Hire a car in Birmingham
Birmingham sits at the heart of England’s motorway network, making it one of the country’s most convenient places to begin a road trip. Whatever your arrival plans are, arriving by air, train, or already in the city, you will find car rental locations across the Birmingham airport, downtown, and railway station. From here, it is easy to reach the Cotswolds, Peak District, Stratford-upon-Avon, Wales, and other destinations across the UK.
Car Hire Hub helps you compare rental options from multiple suppliers in one place, giving you access to a wide fleet and pickup locations throughout Birmingham. An economy or compact car for city driving, an SUV for a family holiday, or a luxury model for business travel, you will get plenty of options to choose from.
The best part is, you do not have to rely on public transport. A rental car in Birmingham is all you need to explore beyond the city. Travelers use Birmingham as a starting point for touring England or continue with one-way rentals to cities such as Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, or London. If you are also planning a trip here, consider booking your ride with us.
Major car rental companies in Birmingham
Birmingham has many international and local car rental providers, with services available at the airport, railway stations, and downtown. Find the right car at the right price from top providers:
Alamo, Enterprise, Europcar, Green Motion, Hertz, National, Sixt, Easirent, and Keddy.
Popular car rental categories in Birmingham
The right car makes exploring Birmingham and nearby destinations easy. Here are the city's top rented categories.
Economy cars
Economy cars
If you are following a budget or planning short road trips to Stratford-upon-Avon, Coventry, or Worcester, economy cars are worth considering. With seating capacity of up to 4 or 5 passengers and 2 small suitcases, they offer a comfortable drive with excellent fuel efficiency.
Compact cars
Compact cars
Many travelers, especially couples and small families enjoy exploring the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills, or the Malvern Hills. If your itinerary also includes these places and you are 2 to 5 people traveling, compact cars could be a right fit. They provide extra luggage space than economy cars while remaining easy to drive through urban streets.
SUVs
SUVs
SUVs are best for longer journeys to Snowdonia, the Peak District, the Lake District, or North Wales with families and groups of 5 to 7 people. They provide higher ground clearance and spacious interiors with added comfort for long distance drives.
Luxury cars
Luxury cars
If you are a business person visiting Birmingham for meetings, corporate events, or simply have a special occasion to attend, luxury cars are what you should be looking for to make a lasting impression. Their premium features and modern interiors make them a great choice for travel across Birmingham, and beyond.
Minivans/Vans
Minivans/Vans
If you are traveling with a big group (7 to 9 people), planning a family trip, or just packing a ton of luggage, a minivan (or van) is your best bet to keep everyone together and comfortable. With plenty of legroom, flexible seats, and huge boot space, they make driving around Birmingham and the countryside completely stress-free.
Top car rental locations in Birmingham
Every traveler visiting Birmingham arrives differently, by air or train, so the city offers flexible pickup locations to match your plans. You can collect your car exactly where you need it - at the airport, downtown, or railway station.
- Birmingham Airport
- Birmingham City Centre
- Birmingham International Railway Station
- Birmingham New Street Railway Station
Flexible car rental deal types
Short-term car rental
(one day/weekend)
A short-term deal is a great fit if you are in Birmingham for a quick getaway, a business meeting, or a day trip. It gives you the freedom to visit nearby places such as Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester, or the Cotswolds without being dependent on train or bus schedules.
Long-term car rental
(weekly to months)
If you plan to stay in Birmingham for several weeks or longer, a long-term booking can be a practical and cost-effective option. It is a popular choice for temporary relocations, work assignments, university stays, and extended holidays, offering the flexibility of having a car whenever you need it. It also comes at a lower daily price than short-term bookings.
Last-minute car rental
(unplanned trips)
Travel plans don't always go as expected, and sometimes a rental car is needed at short notice. With pickup locations across Birmingham such as the airport and city centre, finding a vehicle at the last minute is often easier than you might think.
Holiday car rental
(peak seasons)
Birmingham welcomes large numbers of visitors during school holidays, Christmas, Easter, and major events at the NEC, Utilita Arena Birmingham, and Villa Park. booking your ride in advance not only gives you a wider choice, but can also help you secure better rates.
