Birmingham Airport Car Hire - Compare Local Deals

Birmingham Airport Car Hire with 1st UK Car Rentals

Compare Birmingham Airport car hire with 1st UK Car Rentals and choose a vehicle for your plans in the West Midlands and beyond. Birmingham Airport is close to routes towards Birmingham city centre, Solihull, Coventry, Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds. A car can be useful for travelling between towns or visiting places that are less convenient to reach by public transport. If your plans are mainly in central Birmingham, compare local transport and parking before deciding how many days you need a car.

1st UK Car Rentals has more than 30 years of experience in the car rental industry. Compare live supplier offers with no hidden fees, free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup on eligible bookings, and CDW included as stated in the selected offer. Our Price Match Promise and supplier ratings are shown with the relevant offer. Supplier ratings are based on feedback provided by the rental suppliers; a 4.8/5 supplier rating is shown where applicable. Check the selected offer and supplier terms for the deposit, excess, fuel policy and cancellation deadline. Prices marked “from” are live rates and can change with dates, vehicle availability and rental length.

Where to collect your hire car at Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport has a dedicated car rental area and collect-and-return car park within walking distance of the terminal. After collecting your luggage, exit the terminal and follow the airport signs for “Car Rental.” Birmingham Airport says the car rental area is around a five-minute walk from the terminal. Check your confirmation for the exact desk, pickup location and provider instructions; arrangements may differ by supplier.

The airport lists Avis, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, National, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt among the on-site rental providers. Supplier availability and opening hours vary, so use the details on your booking confirmation, especially if you arrive late or on a weekend.

Before leaving the rental counter

• Bring the driving licence, identification, payment card and any other documents listed in your supplier’s terms. Requirements vary by driver, licence and supplier.
• If you hold a UK driving licence, check whether the supplier asks for a DVLA check code. You can create one through the GOV.UK driving licence service.
• Confirm the deposit amount and ensure the main driver’s payment card has enough available funds for the supplier’s security hold.
• Check the fuel type, fuel policy, mileage allowance, roadside assistance contact and return instructions.
• Inspect the car before driving away. Photograph existing marks, wheels, glass, dashboard mileage and fuel level, and ask the supplier to record any damage that is not already listed.

Returning your car at Birmingham Airport

Follow airport signs for car rental returns and use the location in your rental agreement. Do not navigate only to the passenger drop-off area. Once the car has been returned, follow the pedestrian signs back to the terminal.

If your supplier offers an after-hours key drop, confirm its instructions before travel. Park in the designated return area, remove all belongings, take photos of the vehicle, dashboard and fuel or battery level, and return the key as directed. Confirm when responsibility for the vehicle transfers back to the supplier.

Allow time for traffic on the A45 and M42, the vehicle inspection and the walk back to the terminal. Check your airline’s recommended arrival time and add a buffer for the rental return process.

Should you rent at Birmingham Airport or in the city?

An airport pickup can be convenient if you plan to drive onward after landing. If your first days are limited to central Birmingham, you may prefer to use local transport and collect a car later. This can avoid paying for a rental and city parking while the vehicle is not in use.

Car rental locations in Birmingham city centre, near New Street or in surrounding towns may be available depending on the supplier and date. Check the exact pickup address, opening hours, vehicle choice and return process before booking. A one-way rental, such as collecting at Birmingham Airport and returning elsewhere, may carry an additional fee; confirm the total in the quote.

Choosing a car for the West Midlands

Choose a vehicle based on your passengers, luggage, route and driving experience. Suppliers usually confirm a vehicle category rather than a particular make or model, and the examples below are indicative.

• Economy or compact car: Often a practical choice for one or two people, smaller luggage and city parking.
• Family car or estate: Provides more room for passengers and luggage on longer journeys.
• SUV: Offers a higher seating position and extra space. Do not assume it has four-wheel drive; check the listing if that feature matters to your trip.
• Automatic: Select an automatic transmission when searching if you do not drive a manual. Availability and rates vary, and automatics can be limited on busy dates.
• People carrier or minibus: Check passenger and luggage capacity, vehicle height and any age or licence requirements.
• Electric vehicle: Check the vehicle’s range, charging connector, return charge requirements and charging options along your route before booking.

Compare the total price for your dates and review what is included. Daily prices are not fixed and can change with availability, rental length, vehicle category and supplier.

Driving from Birmingham Airport

The airport connects to the A45 and M42, with onward routes to the M6, M40 and other parts of the region. Journey times depend on traffic, roadworks and your destination. Check live directions before setting off and leave extra time around peak travel periods.

Birmingham Clean Air Zone

Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone operates in the city centre within the A4540 Middleway. The charge depends on the vehicle’s emissions and exemptions; vehicles that do not meet the zone’s standards may be charged. Before driving into the zone, check the registration with the GOV.UK Clean Air Zone vehicle checker and review Birmingham City Council’s current Clean Air Zone information. Ask your rental supplier for the vehicle registration if needed.

