Car Rental - Birmingham

 

Rent a car in Birmingham, Alabama to easily explore the Yellowhammer State’s largest city.

From following in the footsteps of the civil rights movement to exploring the adventurous outdoors, there’s so much to see, do and learn from a visit to the Magic City.

If the prospect of the nation’s oldest baseball park, an array of museums and some beautiful woodland areas sparks your interest, then hiring a rental car from Hertz while in Birmingham is the best way to experience it all.

With a choice of small, medium and large sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, convertibles or sports rental cars, whether you’re traveling in Birmingham solo, as a couple, group or family, you’re sure to find the perfect holiday or business car rental to suit your needs.

Once you’ve reserved your rental car, you’ll be ready to plan your journey in Birmingham and the rest of Alabama.

Birmingham Locations

A Quick Guide to Birmingham

Birmingham-Civil-Rights-Institute

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

520 16th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute traces the journey and history of the civil rights advocates of the 1950s and 60s. Check out the permanent galleries covering human rights and confrontation as well as special events. Rent a car from our Birmingham branch to get to these places without relying on public transport.

Vulcan-Park-and-Museum

Vulcan Park and Museum

200 Elmcroft Road, Stamford, CT 06902

A stunning 18-acre waterfront park, with a safe playground, BBQ and picnic area, sports fields and walking trails. A great day out for all the family.

Sloss-Furnaces-National-Historic-Landmark

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

20 32nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222

Once the largest manufacturer of pig iron in the world, Sloss Furnaces is now a national monument to the Industrial Revolution. Visitors can go on a tour of the furnace, which is said to be haunted. In October, the museum hosts a Sloss Fright Furnace event to celebrate its spooky side.

Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Downtown-Tutwiler

2021 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203

This Downtown hotel is close to Birmingham's Convention Center, Museum of Art, and Civil Rights Institute. Modern facilities, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs complement the beautiful ballroom in this historic building. Rest here after a day spent driving your Birmingham rental car. 

Residence Inn by Marriott Birmingham Downtown at UAB

821 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205

The Five Points South location is perfect for the University of Alabama and attractions such as Vulcan Park and Museum and Railroad Park Foundation. This all-suite hotel has a relaxing residential feel throughout.

Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook, Autograph Collection

2655 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL 35223

This boutique hotel offers a great range of amenities including an outdoor pool and spa. It’s also a 15-minute walk away from Birmingham Zoo and just 350 yards from Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille

4 Perimeter Park South, Birmingham, AL 35243

If a classic all-American steakhouse is what you’re after, look no further than Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. It’s an award-winning favorite with a menu that features a smorgasbord of steaks, sides and appetizers – as well as some signatures such as Chateaubriand and Filet Perry. Drive your family here with a holiday car rental from our Birmingham branch. 

El Barrio

2211 2nd Ave North, Birmingham, AL 35203-3880

Enjoy scrumptious Mexican cuisine in the heart of Birmingham. With such palatable dishes such as the tantalizing barrio salsa, the succulent Chicken enchiladas, and the crispy Tacos, you’re sure to find a flavor that pleases your tastebuds. There are vegetarian options too. A treat for all the family to add some Latin spice to your Birmingham adventure.  

Dreamland BBQ

1427 14th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205

There’s arguably nowhere better to enjoy hickory-smoked ribs while you’re in town. Southern sides, stews and sandwiches are also on the menu at this local chain that has been serving Alabamians for more than 60 years.

Driving In and Around Birmingham

  • BPA Morris Ave Lot 2 (35203) Open 24/7. Nearby attractions include McWane Science Center, Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark and Rainbow LED Tunnel. Renting a car makes it easier to get around Birmingham.
  • BPA Deck 7 (35203) close to Birmingham Civil Rights Movement Institute, Kelly Ingram Park and Don Kresge Memorial Radio Museum, it’s open 24/7.
  • Vulcan Park Trail (35205) is also open 24/7 and is close to Vulcan Park Museum, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Birmingham Zoo.

Rush hour in Birmingham, Alabama tends to be from 6am until 8am, peaking between 7am and 7:30am. The evening rush hour is from 4pm until 6pm.

  • Birmingham offers great transportation links to the rest of Alabama and beyond through seven interstates – the I-20, I-59, I-22, I-65, I-222, I-422, I-459 – and 11 highways. Hop in a rental car and discover Birmingham with Hertz.
  • Interstates 20 and 59 will get you from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to the Central City district.
  • Head south on the I-65 and you’ll arrive in Alabama's state capital Montgomery in under an hour and a half.

When you get behind the wheel of your rental car in Birmingham, remember Alabama has a rule known as the Alabama Move Over Act. It means that if an emergency vehicle making use of its visual signals is stopped on the roadside, drivers must vacate the lane closest to the vehicle.

If this cannot be done – such as when driving on a two-lane road – the driver must reduce their speed to at least 15mph below the speed limit.

How to Get From Birmingham International Airport to Vulcan Park and Museum

  1. Head out onto the I-20 West/ I-59 South
  2. Take exit 126A and merge onto US-280 East/US-31 South
  3. Take the exit towards 21st Avenue
  4. Continue on 21st Avenue South and Valley View Drive until you arrive at Vulcan Park and Museum.