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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare rental car prices from top companies at Birmingham Airport (BHX) with Road Genius. From small economy cars to luxury SUVs and people carriers, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up on-airport in the Arrivals hall or via a short shuttle to off-airport depots, then head straight to the M42 for quick trips to Birmingham city centre, Coventry and the NEC. Most suppliers offer after-hours returns and one-way car hire across the UK.
You can find all major car rental companies at Birmingham Airport. Their counters are in the Arrivals area.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Terminal | • Immediate access upon arrival • Extended hours (typically 6:30am-11pm) • Wide selection of vehicles |
• Usually more expensive due to airport fees • Longer waits during busy travel times |
| Off-Airport | • Often cheaper • Similar choice of vehicles • Less crowded rental locations |
• Requires extra travel time • Shorter opening hours • Possible wait for a shuttle bus |
On average, car rentals at Birmingham Airport cost around €45 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €14 per day.
Compare airport vs off-airport or city pickups. Airport desks often cost about 15-20% more. If you’re staying in Birmingham first, take the train into the city and rent there to cut the premium.
Be flexible with dates and times. Midweek and midday pickups are usually quieter and can price better. For summer and big NEC event weeks, book 2-3 months ahead. Off-peak, watch prices and rebook if they drop.
Pick the right car and skip add-ons. Smaller cars are cheaper and easier to park. Ditch paid GPS and use your phone. Bring your own child seat if practical to avoid daily fees.
Choose full-to-full and refuel nearby. Top up at the Shell on the A45 before returning to BHX and keep the receipt to avoid refuelling charges.
Match pickup and return times. Don’t trigger an extra day. There’s usually a 29-minute grace period. If you land very late, collecting the next morning can avoid after-hours fees.
Avoid tolls when traffic is light. Skip the M6 Toll outside peak to save about £7-£8. Use it only if the time saved during rush hour is worth the cost.
Airport Car Parks:
Local Driving Rules:
Clean Air Zone (CAZ): Birmingham city centre (within A4540 Middleway ring road) has a Clean Air Zone
M6 Toll Road:
Speed Limits:
Get a car to visit:
Birmingham City Centre – A4540 Middleway, CAZ
NEC/Resorts World – events, retail, entertainment
Coventry – A45, ring road
Warwick Castle
Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare sites
The Cotswolds – villages, countryside
How long does the car rental pickup process take at Birmingham Airport? Getting your car usually takes 15-30 minutes, but it depends on how long the queues are. When it's busy (like early mornings and weekend afternoons), you might wait up to an hour.
Can I pick up a car at Birmingham Airport and return it to another location? Yes, most companies let you rent a car one way. They usually charge an extra fee for this, which can be £30-£100 or more depending on how far you're going.
What type of vehicles are available at BHX Airport? You can find all kinds of cars, from cheap economy models to luxury vehicles. Small and economy cars are the most popular, so they can sell out when it's busy.
Do I need to pay the Birmingham Clean Air Zone charge when driving from the airport? You only need to pay the charge if your car has high emissions and you drive into the centre of Birmingham (inside the A4540 ring road). Most rental cars meet the standards, so you won't have to pay.
Is there a grace period for returning rental cars at Birmingham Airport? Most companies give you a 29-minute grace period when you return the car. If you're later than that, they might charge you for a whole extra day.
Can I collect a rental car at Birmingham Airport during the night? Most rental desks close by 11 pm. If you arrive late at night, you'll need to arrange your pickup ahead of time or get the car the next morning.
What fuel policy do rental companies at Birmingham Airport typically use? Most companies have a 'full-to-full' fuel policy. This means they give you the car on a full tank, and you must return it full. Keep your fuel receipt to show you refuelled.
Is it better to rent from the airport or from Birmingham city centre? Renting from the airport is handy but costs more. If you plan to stay in Birmingham for a few days before needing a car, you could save money by taking the train to the city centre to rent one.
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