Car rental at Birmingham Airport

Car Rental at Birmingham Airport (BHM)

See real-time prices from 8 car hire companies. Collect your car at arrivals and go.

Check prices — save up to 70% Quick guide (2 min)
LocationAirport
Providers8
Price tipBook 2–4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
✅ Compare 8 options ⚡ Instant results 🧾 Transparent pricing ⭐ Flexible booking

Quick answer: At Birmingham Airport you can compare rental cars from 8 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely — not just cheaply.

Best priceBook 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready — that's where most people get caught out.
Search rentals Quick guide Key info FAQ Nearby Map

About Renting a Car at Birmingham Airport

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) offers car rentals from 8 different companies directly in the terminal, making it easy to get started with your journey in Alabama. The airport is approximately 10 km northeast of Birmingham city center and can be reached in 15 minutes via I-20. With 8 rental companies, you get competitive prices and good availability.

BHM serves destinations throughout the USA and is the hub for travel within Alabama. The airport is close to Roebuck Shopping Center and approximately 8 km from the Avondale district with its popular breweries and restaurants. UAB University Hospital is 12 km southwest of the airport.

Pick up your rental car directly in the arrivals hall — all 8 companies are located in the airport building without needing a shuttle. Compare prices between companies on-site; the differences can be significant during peak season. Planning to visit Barber Motorsports Park?

It's just 35 km east via I-20. How many rental companies are at Birmingham airport? There are 8 rental companies at BHM, all located in the terminal building for convenient pickup.

How long does it take to drive from BHM to Birmingham city center? From the airport to downtown Birmingham takes approximately 15 minutes (10 km) via I-20 West under normal traffic conditions. Can I drive to Gulf Shores beaches from BHM?

Yes, Gulf Shores is approximately 320 km south and takes about 3.5 hours via I-65 South.

We compare prices from all major providers at Birmingham Airport so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What to Know Before Picking Up at Birmingham Airport

🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms

  • Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
  • Extra driver: can cost extra — check before booking.
  • Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.

🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents

  • Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
  • Passport or national ID
  • Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of USA – Alabama. Check if an IDP is needed.

📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup

  • Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
  • Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
  • Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.

Rental Companies at Birmingham Airport

Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).

Dollar
Alamo
Enterprise
Avis
Hertz
Payless
Budget
National

Essential Info for Renting at Birmingham Airport

Practical answers and tips before you book.

✅ Quick Answers ▼

At Birmingham Airport you can compare rentals from 8 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.

  • Book 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
  • Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
  • Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in USA – Alabama ▼

In USA – Alabama you drive on the Right side.

  • Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
  • Rural roads: 90 km/h
  • Motorway: 113 km/h
  • Alcohol limit: 0,08 ‰
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼

Parking is available in cities, but check for fees.

Road tolls: Check if din hyrbil haves en autifatisk tullbetalning.

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Rental at Birmingham Airport

Which rental companies are available at Birmingham Airport?▼
You can compare 8 rental companies at Birmingham Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in USA – Alabama?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Birmingham Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in USA – Alabama is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in USA – Alabama?▼
In USA – Alabama you drive on the Right side. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads and 113 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Birmingham Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Birmingham Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Birmingham Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2–4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide

15-Day Weather Forecast for Birmingham

Car Rental Guides

InsuranceWhich one should you pick?
Pickup ChecklistBefore you drive off
Save Money7 smart tips

Other Rental Locations Near Birmingham Airport

Rent a Car Near Birmingham Airport

Other pickup points within driving distance.

7 km
Birmingham SouthsideCity Center · 3 rental companies
14 km
Birmingham Colonade ParkwayCity Center · 1 rental companies
18 km
Hoover CenterCity Center · 1 rental companies
25 km
Wooddale CenterCity Center · 1 rental companies
31 km
Pelham CenterCity Center · 1 rental companies
60 km
Sylacauga Airport AreaCity Center · 1 rental companies

Explore USA – Alabama & North America

Search all of North America
Car rentals across USA – Alabama

Ready to go?

Real prices, real terms, 8 providers. See what Birmingham Airport has to offer.

Lock in today's prices
Birmingham Airport 8 providers
See offers