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Compare car rental prices from leading companies in Huntsville, Alabama with Road Genius. From small economy cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Huntsville International Airport HSV for a smooth 15-minute ride into downtown, or choose neighborhood branches on University Drive and Memorial Parkway to dodge airport surcharges. With plentiful free parking and light traffic, drives to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Monte Sano State Park and day trips across North Alabama are a breeze.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 535454
Location Pros Cons
Huntsville International Airport (HSV) • On-site rental counters in baggage claim area
• Cars parked just outside terminal (no shuttle needed)
• Good selection of vehicles
• Hours aligned for flight schedules (usually 5AM-midnight)
• Clean, efficient airport and short walking distances
• Higher rates due to airport fees
• Limited late-night availability
• Can be busy Monday mornings and during large group travel
University Drive locations • Lower rates possible (no airport fees)
• Convenient if already in the city
• Limited business hours
• Smaller selection of vehicles
• Transportation needed from airport
Memorial Parkway offices • May offer neighborhood specials
• Useful for those arriving by bus
• Restricted weekend hours
• Often closed Sundays
• Smaller vehicle selection

Airport Pickup Experience:

  • Rental counters located on-site in baggage claim area
  • Car return lot adjacent to terminal - easy walk to check-in
  • Rental companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, Thrifty and Enterprise

Transport between Locations:

  • Taxis and rideshares readily available from HSV to city locations
  • Airport to downtown: approximately 15 minutes west of downtown, $20–25 rideshare
  • Limited public transportation options (not recommended for tourism purposes)

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Huntsville?

On average, car rentals in Huntsville cost around $74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $39 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Compare airport vs. city pickups. HSV adds extra fees. A $20 rideshare to University Drive or Memorial Parkway can wipe out those charges and still save you money.

  • Avoid Monday-Thursday pickups. Business travelers flood Rocket City then. Starting a rental Friday afternoon often unlocks weekend specials.

  • Check weekly rates even for shorter trips. A 7-day quote can beat the price of a 4-5 day booking, so run both options before you reserve.

  • Travel in the off-peak months (Jan or Sep-Oct). Huntsville rates drop 10-20 percent when conferences and summer tourists stay home.

  • Use local discount hooks. Military, government, AAA or defense-industry codes are common here and can trim a few bucks off the daily rate.
Car rental prices in Huntsville 2025/2026

Parking and Local Driving

Where to Park:

Location Type Cost Time Limits Details
Downtown Huntsville Street Free 2-hour limit in many areas Public garages also available
Monroe Street Garage Public garage Modest fee during events No limit Near Von Braun Center
U.S. Space & Rocket Center Surface lot Free for visitors During visit Plenty of spaces
Parkway Place Mall Surface lot Free No limit Shopping center lot
Bridge Street Town Centre Surface lot/garage Free No limit Shopping and dining destination
Monte Sano State Park Surface lot Park entry fee applies During visit Nature preserve lot
Hospital/Medical District Garages/surface lots Varies Varies Visitor spaces available

Local Driving Rules:

  • Speed limits:

    • Downtown/residential: 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h)
    • Memorial Parkway: 45-55 mph (72-89 km/h)
    • I-565: 70 mph (113 km/h), dropping to 55-60 mph (89-97 km/h) near downtown
    • School zones: 15 mph (24 km/h) when lights flashing
  • Right turns on red are allowed after a complete stop (unless signed otherwise)
  • Move over one lane away from stopped emergency vehicles or slow by 15 mph
  • Headlights required when wipers in use during rain
  • Seat belts mandatory for all passengers

Traffic Patterns:

  • Rush hours: 7:00-8:30AM and 4:30-6:00PM weekdays
  • Memorial Parkway: Primary north-south expressway featuring frontage roads and overpasses
  • Research Park/Redstone Arsenal gates: Congestion during morning and evening commutes
  • I-565: Flows well outside rush hour
  • Overall: Light traffic compared to larger cities (averages only 3 hours of congestion annually)
Why rent a car in Huntsville

Rent a car to easily:

  • U.S. Space & Rocket Center – Saturn V rocket, exhibit halls

  • Monte Sano State Park – hiking trails, mountain overlooks

  • Huntsville Botanical Garden – plant collections, butterfly house

  • Bridge Street Town Centre – shopping district, restaurants

  • Cathedral Caverns State Park – cave formations, stalagmites

  • Lake Guntersville – waterfront parks, fishing spots

Driving Distances from Huntsville

FAQs

Is an International Driving Permit required in Huntsville? Alabama lets tourists drive using a valid driver's license from their home country. If your license isn't in English, we strongly recommend you get an International Driving Permit (IDP) to use as a translation.

Are there any toll roads in the Huntsville area? No, you won't find any toll roads in Huntsville or the area around it. You can drive all over North Alabama without having to pay tolls.

What's the minimum age to rent a car? You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Rental companies charge an extra fee of about $25–$30 per day if you are 21 to 24 years old. For some types of cars, you have to be 25 or older.

How difficult is it to drive in Huntsville for international visitors? Most people find Huntsville easy to drive in because the traffic is usually light. The city's grid layout and clear road signs help international drivers find their way. If you're from a country where people drive on the left, you'll need to get used to driving on the right.

What should I do in case of severe weather? If there's a tornado warning, you should find shelter in a strong building and stay away from windows. In the winter, try not to drive if the forecast mentions snow or ice, as the city doesn't have many plows to clear the roads.

Can I take my rental car to neighboring states? Yes, most rental companies let you drive to states next to Alabama. You should check your rental agreement, but you can usually take trips to Tennessee, Georgia or other nearby states.

Is parking difficult to find in Huntsville? You'll find plenty of parking in Huntsville, and it's often free. In the downtown area, you can use street parking or public garages, and most attractions have their own parking lots.