Popular Countries
24/7 SupportCar Rental Montgomery, AL
Free comparison tool · 1000s of rental cars · Major brands · No booking fees
Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals
No Booking Fees
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Find Low Prices
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Montgomery, Alabama. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Pick up your car at Montgomery Regional Airport or downtown and explore Civil Rights landmarks, EastChase shopping and nearby Selma at your own pace. We list offers from Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo and more so you can secure a low rate before peak legislative or summer travel kicks in.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) | • On-site rental counters near baggage claim • Cars parked just outside terminal • Hours aligned with flight schedules (5:30AM-11PM) • Simple, quick process at small airport | • ~10% airport concession fees • 8 miles (13 km) from downtown (15-20 minute drive) • Limited selection during peak periods • May close after last flight |
| Downtown Montgomery | • No airport fees • Convenient if staying downtown • Close to major attractions | • Limited hours (often closed Sundays) • Smaller vehicle selection • Advance reservation recommended |
| Eastern Boulevard locations | • Located on major commercial corridor • Near shopping and restaurants | • Business hours only • Transportation needed from airport/downtown • Limited weekend hours |
Airport Pickup
- Rental car desks (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo/National) located in terminal near baggage claim
- Cars parked just outside – on-site pickup
- Small airport means quick, straightforward rental process
Car Rental Prices
Low-cost rental tips
- Check both airport and city branches. Airport pickups add ~10 % concession fees. If your hotel is downtown and you arrive during business hours, a city counter can be cheaper even after a $20 rideshare.
- Avoid peak "legislative" weeks and Alabama's hot summer rush. Shifting your travel by a few days into January or September often slashes daily rates.
- Compare 7-day vs. daily pricing. In Montgomery the weekly rate frequently beats a 5- or 6-day booking, so extend or trim your trip to hit that sweet spot.
- Mind branch hours to dodge extra charges. Many downtown and Eastern Boulevard locations close Sundays. Schedule pickup/return while they're open so you don't pay for an extra day just to use the after-hours drop box.
- Skip the agency toll package. The city has only one $1.50 cash toll on the Expressway bridge; pay it yourself and keep the $10-25 "convenience" fee in your pocket.
Car rental prices in Montgomery 2025/2026
Parking and Local Driving
Places to Park:
| Location | Type | Cost | Time Limits | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Montgomery | Street parking | Free/Metered | Often 2-hour limits weekdays | Free evenings/weekends |
| Commerce Street Garage | Garage | Few dollars for half-day | No limit | Centrally located |
| Columbus Street Garage | Garage | Budget-friendly | No limit | Near government buildings |
| Court Square | Surface parking | Metered | Usually 2 hours | Historic area |
| Riverfront | Surface lots | Free/Minimal | Varies | Near riverboat docks |
| Legacy Museum area | Dedicated lot | Free for visitors | During visit | Museum parking |
| Eastdale Mall | Surface lot | Free | No limit | Shopping center parking |
| MGM Airport | Surface lot | Daily rate | No limit | Long-term parking reference |
Local Driving Rules
- Speed limits:
- Downtown/residential streets: 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h)
- Major arterials (Eastern Blvd): 45-55 mph (72-89 km/h)
- Interstate highways: 70 mph (113 km/h)
- Montgomery Expressway (AL-8/US-80) includes a toll bridge; have cash ready
- Right turns are permitted on red after a full stop unless signed otherwise
- Seat belts are mandatory for all front-seat occupants and children under 15
- Children up to age 5 must be in appropriate car seats
- Texting while driving is prohibited
- Move over one lane for stopped emergency vehicles when possible
Traffic Patterns
- Rush hours: 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM weekdays
- I-85 and Eastern Boulevard see the heaviest congestion
- Maxwell Air Force Base creates morning congestion on Day Street and the I-65 interchange
- The downtown grid is relatively easy to navigate outside rush hour
- Average annual congestion delay per driver: 8 hours (relatively low)
Why rent a car in Montgomery
A car lets you easily reach attractions spread across the city and surrounding region.
- Civil Rights Trail sites – Rosa Parks Museum, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
- Selma – Edmund Pettus Bridge, National Voting Rights Museum
- Tuskegee – Airmen National Historic Site
- Alabama Shakespeare Festival & Blount Cultural Park
- Montgomery Zoo & Alabama Safari Park
- EastChase and Eastern Boulevard – shopping, dining
Local Rental Locations
- Alabama
- Anniston, AL
- Auburn, AL
- Birmingham, AL
- Car Rental Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
- Daphne, AL
- Decatur, AL
- Dothan, AL
- Florence, AL
- Foley, AL
- HSV Airport
- Huntsville, AL
- Oxford, AL
- Tuscaloosa, AL
FAQs
Is there a toll road in Montgomery?
Yes, the Montgomery Expressway (AL-8/US-80) has a toll bridge over the Alabama River. You'll pay a $1.50 toll in cash. The expressway takes you from the airport area to eastern Montgomery.
How far is Montgomery Regional Airport from downtown?
The airport is about 8 miles (13 km) southwest of downtown Montgomery. The drive takes around 15-20 minutes if you take US-80 and I-65.
Do I need a car in Montgomery?
Yes, we highly recommend you get a car. You can walk to some downtown attractions, but most historical sites, shopping areas and restaurants are spread out across the city, and there isn't much public transportation.
What's the minimum age to rent a car?
You usually need to be 21 to rent a car. If you're between 21 and 24, the rental company will add a "young driver fee" of about $25-$30 per day. For some types of cars, you might need to be 25 or older.
Are there any vehicle restrictions when crossing the toll bridge?
No, you can drive a standard rental car over the toll bridge without any problem. Large RVs or oversized vehicles might have to use special lanes or follow certain rules.
Is parking difficult to find in downtown Montgomery?
No, you'll find plenty of parking in downtown Montgomery. There's street parking, public garages and surface lots. You can often park on the street for free in the evenings and on weekends.
What should I do if I encounter severe weather?
You should keep an eye on local weather alerts. If there's a tornado warning, find shelter in a strong building. In heavy rain, slow down and leave more space between you and the car in front of you. You can get emergency updates from a weather radio or local FM stations.
