-bound traffic, leaving early is wise. Also, remember the time zone: parts of the Panhandle are in Central Time like Alabama (Destin is CT, Panama City Beach is CT, go further east and you hit ET). This is a great option if you want to combine a city stay with some beach time. With unlimited miles, drive as much as you want along the coast once there, maybe east to check out Seaside or west to Pensacola.

Of course, you can always just take leisurely day trips from Birmingham if you’re staying local: maybe drive up to Bankhead National Forest for some hiking (about 1.5 hours), or over to Tuscaloosa (1 hour) to see the University of Alabama campus (and Bryant-Denny Stadium for football fans). Even a ride on the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway (connect via Nashville) could be on the agenda if you’re adventurous.

The possibilities are endless, that’s the beauty of having a rental car. We encourage you to check out our blog for detailed road trip guides. We often write about routes like “Birmingham to Smokies” or “Civil Rights road trip through Alabama” which could provide deeper context and stops.

Wherever you choose to drive, make sure to enjoy the journey. The South is known for its hospitality, and that extends to the small towns, gas station conversations, and local eateries you might discover on the way. Safe travels!

Quick-Reference Info: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth (BHM) Rental

• Airport Location: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), 5900 Messer Airport Highway, Birmingham, AL 35212.
• Rental Car Facility: On-site, ground level of Parking Deck (section 1B). Walk from terminal; no shuttle needed.
• On-Airport Rental Companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty (counters in baggage claim, cars in attached garage).
• Operating Hours: Generally 5:30 or 6:00 AM until ~11:00 PM (aligned with flights). Most counters closed overnight; keys drop available for returns.
• Contact for Rental Center: (For general airport rental info) 205-599-0500 (airport main); specific rental company numbers on confirmation.
• Fuel: Nearest gas stations: Shell and Sunoco on Airport Blvd within 1 mile of terminal (prices slightly higher); multiple options on I-59 exit 134 (East Lake area, 2 miles away, often cheaper). Plan to refuel within 5-10 miles of airport for full tank returns.
• Parking at Return: Follow “Rental Car Return” signs into garage from Airport Hwy. Park in your rental company’s marked area. Attendant will assist. If returning after hours, lock car and place keys & contract in drop box at counter or designated spot.
• Airport to Downtown: ~5-7 miles, ~10-15 minutes via I-20/59 West. Airport to Mountain Brook/Homewood: ~15-20 minutes. Airport to Tuscaloosa: ~1 hour (via I-20/59 West). Airport to Atlanta: ~2.5 hours (I-20 East).
• Important Roads from BHM: I-20/59 (to downtown, Tuscaloosa, or Atlanta), I-459 (bypass south to I-65 Montgomery or I-20 east), I-59 (north toward Gadsden/Chattanooga), Messer Airport Hwy (feeds into local Birmingham).
• Traffic Alerts: Tune radio to WERC 105.5 FM or 960 AM for traffic news, or use Google Maps/Waze for live traffic. Typical rush hour on I-20/59 by airport: morning westbound into city, evening eastbound out.
• Emergency: Dial 911 for accidents/emergencies. For roadside assistance with rental, use the provided number (often on key fob or rental agreement). Airport DPS (Department of Public Safety) can assist on airport property if needed.
• Wi-Fi: The airport terminal offers free Wi-Fi, so you can download maps or rideshare apps upon arrival if needed.