How to Hire a Car in Birmingham Airport – A Local’s Guide
If you’ve ever tried to hire a car at Birmingham Airport, you’ll know it can feel like navigating a maze designed by someone with a wicked sense of humor. The rental companies don’t make it easy, with their confusing signage, hidden terms, and desks that seem to be perpetually “just about to open” when your flight lands at 11:30 PM.
As someone who’s spent more time than I’d care to admit hanging around the car hire desks at BHX (both personally and helping our limo clients who occasionally need a self-drive option), I’ve assembled this no-nonsense guide to hiring a car in Birmingham Airport without losing your sanity.
Where to Find Car Hire Companies at Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport has all the major car rental companies located inside the main terminal building. When you exit from the arrivals area, you’ll see the car hire desks directly opposite International Arrivals. In 2025, you’ll find:
- Hertz (recently relocated closer to the exit doors)
- Europcar (usually the busiest desk in our experience)
- Enterprise
- Avis
- Budget
- Sixt
The car hire desks are open from 5 AM to midnight most days, though some companies (notably Hertz and Europcar) offer after-hours pick-up by prior arrangement. If you’re arriving on a late flight, confirm this option when you book your car.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Car at Birmingham Airport
1. Book Your Car Hire Online Before You Arrive
While it’s possible to rent a car at Birmingham Airport without a reservation, doing so is a bit like playing Russian roulette with your wallet. Walk-up rates can be 30-70% higher than pre-booked prices, and vehicle choice will be severely limited.
To find the best car hire deals at Birmingham Airport, book online at least 3-4 weeks before your arrival date. The sweet spot for booking is typically 6-8 weeks out, when prices are at their lowest before starting to climb as your date approaches.
When comparing car hire options, remember to check:
- Is insurance included or just the basic legally required minimum?
- What’s the fuel policy?
- Are there mileage limits?
- What’s the excess (the amount you’re liable for if there’s damage)?
2. Gather Required Documents
Before you can hire a car at Birmingham Airport, you’ll need:
- A valid driving license – For UK residents, both parts of your license (photo card and paper counterpart if you still have one). For international visitors, a valid license from your home country.
- Proof of address – Usually a utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old.
- Credit card – Must be in the main driver’s name. Most car hire companies at Birmingham Airport won’t accept debit cards for the security deposit.
- ID – Passport or national ID card for international visitors.
- Reservation details – Have your booking reference handy, either printed or on your phone.
If you’re coming from outside the UK, you may also need:
- International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn’t in English
- Passport or identity document
- Proof of entry to the UK (e.g., boarding pass)
3. Navigate the Car Hire Process at the Airport
When you arrive at Birmingham Airport, the process to pick up your hire car goes something like this:
- Head to the car rental desk with your documentation
- Complete the rental agreement (read the small print!)
- Pay any additional charges for extras you select
- Receive your keys and vehicle location information
- Exit the terminal and follow signs to Car Park 4, where most rental vehicles are located
Pro Tip: Birmingham Airport’s car hire desks can get extremely busy, especially between 10 AM – 2 PM and 6 PM – 8 PM when multiple flights arrive. Allow at least 30-45 minutes for the entire process during these times.
4. Inspect Your Car Before Leaving
The most important step when you pick up your car hire at Birmingham Airport: thoroughly inspect the vehicle before driving away. The car park lighting isn’t great, so use your phone torch to check properly.
Document any existing damage, no matter how minor. Take photos with your phone of:
- Each side of the vehicle
- Front and rear
- Interior condition
- Fuel gauge level
- Odometer reading
- Any existing scratches or dents
Ensure any damage is noted on your rental agreement before leaving the car park. Don’t be rushed by staff or other waiting customers—this step could save you hundreds of pounds when you return the car.
Choosing the Right Car Hire Company at Birmingham Airport
Not all car rental companies at Birmingham Airport are created equal. Here’s my honest assessment based on years of personal experience and client feedback:
Hertz
- Pros: Newest fleet at BHX, efficient service, good vehicle reliability
- Cons: Among the most expensive, aggressive upselling of insurance
- Best for: Business travelers who need reliability over cost
Enterprise
- Pros: Friendly staff, clear terms, good vehicle condition
- Cons: Can have longer queues, slightly further car park location
- Best for: Families and longer rentals
Europcar
- Pros: Often has the cheapest headline rates, wide vehicle selection
- Cons: Watch for fuel policy terms, more reports of disputed damage charges
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who read the fine print carefully
Sixt
- Pros: Premium vehicles often available at mid-range prices, modern fleet
- Cons: Smaller presence at Birmingham Airport, fewer economy options
- Best for: Those wanting to drive something nicer without breaking the bank
Car Types Available at Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport offers a range of car hire options to suit different needs:
Economy Cars
Perfect for solo travelers or couples exploring Birmingham city centre where parking is tight. Typically Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, or similar.
Compact Cars
The sweet spot for most travelers—these offer enough space for 2-3 people with luggage while still being easy to maneuver around Birmingham’s sometimes narrow roads. Typically VW Golf, Ford Focus, or similar.
