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Car rental in Birmingham - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Birmingham

Birmingham

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Birmingham

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Birmingham

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Birmingham

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.

Why Rent a Car in Birmingham?

Birmingham is a vibrant city with a rich industrial history and a thriving cultural scene. While public transport is available, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore Birmingham and its surrounding areas at your own pace.

Explore Beyond the City Centre. With a rental car, you can easily visit attractions outside Birmingham, such as the scenic Cotswolds, Warwick Castle, or the historic Stratford-upon-Avon.

Convenience and Comfort. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially if you're travelling with family, have a lot of luggage, or are on a business trip.

Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups, renting a car can be more cost-effective than using public transport or taxis, especially for longer trips.

Flexibility and Freedom. With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary and explore Birmingham and its surroundings at your own pace, without being restricted by public transport schedules.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Birmingham

Before renting a car in Birmingham, be aware of the essential terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Area

267.8 square kilometres (103.4 square miles)

Population

Approximately 1.1 million residents

Time Zone

GMT (GMT+1 during British Summer Time)

Ideal for

City exploration and regional trips

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Birmingham require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have a minimum age of 23 or 25 for certain vehicle categories, and young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English. A passport and a credit or debit card in the driver’s name are also typically required.

3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance, but additional coverage options, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection, are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return, provided the car is returned in good condition.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies also vary—many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Birmingham – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £20 / $25 / €24 per day

Classic:

from £10 / $12 / €12 per day

Executive:

from £30 / $38 / €36 per day

7 Seater:

from £40 / $50 / €48 per day

Automatic:

from £22 / $28 / €26 per day

SUV:

from £15 / $19 / €18 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.

Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts and lower rates.

*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Birmingham?

Follow these steps to book a car in Birmingham efficiently and avoid any surprises.

1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences. Compare different rental companies to ensure you get the best value for your money.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or a larger car for family trips. Consider factors like fuel efficiency, size, and comfort.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid any unexpected charges. Pay attention to the cancellation policy and any additional fees.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons. Last-minute bookings often come with higher rates and limited options.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental car. Inspect the vehicle for any existing damage before driving off, and make sure to understand the car's features and controls.

General Information About Birmingham

Birmingham is a major city in the West Midlands region of England, known for its industrial heritage and diverse culture.

As the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham offers a mix of historic landmarks, modern attractions, and vibrant cultural experiences. While Birmingham has a good public transport network, renting a car is a practical option for exploring areas outside the city centre or visiting nearby attractions. However, driving within Birmingham requires awareness of local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a smooth experience.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

    Explore extensive collections of art, history, and culture in a Victorian setting.

  • Cadbury World

    Discover the history and making of chocolate at this famous attraction.

  • The Bullring & Grand Central

    Enjoy shopping at this modern and iconic shopping centre.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use services like NCP or Q-Park for secure, citywide parking options. These garages are often located near major attractions and shopping areas.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays are available, but they can be costly and time-limited, especially in central areas. Check the signs for restrictions and payment methods.

  • Park & Ride

    Leave your car outside the city centre and use public transport to access central Birmingham. This can be a more affordable and convenient option.

Gas Stations in Birmingham

  • Availability

    Fuel stations are readily available throughout Birmingham and its surrounding areas.

  • Major Brands

    Look for BP, Shell, Esso, and Texaco along major roads and highways. Many stations are open 24 hours.

  • Navigation Apps

    Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations and check real-time prices.

Useful Tips for Visiting Birmingham

  • Use Contactless Payment

    Pay for buses and trams with a contactless bank card for quick and easy travel.

  • Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists

    Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in busy areas and city centre streets.

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM / 4:00–7:00 PM) when roads are often heavily congested.

  • Be Aware of Clean Air Zone

    Birmingham operates a Clean Air Zone (CAZ). Check if your vehicle meets the emission standards to avoid charges.

Key Transportation Hubs in Birmingham

Major Bus Stations

Birmingham Coach Station

Serves as the primary terminus for long-distance coach services, including National Express.

Railway Stations

Birmingham New Street

The central railway station, providing connections to destinations across the UK.

Birmingham Moor Street

Offers services to London Marylebone and other regional destinations.

Birmingham Snow Hill

Connects to local and regional destinations in the West Midlands.

Airports

Birmingham Airport (BHX)

Located approximately 13 kilometres (8 miles) southeast of Birmingham city centre, serving numerous international and domestic flights.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Birmingham?

Renting a car in Birmingham is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • If you're from the UK, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.

  • A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.

  • A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Birmingham as

4.3

To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.

Birmingham was a great stop on our road trip! Having a car made getting around so easy, and we loved exploring the city.

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 15.08.2024

Pretty chill, actually

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 15.11.2024

Pretty decent, actually.

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 27.03.2025

Solid, pretty chill

OS

Oliver Smith

Reviewed: 16.06.2025

Pretty relaxed, yeah

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 04.10.2024

Birmingham was fine for a quick overnight. The canal system was interesting, though the city center felt a little underwhelming.

EB

Ethan Brown

Reviewed: 31.07.2025

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