Car hires in Birmingham: practical information
Where to rent a car in Birmingham
Are you planning a holiday in Birmingham? If you plan to explore the surrounding regions of the city then you'll definitely need a car rental. At the airport, travellers have several options: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and National. You will find cheap car rentals at the airport, but sometimes the better deals are found in the city centre.
Always compare car hire offers before choosing, there may be a better deal with the same company at a different location, especially between the airport and the city centre. Along the A38, Bristol Street and the Suffolk Street Queensway you will find Greenmotion Vehicle Rental, Enterprise, Budget, Avis and Europcar.
Parking in Birmingham: what you should know
There are more than 24,000 parking spots in Birmingham so the chances of you finding one to park your rental car are pretty good. There is a wide choice of car parks as well as on-street parking. On the main roads, look out for illuminated signs which display how many spaces are available at the nearby car parks. In some spaces you can even pay by phone, although you do need to register beforehand on the internet.
Some car parks are only open during weekdays while others are open 24/7. Daily rates range from £5.00/day to around Birmingham £19.00/day. If you find a free place on the street, you can expect to pay around £2/hour. If you rent a car for the entirety of your trip, make sure you can access free parking at your hotel in Birmingham.
Road trips from Birmingham: what to do, what to see
- A stone's throw away: Love chocolate? Take a ride to the Cadbury Factory! Take a tour and don't leave without a few samplings of without a doubt the most famous chocolate in England.
- A little further: Not far from Birmingham, Ironbridge is a small town along the River Severn. The town's namesake bridge was built in the 1700s and spans the river. There are a few small museums in the town as well, some great hiking in the surrounding countryside and gorge.
- A proper day-trip: Driving from Birmingham down to London will take you a mere 2 hours by car, a great way to catch some sights on a weekend or overnight. Head right into Westminster, or enjoy a slower pace in the boroughs along the Thames, Richmond for example.
For more things to do in Birmingham, check out Mini-guide: Birmingham.