Family/Estate Cars
If you’re traveling with family or need more luggage space to explore beyond Birmingham, these provide comfort without excessive cost. Typically Skoda Octavia, Ford Mondeo Estate, or similar.
Premium/Executive Cars
For business travelers or those wanting added comfort while exploring Birmingham and beyond. Typically Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, or Mercedes C-Class.
SUVs
Popular for longer trips outside Birmingham, offering higher driving position and more space. Typically Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, or similar.
Electric Cars
Birmingham Airport has been expanding its electric car hire options, with Europcar and Hertz now offering EVs. Charging points are available in Car Park 4.
Van Hire
Need to move stuff rather than people? Van hire is available from Enterprise and Hertz at Birmingham Airport, typically Ford Transit or similar.
Car Hire Requirements at Birmingham Airport
The main requirements to hire a car at Birmingham Airport are:
- Age: Minimum age is usually 23, though some companies accept 21+ with a young driver surcharge
- License: Full driving license held for at least 1 year (2+ years for premium vehicles)
- Payment: Credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit
- Documentation: ID, proof of address, booking confirmation
Birmingham Airport Car Park Locations
Most car hire companies at Birmingham Airport keep their vehicles in Car Park 4, which is about a 6-7 minute walk from the terminal building. Follow the signs after exiting the main terminal.
The exception is Enterprise, which sometimes uses its own separate location slightly further away but provides a shuttle service.
Navigating from Birmingham Airport
Once you’ve successfully picked up your hire car, getting out of Birmingham Airport can be a bit confusing for first-timers:
- Follow signs for “Exit” from Car Park 4
- At the roundabout, take the first exit for the A45 toward Birmingham city centre, or the second exit for the M42 motorway
- The first 10 minutes can be congested, especially during peak hours
Pro Tip: Set up your GPS/phone navigation before starting your journey. The initial roundabouts and junctions come up quickly after leaving the car park.
Alternatives to Airport Car Hire
Sometimes hiring a car directly at Birmingham Airport isn’t the best option. Consider these alternatives:
City Centre Car Hire
Car hire in Birmingham city centre can be 15-20% cheaper than at the airport. Take the train from Birmingham International station (connected to the airport) to Birmingham New Street, and hire from there instead.
Delivery Options
Some companies (notably Enterprise) will deliver a hire car to your hotel in Birmingham for free if you’re renting for 3+ days, saving you the airport pick-up hassle.
Car Hire for Part of Your Trip
If you’re spending time in central Birmingham, you may not need a car for your entire stay. The city centre is quite walkable, and public transport is good. Consider hiring a car just for the days you plan to explore areas around Birmingham.
Special Tips for International Visitors
If you’re visiting the UK and planning to hire a car at Birmingham Airport, a few extra pointers:
- Drive on the LEFT side of the road (yes, we know it’s weird for many of you!)
- Roundabouts go CLOCKWISE (give way to traffic from the right)
- Ask for an automatic transmission if you’re not comfortable with manual gears
- Consider adding a GPS to your rental if your phone doesn’t have affordable data in the UK
- Speed limits are in miles per hour, not kilometers
Exploring Birmingham and Beyond
With your hire limo sorted, Birmingham offers excellent access to some of the UK’s most interesting locations:
- The historic city of Stratford-upon-Avon is just 30 minutes’ drive
- The beautiful Cotswolds begin about 45 minutes south
- The Peak District National Park is about an hour north
- Wales is accessible in under 2 hours
- Even London is only about 2 hours away via the M40
Don’t miss the Birmingham Botanical Gardens if you’re staying local—it’s one of the city’s hidden gems and has convenient parking.
FAQs About Car Hire at Birmingham Airport
Can I hire a car at Birmingham Airport without a credit card? Most companies require a credit card, but Enterprise sometimes accepts debit cards with additional ID verification.
What’s the cheapest car hire at Birmingham Airport? Economy cars from Europcar or Enterprise typically offer the lowest base rates, but always check the full terms.
Can I return my hire car outside of business hours? Yes, all companies have key drop boxes for after-hours returns. Just park in the designated return area in Car Park 4.
Are there any electric car charging points at Birmingham Airport? Yes, Car Park 4 now has 8 charging points for electric vehicles, though not all car hire companies at Birmingham Airport offer EVs yet.
Can I hire a car at Birmingham Airport and return it elsewhere? Yes, one-way rentals are possible but usually incur an additional fee. Returns to London locations typically have the lowest one-way charges.
Conclusion:
Hiring a limo at Birmingham Airport doesn’t have to be a headache if you know what to expect. Book ahead, understand the requirements, inspect your vehicle carefully, and you’ll be exploring Birmingham and beyond in no time.
Of course, if you decide that driving yourself isn’t appealing after a long flight, remember that our executive car service offers a stress-free alternative. We’ll meet you at arrivals and whisk you away to your destination in comfort, no car park walks required!
Need a more luxurious way to get around Birmingham? Our chauffeur service offers door-to-door convenience with professional drivers who know the city inside out. Perfect for business travelers or anyone who’d rather sit back and enjoy the ride.
