Compare cheap car hire at Birmingham Airport with practical details on rental desks, pickup locations, driving routes and prices.
Birmingham Airport (BHX) is one of the UK’s busiest airports, located about 13km east of Birmingham city centre. It serves the Midlands and is a convenient starting point for travel across central England, including the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and the wider West Midlands.
Hiring a car at the airport is a practical option for visitors planning to travel beyond the city or explore multiple destinations across the region.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Birmingham Airport has frequent direct flights from Ireland throughout the year.
- Dublin → Birmingham (Aer Lingus, Ryanair)
- Cork → Birmingham (Ryanair)
- Knock → Birmingham (Ryanair seasonal)
Flight time from Dublin is typically around 1 hour.
Where to Collect Your Rental Car
The car hire desks at Birmingham Airport are located inside the terminal building near the arrivals area. After exiting baggage reclaim, follow signs for “Car Hire”.
Vehicles are collected from the Car Rental Village, which is located just outside the terminal. A free shuttle bus runs regularly between the terminal and the car rental area.
Airport maps and transport details are available on the official Birmingham Airport website.
Car Hire Companies at Birmingham Airport
Most major rental providers operate from the airport.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise
All vehicles are collected from the dedicated car rental village located a short distance from the terminal.
Typical Rental Prices at Birmingham Airport
| Season | Economy | Family Car | Larger Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | £25 – £50 | £50 – £85 | £85 – £130 |
| April – June | £35 – £70 | £70 – £110 | £110 – £170 |
| July – August | £60 – £110 | £110 – £170 | £170 – £250 |
| September – October | £40 – £80 | £80 – £130 | £130 – £200 |
| November – December | £30 – £60 | £60 – £95 | £95 – £150 |
Most Common Rental Cars
Economy Cars
Small hatchbacks are ideal for city driving and short journeys across the Midlands.
Family Cars
Mid-size vehicles provide comfort for longer trips across England.
Estate Cars
Estate vehicles offer extra luggage space and are suitable for touring holidays.
People Carriers
- 7 Seater vehicles – suitable for families travelling together
- 8 Seater vehicles – useful for larger groups
Driving from Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport is located next to the M42 motorway, providing direct access to the UK’s motorway network.
- Birmingham city centre – about 25 minutes
- Coventry – around 20 minutes
- Stratford-upon-Avon – roughly 40 minutes
- Oxford – about 1 hour 30 minutes
The M42 connects to the M6, M40 and M5, making it easy to travel across the UK.
If you are comparing arrival points across the UK, you can also look at options from Manchester Airport, Heathrow Airport or Bristol Airport.
Driving in the UK
Driving in the UK is on the left-hand side of the road. Motorways and major roads are generally well maintained and clearly signposted.
Most motorways are toll-free, although some bridges and specific routes may have charges.
Further travel information is available on the official VisitBritain website.
Places to Visit by Car from Birmingham
Birmingham is well located for exploring central England.
- Stratford-upon-Avon – birthplace of Shakespeare
- Cotswolds – rolling countryside and villages
- Warwick Castle – historic castle and attraction
- Peak District – national park within driving distance
Many visitors use Birmingham as a central base for exploring different parts of England.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Birmingham Airport?
The desks are located inside the terminal near the arrivals area.
Where do I collect my rental car?
Cars are collected from the Car Rental Village, accessible by a free shuttle bus.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Birmingham?
Yes, regular flights operate from Dublin, Cork and Knock.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car?
Yes, most rental companies require a credit card for the deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles are more common in the UK.
How far is Birmingham Airport from the city centre?
The drive takes around 25 minutes.
Is driving in the UK easy for visitors?
Yes, although visitors should be aware that driving is on the left.
Can I rent a 7 Seater at Birmingham Airport?
Yes, 7 Seater vehicles are available for families and groups.
Are UK motorways toll roads?
Most motorways are toll-free.
Which motorway is closest to Birmingham Airport?
The airport is located beside the M42 motorway.
