Car Rental Birmingham
✓ No Hidden Costs ✓ No Booking Fees ✓ Free Cancellation
500+ Trusted Providers:
Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Most Popular Car Rental Offers
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 14:12 on 2019-11-21. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
GBP
Country code
44
Average car rental length
3 days
Economy car rental price
$18.13 / per day
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of town
97 km/h
60 mi/h
Speed limit within town
48 km/h
30 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
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.
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.
- 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.
Useful 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 destinations 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.
Traffic and parking tips
- 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 a day-trip
- 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.
- 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 rental types and 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 $58 per day
- Large cars - from $58 per day
- Medium cars - from $53 per day
- People Carriers / Vans - from $69 per day
- Premium cars - from $83 per day
- Small cars - from $34 per day
- SUVs - from $57 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
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!
Top 20 Cities near Birmingham
-
London Car Rentals from $32.93 per day162.4 km / 100.9 miles away
-
Edinburgh Car Rentals from $14.36 per day402.8 km / 250.3 miles away
-
Manchester Car Rentals from $16.60 per day106.1 km / 65.9 miles away
-
Glasgow Car Rentals from $11.86 per day418.3 km / 259.9 miles away
-
Belfast Car Rentals from $23.58 per day363.5 km / 225.9 miles away
-
Luton Car Rentals from $19.43 per day114.0 km / 70.9 miles away
-
Leeds Car Rentals from $27.22 per day157.1 km / 97.6 miles away
-
Bristol Car Rentals from $15.38 per day136.2 km / 84.7 miles away
-
Liverpool Car Rentals from $14.33 per day122.6 km / 76.2 miles away
-
Inverness Car Rentals from $49.13 per day584.4 km / 363.2 miles away
-
East Midlands Car Rentals from $11.75 per day50.6 km / 31.5 miles away
-
Newcastle Car Rentals from $15.71 per day287.3 km / 178.5 miles away
-
Cardiff Car Rentals from $27.95 per day160.6 km / 99.8 miles away
-
Southampton Car Rentals from $25.62 per day169.4 km / 105.2 miles away
-
Aberdeen Car Rentals from $22.12 per day528.9 km / 328.7 miles away
-
Exeter Car Rentals from $23.58 per day223.1 km / 138.6 miles away
-
Bournemouth Car Rentals from $29.78 per day186.2 km / 115.7 miles away
-
Norwich Car Rentals from $27.95 per day206.3 km / 128.2 miles away
-
124.0 km / 77.0 miles away
-
Jersey Car Rentals from $35.72 per day362.3 km / 225.1 miles away
Top 20 Locations near Birmingham
-
Birmingham New Street Railway Station Car Rentals from $27.88 per day
-
Birmingham Airport Car Rentals from $28.06 per day10.6 km / 6.6 miles away
-
East Midlands Airport Car Rentals from $11.75 per day55.0 km / 34.2 miles away
-
Manchester Airport Car Rentals from $16.60 per day100.6 km / 62.5 miles away
-
Liverpool Airport Car Rentals from $14.33 per day114.5 km / 71.2 miles away
-
Luton Airport Car Rentals from $19.43 per day124.1 km / 77.1 miles away
-
Bristol Airport Car Rentals from $15.38 per day133.9 km / 83.2 miles away
-
London Heathrow Airport Car Rentals from $11.93 per day148.5 km / 92.3 miles away
-
Leeds Bradford Airport Car Rentals from $27.22 per day155.2 km / 96.4 miles away
-
Cardiff Airport Car Rentals from $27.95 per day155.7 km / 96.8 miles away
-
London Paddington Railway Station Car Rentals from $32.93 per day159.1 km / 98.9 miles away
-
London Marylebone Railway Station Car Rentals from $32.93 per day159.4 km / 99.0 miles away
-
London Stansted Airport Car Rentals from $8.50 per day159.7 km / 99.2 miles away
-
Humberside Airport Car Rentals from $27.95 per day160.0 km / 99.4 miles away
-
London Euston Railway Station Car Rentals from $33.34 per day160.5 km / 99.7 miles away
-
London St Pancras Railway Station Car Rentals from $40.16 per day160.6 km / 99.8 miles away
-
London Victoria Railway Station Car Rentals from $53.10 per day162.4 km / 100.9 miles away
-
London Stratford Railway Station Car Rentals from $54.91 per day166.4 km / 103.4 miles away
-
London City Airport Car Rentals from $32.93 per day172.0 km / 106.9 miles away
-
Southampton Airport Car Rentals from $25.62 per day173.9 km / 108.1 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Birmingham?
Car rental prices in Birmingham vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Birmingham
The best month to rent a car in Birmingham is March (when prices for an Economy class start from $18.68). This is 56% cheaper than the yearly average and 79% cheaper than renting in November (when rental prices start at $91.03 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Birmingham?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in January, travelers rent a car for an average of 23 days in March, the average rental period is 5 days.
Average Rental Length in Birmingham
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Birmingham?
While travelers visit Birmingham year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is October, and the least popular is September.
Birmingham Car Rental Popularity by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agent | Make / Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GreenMotion | VW Golf | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Easirent | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| GreenMotion | FIAT 500 | 2 | 1 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 4 | 3 | Small cars |
| GreenMotion | VW Polo | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 4 | 3 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| GreenMotion | Hyundai i10 | 5 | Small cars | |
| GreenMotion | VW Polo 3d | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
Our Customers Reviews
PB
Australia
Vauxhall Astra
September 1, 2018
Birmingham is a great starting point to visit The Cotswold area in England. The Ibis Hotel at the Airport is also in excellent location.
Top 14 Suppliers for Birmingham in 2019
Interrent
+4401214608147
Birmingham Airport, Bickenhill, Birmingham B26 3RT
Enterprise
+441217829030
Terminal Link Building, Airport Way, Birmingham B26 3QJ, United Kingdom
Alamo
+441217829030
Terminal Link Bld, Airport Way, Birmingham B26 3RT
SIXT
+442070188246
Birmingham Airport, Arrivals Hall, Birmingham B26 3QJ
Keddy
+4403713843423
ARRIVALS HALL, AIRPORT WAY
Avis
+4403445446013
Birmingham Airport Terminal Building
Europcar
+4403713843423
ARRIVALS HALL, AIRPORT WAY
Interrent
+4401214608146
InterRent Cabin Car Rental Car Park Airport Way, Birmingham Airport
GreenMotion
+441212962980
Ground International Station Station Concourse, Birmingham B37 7UQ
Goldcar
+4401214608147
Hermes Road, Airport Way
Easirent
+441212220599
Unit 37 Elmdon Trading Estate
Rhodium
+441214608147 / +34965233425
Hermes Road, Airport Way
Goldcar
+34965233425 / +442038980140
Airport Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B26 3QT
Ace Rent a car
+4401212962980
Ground International Station, Station Link Rd, Birmingham B37 7UQ
Highly recommended by our customers
Why choose us?
-
Exclusive rates from a wide range of suppliers
Providing rental offers for over 2,000,000 cars in 150+ countries, we can find you a great car in the right location for the best price -
High level of satisfaction
Great Trustpilot review score – 4.6 – based on feedback from thousands of our customers -
Personalized assistance during the reservation process
24/7 customer support in 12 languages via your preferred channel — chat, phone, email
The benefits of signing up
We hate spam as much as you do! Sign up for our newsletter and all you get is our newsletter—weekly benefits delivered to your inbox: special booking prices, useful tips, city and country guides, and more.
Thanks for signing up!