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| 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:
Transport between Locations:
On average, car rentals in Huntsville cost around $74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $39 per day.
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.
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:
Traffic Patterns:
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

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.