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Car rental Huntsville, AL
At a glance
Locations: Explore all our Huntsville car hire locations in one handy place, including airport and downtown sites.
Fleet: Compare SUVs, sedans and sports cars to match the right vehicle to your Huntsville adventure.
Things to do: Learn about America’s space program at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, plus the natural wonders of Monte Sano State Park.
FAQs: Discover all your options when hiring a Huntsville car rental, with plenty of FAQs, and details on one-way and business rentals.
Renting a car at Huntsville
Get a car rental in Huntsville, AL, to experience the forward-thinking city that shaped America’s space program. Known as the ‘Rocket City’, this North Alabama hotspot blends US history with lush green spaces and a diverse food scene.
With Huntsville International Airport less than a 20-minute drive from the downtown area, you’ll be exploring its many museums, parks, and gardens in no time.
Huntsville car rentals are quick and easy with Hertz. We have plenty of pick-up locations dotted around the city, making it simple to navigate both urban streets and the surrounding mountains of Monte Sano State Park.
Choose from EVs, convertibles, vans, trucks, SUVs and more from our fleet of vehicles. We have a wide range of cars to suit your needs.
Huntsville rental locations
Huntsville rental car options
Popular vehicles to rent in Huntsville
Things to do in Huntsville
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
As the world’s biggest space museum, this Huntsville hotspot is sure to be near the top of your car rental itinerary. It’s just outside the city center, off I-565. It celebrates the city’s leading role in US rocket development through the years, with star attractions including a replica Explorer I satellite, Apollo 16 command module, Apollo 12 moon rock, and United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket. The center offers a full day out, with over 1,500 items to explore. You’ll also find a variety of immersive astronaut training simulators, and a huge planetarium housed in a 67ft dome theater.
Cotton Row
100 Southside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801
Tucked away in the historic downtown area of Huntsville, this modern American restaurant has won a string of awards since launching in 2009. Led by chef James Boyce, its southern-influenced menus can include everything from braised black angus beef short ribs to Colorado lamb chops, porcini and truffle mushroom ravioli, and beyond. Set in an elegant cotton exchange building dating back to the 1820s, you’ll dine in style against a backdrop of vintage decor and exposed brick walls. Cotton Row offers a variety of private dining experiences too, with spaces including a cedar pipe cellar, lofts, and a boardroom.
Huntsville Marriott
5 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
Set in the grounds of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Huntsville Marriott gives you easy access to one of the city’s flagship tourist attractions. It combines comfort and convenience, offering both an outdoor pool and on-site laundry. The complimentary fitness center provides guests with cardiovascular equipment, exercise bikes, treadmills, and more. And when you’re feeling hungry, the hotel’s Southern Chop restaurant is on hand with a full-service breakfast and dinner options. There’s plenty of space to park your Huntsville car rental too, with competitive daily charges.
Long term car rental
A long term car rental in Huntsville gives you the chance to take in this varied Alabama city at your own pace. Our long term rentals offer special low rates, plus the freedom to journey around the wider state, whether you’re venturing to Birmingham, Montgomery, or even further afield.
One-way car rental
If you’re planning a big road trip from Huntsville, your journey doesn’t have to start and end in the Rocket City. With a one-way car rental from Huntsville, you can pick your vehicle up downtown and drop it off at the airport. Or start your adventure in central Huntsville and leave it in a different Alabama city entirely.
Business rental
Huntsville is a hub for businesses, from Cummings Research Park to its thriving defense industry. If you’re here for work, client meetings or pitches, take a look at our business car rental options. Hertz Gold+ is another way we reward regular travelers, with free perks and the chance to skip the line.
Popular road trips from Huntsville
Huntsville to Monte Sano State Park
7 miles & 15 minutes
It’s a short and easy drive from downtown Huntsville to the mountainous, 2,140-acre Monte Sano State Park. Just head through the city limits and park up to explore 20 miles of hiking trails and enjoy sweeping views of the region.
Huntsville to Birmingham
110 miles & two hours
Head south from Huntsville on US-431, AL-79 and I-65, taking the scenic route across the Tennessee River, to reach Birmingham. This historic Alabama city is the place to learn the story of the civil rights movement, with museums and galleries to inspire and inform.
Huntsville to Nashville
111 miles & two hours
Head straight north along the I-65 into neighboring Tennessee to explore Nashville’s rich musical heritage. As the proud home of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Johnny Cash Museum, you won’t be short of inspiration.
FAQs when renting a car in Huntsville
How much is it to rent a car in Huntsville, Alabama?
The exact cost of a car rental in Huntsville, AL will depend on factors like:
- The type of vehicle you choose
- The location where you’re picking up from
- How long you are hiring the car for
- Any extras, like Medical & Theft Protection
To get a quote and book a rental, use our reservation tool.
What are the pros and cons of Huntsville, Alabama?
The benefits of visiting Huntsville, Alabama include:
- A thriving tourism industry, with high-end museums like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
- Easy access to the Great Outdoors, such as neighboring Monte Sano State Park
- Traditional southern hospitality, with a range of affordable, friendly venues to dine and socialize.
The potential drawbacks include humid summers and the need to drive between the city’s top tourism sites.
What are the requirements to rent a car in Alabama?
To rent a car with Hertz in Alabama, you’ll generally need to:
- Be aged 19 or over
- Have a valid driver's license
- Own a valid debit or credit card
Why is Huntsville, Alabama so popular?
Booking a car rental in Huntsville, AL is so popular because of the city’s blend of attractions. On the one hand, you’ll find museums and art galleries, including the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment. On the other are natural highlights, such as Huntsville Botanical Garden and Monte Sano State Park. With a total area of 215 square miles, the city is easy to get around in a car too.
What to see when driving through Alabama?
Along with Huntsville attractions like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Monte Sano State Park, highlights of an Alabama road trip include Little River Canyon National Preserve, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, and Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
Does Huntsville have tolls?
No, you shouldn’t encounter any toll roads when driving Huntsville car rentals. The city doesn’t currently operate any tolls.
Is parking free in downtown Huntsville?
No, parking isn’t typically free in downtown Huntsville, with garages charging different rates and on-street parking meters enforced Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm.
