Car Rental in Birmingham

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Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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700+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Birmingham Airport
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
Fiat 500
  • 4
  • 1
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Keddy
$23.29 per day
Birmingham Airport
Economy
Volkswagen Polo or similar
Volkswagen Polo
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Drivalia
$27.19 per day
Birmingham Airport
Compact
Opel Astra or similar
Opel Astra
  • 5
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Dollar
$29.30 per day
Birmingham Airport
Intermediate SUV
MG ZS or similar
MG ZS
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
GreenMotion
$34.62 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Birmingham Airport
Standard SUV
Ford Kuga or similar
Ford Kuga
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Alamo
$36.56 per day
Birmingham Airport
Compact Elite
Mercedes Benz A Class or similar
Mercedes Benz A Class
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Budget
$68.58 per day
Birmingham Airport
Full-size
BMW 3 series or similar
BMW 3 series
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
$70.92 per day
Birmingham Airport
Premium
Mercedes C Class or similar
Mercedes C Class
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Enterprise
$85.42 per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 8:13 AM on 12/14/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information

Languages
English
Currency
GBP
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+44
Average car rental price
$47 per day
Average car rental length
6 days
Speed limit within town
48 km/h or 30 mph
Speed limit out of town
96 - 112 km/h or 60 - 70 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Rating
8.7 / 10
Average gas price
$1.82 per liter or $6.88 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.74 per liter or $6.59 per gallon
Highest gas price
$2.02 per liter or $7.64 per gallon

Why rent a car in Birmingham?

Birmingham is a great place to explore. Its many neighborhoods reveal its industrial past, as well as its more recent advances in high tech, culture, and art. Birmingham is near a number of beautiful natural areas, and with a car, it is easy to travel to both London and Bristol in the south or Liverpool and Manchester in the north of England.

One-Way Car Rentals in Birmingham

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Birmingham and drop off in another city include:

  • From Birmingham to Glasgow - 72 offers from $34.78 per day
  • From Birmingham to London - 144 offers from $34.35 per day
  • From Birmingham to Preston - 10 offers from $33.49 per day

Top ways to enter Birmingham

  • Birmingham Airport: Serving more than 12 million travelers every year, Birmingham Airport is one of the busiest in the United Kingdom. It is a base for a number of airlines including some low-cost carriers. The airport is conveniently located just 13km (8.1 miles) southeast of Birmingham’s City Center.
  • East Midlands Airport: Serving the neighboring region of East Midlands (Birmingham is located in West Midlands), this airport is near three large British cities, Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester. The airport is favored by low-cost airlines and airlines serving holiday destinations across Europe. East Midlands Airport is only a 40-minute drive northeast of Birmingham.
  • Manchester Airport: The third-busiest in the United Kingdom, Manchester Airport serves many destinations not only in Europe, but also in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The airport is 127km (79 miles) north of Birmingham, a distance that can be driven in under 90 minutes.
  • Luton Airport: Although usually associated with the British capital (so much so that it is sometimes marketed as Luton-London), flying to Luton can nonetheless be an efficient way to reach Birmingham. Favored by many low-cost airlines, it is only a 1 hour and 40-minute drive to the southeast of the city.
  • By rail: If you’re arriving in Birmingham by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Birmingham International Railway Station, Birmingham New Street Railway Station, Birmingham Snow Hill Railway Station, or Birmingham Tyseley Railway Station. 

City facts

Birmingham has a temperate maritime climate with warm summers and cool winters. The average temperature is 21.3°C  (70.3°F) in July and 6.7°C  (44.1°F) in January. Rainfall is spread out rather evenly between the seasons, but, unlike many other large cities in the United Kingdom, Birmingham experiences quite a lot of snow every winter.

With 571 parks within its borders, Birmingham has more green areas than any other European city. Sutton Park in the north part of the city is the largest urban park in Europe and a favorite place to visit for many locals on any sunny day. Part of it is made up of preserved ancient woodlands, and visitors can also spot the Exmoor ponies that live here or visit a donkey sanctuary.

