Car Rental in Birmingham
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Birmingham Airport
Mini
Fiat 500
or similar
$20.30
/ per day
Birmingham Airport
Economy
Opel Corsa
or similar
$25.66
/ per day
Birmingham Airport
Compact
Ford Focus
or similar
$31.63
/ per day
Birmingham Airport
Intermediate SUV
Kia XCeed
or similar
$32.51
/ per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Birmingham Airport
Standard SUV
Kia Sportage
or similar
$63.88
/ per day
Birmingham Airport
Compact Elite
Mercedes Benz A Class
or similar
$77.68
/ per day
Downtown
Full-size
Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé
or similar
$93.88
/ per day
Birmingham Airport
Premium
Mercedes C Class
or similar
$95.13
/ per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 13:16 on 2024-04-14. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Languages
English
Currency
GBP
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+44
Average car rental price
$55 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%
Average gasoline price
$1.91 per liter or $7.25 / 1 gallon
Lowest gasoline price
$1.77 per liter or $6.68 / 1 gallon
Highest gasoline price
$2.23 per liter or $8.42 / 1 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 $35.18 per day
- From Birmingham to London - 144 offers from $34.74 per day
- From Birmingham to Preston - 10 offers from $33.87 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.
- 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 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
- 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.
- 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 $45 per day
- Large cars - from $33 per day
- Medium cars - from $22 per day
- Vans - from $64 per day
- Premium cars - from $50 per day
- Small cars - from $20 per day
- SUVs - from $30 per day
Money-saving 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!
Top 20 Cities near Birmingham
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15.6 km / 9.7 miles
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29 km / 18 miles
-
47.3 km / 29.4 miles
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50.6 km / 31.4 miles
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57.7 km / 35.9 miles
-
65 km / 40.4 miles
-
68.2 km / 42.4 miles
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74.8 km / 46.5 miles
-
83.7 km / 52 miles
-
91.5 km / 56.9 miles
-
98 km / 60.9 miles
-
104.8 km / 65.1 miles
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106.1 km / 65.9 miles
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112.3 km / 69.8 miles
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114 km / 70.8 miles
-
118.2 km / 73.4 miles
-
120.6 km / 74.9 miles
-
122.6 km / 76.2 miles
-
124 km / 77.1 miles
-
128.9 km / 80.1 miles
Top 20 Locations near Birmingham
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50.6 km / 31.4 miles
-
106.1 km / 65.9 miles
-
111.9 km / 69.5 miles
-
114 km / 70.8 miles
-
119.4 km / 74.2 miles
-
120.6 km / 74.9 miles
-
122.6 km / 76.2 miles
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125.3 km / 77.9 miles
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136.2 km / 84.6 miles
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139.8 km / 86.9 miles
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148.4 km / 92.2 miles
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149.3 km / 92.8 miles
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149.8 km / 93.1 miles
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149.9 km / 93.1 miles
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150 km / 93.2 miles
-
151.2 km / 94 miles
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151.3 km / 94 miles
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151.5 km / 94.1 miles
-
151.7 km / 94.3 miles
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
The cheapest month to rent a car in Birmingham is January (when prices average $22.08 per day). This is 44% cheaper than the yearly average and 67% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $66.84).
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.
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 August, the average renter keeps their car for 8 days, and in February, they keep their car for 5 days.
Average number of rental days in Birmingham
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 May.
Monthly searches in Birmingham by pick-up date relative to the average
Car Rental Information
| Car rental locations | 4 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | Drivalia, Keddy, Alamo, Enterprise, SIXT |
| Popular car categories | Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Vans |
| Lowest price | $20 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Drivalia |
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivalia | Volkswagen Polo | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Drivalia | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Drivalia | Renault Captur | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Keddy | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Drivalia | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Alamo | Nissan Juke | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Keddy | Kia Picanto | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Keddy | Vauxhall Crossland | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Alamo | Ford Focus | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Drivalia | Seat Alhambra | 5 | 3 | Vans |
Our Customers' Reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an 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, verified, and trustworthy.
MS
Malta
Ford Fiesta
March 21, 2024
Visit to catch up with family and old friends
RC
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
December 8, 2023
I wasn't on a trip I was at work
MC
Spain
Fiat 500
December 7, 2023
Visiting family & friends
JG
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
October 18, 2023
Amazing day out at Alton towers
SH
Hong Kong
Ford Fiesta
September 29, 2023
Peak district, football match
TB
Jersey
Fiat 500
September 14, 2023
Fabulous yoga retreat in the surroundings of the stunning Castle Ashby estate
JF
Singapore
Ford Focus
June 20, 2023
The journey from Birmingham to derby was a little long. However using the motorway is easy.
SB
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
May 21, 2023
Alton towers was very good, staff was amazing.
RH
Spain
Ford Fiesta
May 9, 2023
Merely visiting family and friends
KK
United Kingdom
VW Passat
December 5, 2022
of course I would like to continue to rent again.
MC
Australia
Fiat 500
September 1, 2022
Seeing family for the first time in 4 years
GR
United Arab Emirates
Range Rover Sport Aut.
July 14, 2021
Business trip
RP
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
May 18, 2019
Business trip - boring!
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Car Rental Statistics
Highest rated company
Enterprise
8.8 / 10
Lowest rated company
Easirent
7.1 / 10
Total number of reviews
15
Total rental companies
14
Average daily price
$55.09
Lowest daily price
$20.30
Total cars available
406
Top 14 Suppliers in Birmingham in 2024
Enterprise
2 locations
$57 - $323
Keddy
3 locations
$32 - $89
SIXT
2 locations
$51 - $324
Avis
1 location
$75 - $189
Hertz
2 locations
$28 - $75
Alamo
1 location
$58 - $319
Europcar
1 location
$33 - $104
National
2 locations
$60 - $316
Dollar
1 location
$66 - $71
Budget
1 location
$68 - $206
Drivalia
1 location
$20 - $101
GreenMotion
2 locations
$27 - $89
Routes Car Rental
1 location
$26 - $56
Easirent
2 locations
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader (see SimilarWeb), we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (3 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 150k+ total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2023
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2023
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Highly recommended by our customers
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