Cross-country car rentals in Birmingham
Birmingham's central location makes it a convenient starting point for road trips beyond the UK. Some rental suppliers may allow cross-border travel with prior approval however, documentation requirements, additional fees, and permitted countries vary by supplier. Here are some of the popular cross-border routes travelers choose from Birmingham.
| Route | Distance (approx.) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham to Brussels, Belgium | 560 km | 7 to 7.5 hours |
| Birmingham to Paris, France | 590 km | 7.5 to 8 hours |
| Birmingham to Amsterdam, Netherlands | 690 km | 8 to 8.5 hours |
| Birmingham to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg | 730 km | 8.5 to 9 hours |
One-way car rentals in Birmingham
If you are planning to explore multiple destinations, a one-way rental lets you collect your car in Birmingham and return it to another location, so you can keep moving instead of backtracking. It is a practical option for road trips, business travel, and holidays that cover more than one city. Also, note that availability for one-way deals depends on supplier, car category, and drop-off location.
Drop-off locations within the city
Let's say your plans change while you are in Birmingham and you need to end your trip elsewhere. Many suppliers allow returns at a different location within the city, depending on availability. Some of the most common drop-off locations include:
- Birmingham Airport (BHX)
- Birmingham Downtown
- Birmingham International Railway Station
- Birmingham Aston
- Birmingham Erdington
Drop-off locations outside the city
Now, if you plan to continue your journey beyond Birmingham, you can browse one-way deals from selected suppliers to other cities across the UK. Here are some of the most popular routes:
| Drop-off location | Distance (approx.) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| London | 205 km | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Manchester | 140 km | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Bristol | 140 km | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Liverpool | 160 km | 2.5 hours |
| Edinburgh | 465 km | 5.5 to 6 hours |
Top things to do in Birmingham
We know you have your own itinerary but just in case, if you haven't added the following Birmingham's attractions with some of the Midlands' best day trips and scenic drives on your list, you may now do so.
Cadbury World
Discover the history of Britain's famous chocolate brand at this family-friendly attraction in Bournville.
Black Country Living Museum
Step back in time at this open-air museum showcasing life during the Industrial Revolution.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Visit Shakespeare's birthplace, located around an hour's drive from Birmingham.
The Cotswolds
Spend a day exploring charming villages, rolling countryside, and traditional market towns south of the city.
Peak District National Park
Enjoy hiking, scenic roads, reservoirs, and picturesque villages less than two hours from Birmingham.
Birmingham’s car rental tips
Watch for Clean Air Zone rules
Birmingham operates a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in the city centre/downtown. While many modern rental cars meet the emissions standards, it is still worth confirming with your supplier before driving into the zone.
Know the speed limits
Unless signs indicate otherwise, speed limits are 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas, 60 mph (97 km/h) on single carriageways, and 70 mph (113 km/h) on dual carriageways and motorways. Adhere to these speed limits to avoid getting a speeding ticket and a heavy fine.
Check parking before you arrive
Parking in Birmingham city centre can be limited during weekends, football matches, concerts, and major events. It's worth checking where you will park, especially if you are visiting popular areas like the Bullring, Broad Street, or the Jewellery Quarter.
Plan around motorway traffic
The M6, M5, and parts of the M42 are among the busiest roads around Birmingham, especially on weekday mornings and evenings. Planning your journey outside the rush hours can save you time and make for a less stressful drive.
Allow extra time if returning at Birmingham Airport
If you are returning your vehicle at Birmingham Airport, allow a little extra time to complete the return process and make your way from the car rental area to the terminal, especially during the summer months, Christmas, Easter, or when major events are taking place at the NEC.
Frequently asked questions
You will generally need a valid driving licence (or IDP), a passport, and a credit card in the main driver's name. For more details, check the rental terms of the supplier you plan to book your car from.
The minimum rental age varies by supplier but is usually 21 years. Drivers under 25 may have fewer vehicle options and could be charged a Young Driver Surcharge. For complete information, refer to rental terms of the supplier.
Some suppliers offer no deposit or low deposit car rental options in Birmingham, but vary by availability and eligibility. The deposit amount and rental requirements vary by supplier, so it is always a good idea to review the rental terms before booking.
Booking a few weeks, at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance is usually the best way to secure lower rates and a wider choice of vehicles, especially during school holidays, Christmas, Easter, and major events.
Automatic vehicles are available, although they are generally fewer in number than manual cars. Booking early increases your chances of getting your preferred transmission.