Top sights and activities

  • Jaguar Castle Bromwich Assembly. Located on the northern edge of the city, Birmingham’s Jaguar plant is the place where most of these legendary British cars are made. Car lovers will be excited to learn that it is possible to visit the factory, although it’s important to make a reservation by phone in advance. 
  • Sareholl Mill. A nice 18th-century watermill, Sarehole is rumored to have influenced the legendary British writer J.R.R. Tolkien’s vision of the Shire in the Lord of the Rings. Located in the Hall Green neighborhood in Southeast Birmingham, it is a nice and relaxing place to visit and learn about Birmingham’s pre-industrial past.
  • Birmingham Science Museum. Also known as Thinktank, this fun museum offers a lot of activities, mainly dealing with machinery, electronics, and vehicles of all types. It’s also definitely worth checking out the Supermarine Spitfire fighter jet, the LMS Princess Coronation Class steam locomotive, and the Austin Seven car from the 1920s. 
  • Birmingham Town Hall. A classical building instantly recognizable for its Corinthian columns that will celebrate its 200th birthday in 2034, the Town Hall is one of Birmingham’s most recognizable architectural landmarks. Significantly refurbished at the turn of the century, it is one of the most important concert venues in this part of the country and frequently hosts both classical and popular performances.

Traffic and parking

  • The United Kingdom drives on the left-hand side of the road.
  • On-street parking is usually heavily restricted. Never park on a white, double yellow or double red line (stopping on motorways and next to red lines is illegal).
  • You are not allowed to use your mobile phone while driving unless you use a hands-free system.
  • Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 112km/h (70mph) on motorways, 112km/h (70mph) on dual carriageways, 96km/h (60mph) on single carriageways and 48km/h (30mph) in residential areas and areas with street lighting.
  • In England and Wales, the legal alcohol limit is 0.08% for both experienced and novice drivers. Do keep in mind, however, that in Scotland the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for both experienced and novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, a suspended license, or even imprisonment.
  • The insurance and registration of the car need to be in it whenever you’re driving.
  • If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
  • The emergency numbers are 999 and 112.

Toll roads

  • Currently, there is only a single toll road in the United Kingdom, the M6 toll. Since this toll road is very near Birmingham, it’s good to know about it if you’re visiting the city by car.
  • As an alternative to the M6 around Birmingham, the M6toll is a 43km(27 miles)-long portion of the road, also known as the Birmingham North Relief Road (BNRR), that relieves congestion on the M6 itself. There are toll gates where you can pay by either cash or credit card. As of March 2019, the price is £6.40 for using the toll road from Monday to Friday (from 6a.m. to 11p.m.), £5.30 for using the toll road on Saturday or Sunday (from 6a.m. to 11p.m.), and £4.10 for using the toll road at night time on any day (from 11p.m. to 6 a.m.). Find out more on the M6 Toll official website. 
  • You also have to pay a toll for using a number of bridges and tunnels, as well as for entering the central areas of London and Durham (a city in North East England).

Ideas for day trips

  • Coventry. Famous for the spires of its numerous magnificent cathedrals, a Roman fort, specialized museums (such as the aviation museum and the police museum) and a good many parks, Coventry is one of the nicest cities in the West Midlands region. Just a 30-minute drive away from Birmingham, it makes for a perfect day outdoors.
  • Leicester. One of the main cities of the East Midlands region, Leicester is known for its impressive history – its cathedral is the resting place of King Richard III – and its culturally lively present. On top of that, it is also home to attractions such as the National Space Center, the Abbey Pumping Station Museum of Science and Technology, and the National Gas Museum. The drive from Birmingham takes only about an hour.
  • Snowdonia National Park. With plenty of accessible mountains, green hills, river valleys, and hiking paths, Snowdonia is a beautiful green area right next to a heavily industrial and urbanized region. See if you can spot some of the area’s birds and mammals, such as buzzards, ospreys, or feral goats. On your way back, stop at one of the small villages that are still located within the Snowdonia region and are primarily Welsh-speaking. The area is only about a two-hour drive northeast of Birmingham.
  • Bristol. With its historic buildings and sites, different diaspora groups with their culture and cuisine, and being a home base for influential music bands like Massive Attack and artists like Banksy, Bristol is a melting pot in every possible sense of the world. More importantly, it is one of the most fun and active cities in the modern United Kingdom. Less than a two-hour drive south of Birmingham, it is worth at least a day of your time.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Birmingham is the VW Polo, although travelers also like the Ford Focus and the Fiat 500. The most popular rental car types are the economy, compact, and mini classes.

