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Finding a rental car in Birmingham is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers across the UK with no booking fees. Pick up at Birmingham Airport (BHX) or in the city centre, with quick access to the M6, M5 and M42 for day trips to Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick and the Cotswolds. Most modern rentals meet Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone requirements, so you can focus on the right car type and pickup time for your plans.
Birmingham has several car rental locations. Each has different benefits depending on your travel plans and how you arrive.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Airport (BHX) | • Located at the airport (5-min walk from terminal) • Longer opening hours (typically 6:30am-11pm) • Larger selection of cars • Some companies allow late pickup if your flight is delayed |
• Higher prices and airport fees • Possible long lines when many flights arrive • You must drive in busy airport traffic immediately |
| City Centre | • Lower prices than the airport • Good option if you arrive by train (offices near New Street Station) • No extra airport fees |
• Shorter opening hours (often closed on Sundays) • You must travel from the airport to the city first • You must drive in busy city traffic |
| Off-Site/Local | • Possible discounts from local companies • More personal service • More flexible pickup and return arrangements |
• Requires a shuttle or pickup service • Smaller selection of cars • Booking in advance is usually required |
On average, car rentals in Birmingham cost around €45 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €14 per day.
Compare pickup spots: City centre branches near New Street often undercut BHX airport rates. If flying into BHX, take the quick train into town and collect the car when you actually need it.
Book smart, not just early: For peak times in Birmingham like summer or the Frankfurt Christmas Market, lock in 4-6 months ahead. Off-peak, pick free-cancel deals and recheck prices so you can rebook if they drop.
Tweak dates and times: Shifting pickup/return by a day or to a weekday can cut costs. Aim for 24-hour rentals and avoid after-hours pickups that may add fees.
Choose a cheaper spec: Small, manual cars cost less and use less fuel. Bring your own phone mount and cable instead of paid GPS. Keep extra drivers to only who really needs to drive.
Mind route extras: One-way can be worth it, but compare the fee vs returning to the same branch. Using the free M6 instead of the M6 Toll saves around £7-£8 each way.
Fuel and city charges: Fill up at supermarket stations to save 10-15p per litre and return full. Most rentals meet Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone rules, but double-check to avoid the £8 daily charge inside the A4540.
City Options:
Local Driving Rules:
Clean Air Zone (CAZ): Covers Birmingham city centre inside the A4540 Middleway ring road
Speed Limits:
Bus Lanes:
M6 Toll Road:
Get a car so you can visit:
Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare's Birthplace, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Warwick – Warwick Castle
The Cotswolds – Broadway, Chipping Campden
Ironbridge Gorge – museums
Malvern Hills – Beacon Road, British Camp
Coventry – Cathedral, Transport Museum
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Birmingham? If your licence is in English, you usually don't need an International Driving Permit. You can drive using a valid overseas licence for up to 12 months in the UK.
What side of the road do you drive on in the UK? In the UK, people drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver sits on the right side of the car.
Are there congestion charges in Birmingham? Instead of a congestion charge, Birmingham has a Clean Air Zone (CAZ). The city charges a daily £8 fee, but only for older, higher-polluting cars. Most rental cars are modern so you won't need to pay the charge.
What type of transmission do rental cars typically have? Rental companies in the UK usually offer manual cars as standard. If you need an automatic, make sure to book one in advance and expect to pay about 20-30% more.
How much is the typical deposit for a car rental in Birmingham? Deposits can vary, but usually they are between £200 and £1,000+. The amount depends on the car type and if you buy the rental company's insurance. The company puts a hold on your credit card and releases it when you return the car without any damage.
Can I take my rental car to other parts of the UK? Yes, rental companies generally allow you to drive within England, Wales and Scotland without extra restrictions or fees. If you want to take the car to Northern Ireland or mainland Europe, you may need permission from the company and have to pay extra.
What happens if I get a traffic or parking ticket? The rental company will charge you for the fine and add their own admin fee, which is usually £30-£60. To avoid these extra costs, you should drive carefully and follow the local rules.
Are child seats available with rentals? Yes, you can reserve child seats for about £10-£15 per day, and companies often cap the total price. You should ask for a seat when you book or you could bring your own if it meets UK standards.
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