Car Rental at Birmingham Airport

Airport travel guide

The second-largest city in the United Kingdom, Birmingham is better known for its industrial power than any touristic charm. But give this metropolis a chance, and you’ll discover a vibrant, multicultural place that also has no shortage of historical sophistication. These are four of Birmingham’s most notable attractions:

• Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. One of the most notable museums in the West Midlands, the BM&AG is definitely also one of the largest — it is said to have about 800,000 objects and artifacts on display. There’s an impressive permanent art collection, especially that of the distinct Pre-Raphaelite movement, as well as exhibitions on topics like natural history, ethnography, and the region’s industrial heritage. Visit the museum’s official website to learn more.
• Sarehole Mill. Situated along the small, but scenic River Cole, Sarehole is a historical mill and area that’s about a 15-minute drive south of Birmingham’s city center. Sarehole’s main claim to fame is that it is said to have inspired The Shire of the Lord of the Rings as its author J.R.R. Tolkien spent a lot of his childhood in the area. Much of the area’s rustic architecture survives to this day, and there are other attractions like the local museum and the nearby Moseley Bog, a nature preserve.
• Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses. Another scenic and peaceful place that’s great for relaxation, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is just west of the city center. The Gardens is home to more than 7,000 species of flora that include both local plants, as well as more exotic ones like Himalayan Cedars and the carnivorous Venus flytraps. In addition to visiting the gardens and glasshouses, visitors can also participate in workshops that frequently take place here. Visit the official website of the gardens to learn more and buy tickets. 
• Birmingham Royal Ballet. One of the only three grand ballet companies in the United Kingdom that is located outside the capital, the BRB is a very classy experience. Celebrating its 80th birthday in 2026, the ballet usually performs at the Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the most impressive concert venues in this part of the country. 

Top international routes

• Dublin
• Palma de Mallorca
• Belfast
• Amsterdam
• Antalya
• Dalaman
• Paris
• Alicante
• Frankfurt
• Malaga

Main airlines

British Airways, Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2.com, and TUI Airways

Terminals

The two Birmingham Airport terminals, T1 and T2, are connected by the Millenium Link walkway, which houses a number of shops and eateries.

Location

Birmingham Airport is about 23 km (14 mi) southeast of Birmingham city center when traveling via the M6 motorway (fastest route). Motorways M42, M6, and A38(M) are the main roads connecting the airport to the city. Traffic is notoriously bad in and around Birmingham.

Most popular types of rental car

• Vans - from $130 per day
• Small cars - from $22 per day
• Medium cars - from $26 per day
• Large cars - from $49 per day
• Station wagons - from $60 per day
• SUVs - from $27 per day
• Premium cars - from $93 per day

Car rental desks

Most are located in the arrivals hall. Look out for them on the left as you exit customs.

Services and facilities

You’ll find many restaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets, a wine bar, shops, and duty-free stores. There are also several ATMs, currency exchange services, lounges, an on-site hotel, various family services, a grocery store, a lost luggage point, pharmacy, spa, beauty salon, observation deck, multi-faith chapel, and a dry cleaners. Luggage storage, in the T1 check-in area, is open daily from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Birmingham Airport facilities are mostly accessible to travelers with reduced mobility, and special assistance is offered, but you should contact your airline in advance if you’d like this service. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

Marston Green, located at 53 Station Road, can be reached in about six minutes. There are many other gas stations in and around Birmingham.

Popular one-way rentals

• London (177 km / 110 mi)
• Luton (119 km / 74 mi)
• Northampton (69 km / 43 mi)
• Wolverhampton (42 km / 26 mi)
• Ipswich (228 km / 142 mi)
• Coventry (16 km / 10 mi)
• Mansfield (105 km / 64 mi)
• Peterborough (137 km / 85 mi)
• Reading (148 km / 92 mi)