Further destinations

  • London. The capital of the United Kingdom, one of the largest in Europe and a city like no other, London has more world-famous landmarks than anyone could mention - Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben… It’s quite impossible to see all of them, but your best bet is driving 2 hours and 30 minutes south of Birmingham and giving it an honest try. 
  • Liverpool. The hometown of the Beatles has a reputation for being the most fun city of North England, and not just because of its musical heritage. The museums and galleries of Albert Dock area, the Pier Head harbor area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the fascinating labyrinth of Williamson’s Tunnels under the Edge Hill area are some of the places that anyone will enjoy exploring. Just 95 miles (153km) north of Birmingham, it can be reached in about two hours.
  • Norfolk. Still something of a hidden gem among England’s regions, Norfolk has a long coastline with impressive cliffs; many inland lakes and protected wetlands; many small, but picturesque, farming communities; and both ancient and medieval sites. Start by exploring the Thetford Forest, one of the largest in Britain. Alternatively, visit the region’s largest city Norwich, famous for its Anglican cathedral and a medieval trading place called the Dragon Hall and located just a three-and-a-half hour drive east of Birmingham.

Car rental prices in Birmingham

  • Station wagons - from $48 per day
  • Large cars - from $36 per day
  • Medium cars - from $25 per day
  • Vans - from $83 per day
  • Premium cars - from $59 per day
  • Small cars - from $23 per day
  • SUVs - from $29 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Try these tips to land a great car rental deal in Birmingham:

  • Compare the rates of different rental car providers
  • Book your rental car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Birmingham is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 58% cheaper than the yearly average. Come visit the second city in early springtime!
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

Top 20 cities near Birmingham

  1. 15.6 km / 9.7 miles away
  2. 29 km / 18 miles away
  3. 44.2 km / 27.5 miles away
  4. 47.3 km / 29.4 miles away
  5. 50.6 km / 31.4 miles away
  6. 55.6 km / 34.5 miles away
  7. 57.7 km / 35.9 miles away
  8. 62.9 km / 39.1 miles away
  9. 65 km / 40.4 miles away
  10. 68.2 km / 42.4 miles away
  11. 74.8 km / 46.5 miles away
  12. 83.7 km / 52 miles away
  13. 91.5 km / 56.9 miles away
  14. 96.2 km / 59.8 miles away
  15. 98 km / 60.9 miles away
  16. 102.7 km / 63.8 miles away
  17. 104.8 km / 65.1 miles away
  18. 106.1 km / 65.9 miles away
  19. 114 km / 70.8 miles away
  20. 114.1 km / 70.9 miles away

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Birmingham?

Car rental prices in Birmingham vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Birmingham
$21.81
January
$29.71
February
$29.22
March
$32.60
April
$41.72
May
$41.51
June
$45.11
July
$48.79
August
$39.21
September
$42.38
October
$36.93
November
$39.03
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Birmingham is January (when prices average $21.81 per day). This is 42% cheaper than the yearly average and 55% cheaper than renting in August (when prices average $48.79).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Birmingham?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in June, the average renter keeps their car for 7 days, and in February, they keep their car for 5 days.
Average number of rental days in Birmingham
6
January
5
February
6
March
6
April
6
May
7
June
7
July
7
August
5
September
5
October
6
November
7
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Birmingham?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Birmingham is January, and the least popular is November.
Monthly searches in Birmingham by pick-up date relative to the average
157%
January
78%
February
117%
March
78%
April
99%
May
90%
June
117%
July
107%
August
89%
September
97%
October
69%
November
103%
December

