Global Suppliers at Birmingham
Authorized partnerships with global brands stationed at BHX Car Rental Centre.
All-Inclusive BHX Protection
Drive out of Birmingham with absolute confidence. Every booking automatically includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Third-Party Liability, and Theft Protection.
We ensure total transparency: the rate you book covers your essential insurance needs and includes 24/7 UK-wide breakdown assistance as standard.
Car Hire Centre Access
All rental providers at Birmingham Airport are easily accessed from the Arrivals greeting area. The dedicated Car Hire Centre is just a short walk or a quick, free shuttle ride away from the main terminal.
For terminal maps and live flight information, we recommend checking the official Birmingham Airport website.
What Our Birmingham Customers Say
Verified reviews from travelers who rented directly from Birmingham Airport.
"Fantastic service at Birmingham Airport. The car rental desks were easy to find in arrivals, and we were on the M42 heading to the NEC in minutes."
"Very smooth pick-up process. Used the car to drive down to Stratford-upon-Avon. Will use again!"
"Best prices I found for a BHX rental. The car was ready and waiting with no hard sell at the desk."
"Returning at 5 AM was a breeze with the drop box, and the early walk to the terminal took 5 minutes."
"Absolutely no hidden fees. The price I saw online was exactly what I paid at the Birmingham desk."
"The car broke down which was surprising as it was brand new, but I guess nothing is perfect! However, I was very happy with the support. The car change over was very quick and professional. Thank you Sarah for the great customer service."
"Very straightforward access onto the A45 straight out of the village. The premium vehicle selection is top-notch."
"Modern fleet and efficient customer support. Got me out of the airport traffic in record time heading to the Peak District."
Essential Driving Guide out of Birmingham
Landing at BHX? Familiarise yourself with these vital rules of the road before exiting the Car Hire Centre in your rental.
Navigating the A45, M42 & M6
Leaving the Birmingham Car Hire Centre places you right on the A45. From here, it is extremely easy to join the M42 motorway, which links directly to the M6 for journeys north or south. Traffic around the M42 can be very heavy between 07:30-09:30.
Manual vs. Automatic
Manual transmission (stick shift) is standard in the UK. If you are jet-lagged or planning to navigate the winding roads of the Cotswolds, we strongly recommend filtering for an automatic vehicle when you book.
Roundabout Etiquette
You will encounter multiple roundabouts exiting the airport. Traffic flows clockwise. You must always give way (yield) to traffic approaching from your right. Birmingham is famous for complex roundabouts, so listen closely to your GPS.
Speed Cameras & Smart Motorways
The M6 and M42 are "Smart Motorways" with variable speed limits displayed on overhead gantries. These are strictly enforced by yellow speed cameras. Distances and speeds are measured in Miles Per Hour (mph).
Birmingham Clean Air Zone (CAZ)
Birmingham city centre operates a strict Class D Clean Air Zone (CAZ). Fortunately, most of our BHX fleet comprises modern, Euro 6 compliant vehicles that meet the CAZ standards, meaning you will not face daily emission penalty charges if driving into the city.
Returning the Car (Fuel)
If you have a 'Full-to-Full' fuel policy, there are petrol stations conveniently located along the A45 approach to the airport. Fill up here before turning into the Car Hire Centre to avoid penalty charges.
Toll Roads (M6 Toll)
When driving north, you may encounter the M6 Toll. This is a privately operated, paid motorway designed to bypass the heavy traffic of the main M6. You can pay by contactless card at the toll booths if you choose to use it.
Current UK Fuel Costs
UK fuel is sold by the litre. Due to recent geopolitical events affecting global supply chains, prices are currently averaging around £1.45 upto £1.60 per litre. We advise choosing a 'Full-to-Full' fuel policy to control your own refuelling costs.
*As this is a volatile and ever-changing item, these prices were last updated on: .
Popular Drives from Birmingham Airport
Because BHX is perfectly positioned in the heart of England, it serves as the ultimate gateway. Here are the top scenic drives and historic spots our customers visit after picking up their rental.
Birmingham City Centre
Distance: 10 miles (25 mins via A45)
Head directly west into the bustling second city to explore the Bullring and the canal networks.
Child-Friendly? Yes! Kids will love the Thinktank Science Museum and the National SEA LIFE Centre.
Pro Tip: Parking in central Birmingham is limited. Consider using one of the multi-storey car parks near the Bullring.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Distance: 25 miles (35 mins via M40/A46)
Drive south to the picturesque medieval market town, famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Child-Friendly? Excellent for the Butterfly Farm and taking a scenic boat trip on the River Avon.
Pro Tip: The town gets very busy in the summer; use the Park & Ride services on the outskirts for a stress-free visit.
Cadbury World (Bournville)
Distance: 12 miles (30 mins via A45/A38)
A fantastic, short drive to the real-life chocolate factory experience in the historic Bournville village.
Child-Friendly? Highly recommended! The interactive tours and free chocolate samples make it a perfect family day out.
Pro Tip: Parking is free on-site, but you must pre-book your tickets online before arriving.
Warwick Castle
Distance: 20 miles (30 mins via M42/M40)
Drive south into Warwickshire to experience Britain’s ultimate historical castle.
Child-Friendly? Great for exploring the dungeons, watching the trebuchet shows, and the Horrible Histories maze.
Pro Tip: The official Stratford Road car park is a 10-15 minute walk to the entrance; wear comfortable shoes.
The Cotswolds
Distance: 40 miles (1 hr via M40/A429)
Head south to explore the honey-coloured stone villages and rolling hills of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Child-Friendly? Perfect for visiting the Cotswold Wildlife Park or the model village in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Pro Tip: The rural lanes can be extremely narrow. An automatic SUV makes navigating these country roads much more relaxing.
Alton Towers Resort
Distance: 50 miles (1 hr 15 mins via M6/A50)
Drive north into Staffordshire for the UK's biggest and most thrilling theme park.
Child-Friendly? Excellent parklands, CBeebies Land for toddlers, and massive rollercoasters for older children.
Pro Tip: The M6 can be very congested. Allow extra time for your journey and pre-book Express Parking to save a long walk to the gates.
Ironbridge Gorge
Distance: 45 miles (1 hr via M6/M54)
Drive west into Shropshire to the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Child-Friendly? Yes! Blists Hill Victorian Town is a fantastic, immersive open-air museum.
Pro Tip: Buy a 'Passport' ticket if you plan to visit multiple museums in the gorge, as it saves a significant amount of money.
Peak District National Park
Distance: 60 miles (1 hr 30 mins via M6/A52)
Head north to experience the rugged hills, limestone dales, and charming villages of the Peak District.
Child-Friendly? Great for active families. Visit the vast grounds of Chatsworth House or grab a famous Bakewell Tart.
Pro Tip: The weather in the Peaks can change rapidly; ensure your rental is equipped for the conditions.