Useful UK driving guidance

• Drive on the left and take extra care at junctions, roundabouts and when leaving car parks.
• Follow speed limit signs and overhead motorway signals. A signed variable limit takes precedence over the national limit.
• Read the signs and lane markings as you approach roundabouts, give way as directed and signal for your exit.
• Country roads can be narrow and winding. Reduce speed, watch for walkers, cyclists and animals, and use passing places when necessary.
• The M6 Toll is a toll road that may be useful on some journeys through the Midlands. Check the operator’s current route, charges and payment methods before travelling, and ask your rental supplier how tolls and administration charges are handled.
• Do not drink and drive. Alcohol limits differ across the UK, and alcohol can affect driving even below the legal limit.

For current rules, check the GOV.UK speed limit guidance and the Highway Code before travelling.

Fuel and electric charging

Follow the fuel policy in your rental agreement. If the policy requires a full tank on return, refuel before returning the car and keep the receipt if your supplier requests it. Check the label on the fuel flap before filling up; do not rely on nozzle colours alone. If you are unsure which fuel to use, contact the supplier before refuelling.

Fuel stations are available along routes between Birmingham and the airport, including the A45. Check a current map for the closest open station on your return route and allow time for traffic. For an electric car, plan charging stops ahead and confirm charger availability, payment options and the supplier’s battery-return requirements.

Insurance, deposits and rental documents

CDW is included in the selected offers as displayed. It may still leave an excess payable if the vehicle is damaged or stolen, and exclusions and conditions apply. Review the supplier’s policy and rental agreement to understand what is covered, the excess, any deposit and whether optional cover is available. The supplier sets the final terms at pickup.

Rental requirements differ by supplier and driver. Check the minimum driver age, licence-holding period, additional-driver rules, payment-card requirements and any fees in the offer before booking. A physical payment card in the main driver’s name may be required for the security deposit. International drivers should check whether their licence is accepted and whether an International Driving Permit or translation is required for their circumstances.

If you plan to take the car outside Great Britain, get the supplier’s permission before travelling. Confirm any additional cover, documents, restrictions or fees in writing.

Day trips from Birmingham Airport

Birmingham is a useful starting point for exploring the Midlands and nearby regions. Routes and journey times can change with traffic, weather and road closures, so check conditions before setting out.

• Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick: Head south towards Shakespeare’s birthplace and Warwick Castle. Check parking and opening information before travelling.
• The Cotswolds: Travel south towards Gloucestershire and the Cotswold towns and villages. Roads and parking can be busy during weekends and holiday periods.
• Peak District: Head north towards Derbyshire. Rural roads may be narrow, and weather can affect routes over higher ground.
• Welsh borders: Travel west towards Shropshire and Wales. Check the route and allow time for motorway traffic.

Birmingham Airport car hire FAQs

How far is the car rental area from the terminal?

Birmingham Airport says its car rental area is around a five-minute walk from the terminal. Follow the airport signs for “Car Rental” and your supplier’s instructions, as the exact desk and pickup process can vary.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

Include your flight details when requested and contact your rental supplier as soon as you know of a delay. Desk hours, late pickup and out-of-hours arrangements vary by supplier. Use the contact details on your booking confirmation and ask whether the supplier can hold the vehicle.

Can I book an automatic car?

Yes, when an automatic is available for your dates and selected vehicle category. Choose “automatic” in the search and check that the confirmed offer specifies it. Do not assume a particular make or model will be supplied.

Are child car seats required?

Children must normally use a suitable child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first. Check the current GOV.UK child seat rules and reserve a suitable seat with the supplier if needed. Confirm the seat type, availability and price before travel.

Can I cancel my booking?

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup applies to eligible offers. Check the cancellation deadline and conditions shown for your selected booking before confirming.

Can I drive my rental car in Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone?

Check the vehicle registration and current zone requirements before entering. Some vehicles may be charged. Use the GOV.UK vehicle checker and Birmingham City Council’s current guidance to confirm the rules for your rental car.

Can I take the car to another country?

Travel outside Great Britain depends on the supplier and vehicle. Ask the supplier for permission and confirm any required documents, cover, tolls and fees before travelling.

How early should I return the car before my flight?

Allow enough time for the drive to the rental return, vehicle inspection and walk back to the terminal. Check your airline’s recommended arrival time and add a buffer for traffic and the rental return process.

About this guide

1st UK Car Rentals has more than 30 years of experience in the car rental industry. This guide is maintained to help travellers compare offers and prepare for a rental at Birmingham Airport. Airport arrangements, supplier policies, road restrictions and prices can change. Check your booking confirmation, current airport information and supplier terms before travelling.

Useful official information: Birmingham Airport car hire and pickup information, Birmingham Clean Air Zone, and GOV.UK driving licence and check code service.