Car rental information

Car rental locations 5
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers Drivalia, Keddy, Alamo, Enterprise, Budget
Popular car categories Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Vans
Lowest price $23 per day
Cheapest supplier Keddy

Most popular car models of rental suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Drivalia Volkswagen Polo 5 1 Small cars
Drivalia Renault Captur 5 2 Medium cars
Drivalia Fiat 500 3 1 Small cars
Keddy Vauxhall Astra 5 2 Medium cars
Keddy Citroen C3 Aircross 5 1 SUVs
Keddy Fiat 500 3 1 Small cars
Alamo Nissan Juke 5 2 SUVs
Keddy Nissan Qashqai 5 2 SUVs
Keddy Vauxhall Corsa 3 1 Small cars
Alamo Ford Focus 4 2 Medium cars

Our customers' reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Malta
Ford Fiesta
3/21/24
Visit to catch up with family and old friends
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
12/8/23
I wasn't on a trip I was at work
Spain
Fiat 500
12/7/23
Visiting family & friends
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
10/18/23
Amazing day out at Alton towers
Hong Kong
Ford Fiesta
9/29/23
Peak district, football match
Jersey
Fiat 500
9/14/23
Fabulous yoga retreat in the surroundings of the stunning Castle Ashby estate
Singapore
Ford Focus
6/20/23
The journey from Birmingham to derby was a little long. However using the motorway is easy.
Photo 1 by Jerome F. about renting a Ford Focus in Birmingham (6/20/23) Photo 2 by Jerome F. about renting a Ford Focus in Birmingham (6/20/23)
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
5/21/23
Alton towers was very good, staff was amazing.
Spain
Ford Fiesta
5/9/23
Merely visiting family and friends
United Kingdom
VW Passat
12/5/22
of course I would like to continue to rent again.
Australia
Fiat 500
9/1/22
Seeing family for the first time in 4 years
United Arab Emirates
Range Rover Sport Aut.
7/14/21
Business trip
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
5/18/19
Business trip - boring!

Car Rental Statistics

Highest-rated company
Enterprise
8.8 / 10
)
Lowest-rated company
GreenMotion
7.1 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
16
Total rental companies
15
Average daily price
$46.99
Lowest daily price
$23.29
Total cars available
492

Top 15 suppliers in Birmingham in 2024

Enterprise
Enterprise
Very good 8.8 / 26 reviews
2 locations
$35 - $342
Europcar
Europcar
Very good 8.3 / 5 reviews
3 locations
$29 - $276
SIXT
SIXT
Very good 8.3 / 18 reviews
2 locations
$42 - $125
Avis
Avis
Very good 8.1 / 8 reviews
1 location
$40 - $87
National
National
Very good 8.1 / 3 reviews
2 locations
$39 - $315
Hertz
Hertz
Very good 8.1 / 3 reviews
2 locations
$29 - $72
Keddy
Keddy
Average 7.9 / 45 reviews
2 locations
$23 - $120
Budget
Budget
Average 7.9 / 8 reviews
1 location
$36 - $78
Alamo
Alamo
Average 7.8 / 50 reviews
1 location
$29 - $315
Thrifty
Thrifty
Average 7.7 / 0 reviews
3 locations
$29 - $315
Routes Car Rental
Routes Car Rental
Average 7.6 / 2 reviews
3 locations
$71 - $120
Dollar
Dollar
Average 7.6 / 0 reviews
3 locations
$27 - $29
EZ Drive Car Rentals
EZ Drive Car Rentals
Average 7.6 / 0 reviews
1 location
$45 - $67
Drivalia
Drivalia
Average 7.2 / 136 reviews
1 location
$25 - $116
GreenMotion
GreenMotion
Average 7.1 / 45 reviews
2 locations
$29 - $45
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