Alabama Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in Alabama

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Birmingham

Birmingham

What you need to know for your Alabama car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in Alabama

Renting a car in Alabama is an excellent choice for tourists seeking the freedom to explore the state's rich attractions at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage while navigating to various destinations, allowing for more flexible travel plans. This convenience is especially appealing for families or groups looking to maximise their time together.

Alabama boasts stunning locations such as Gulf Shores Beach, where you can enjoy the sun and surf, and Gulf State Park, perfect for outdoor adventures and scenic views. The Wharf in Gulf Shores offers a variety of family-friendly activities, making it a great stop for those travelling with children. Additionally, nearby cities like Orange Beach and Fort Morgan provide further opportunities for exploration, featuring beautiful beaches and recreational areas. With a rental car, you are not limited to one area; you can easily visit multiple attractions in a single day, creating a personalised itinerary that suits your interests and needs.

Most popular car hires in Alabama

  • Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV offers a comfortable ride with ample space for both passengers and luggage, allowing you to explore Alabama's attractions with ease.
  • Compact SUV: Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families, the Compact SUV also accommodates 5 travellers but with up to 3 medium suitcases. This choice strikes a balance between space and agility, making it easier to navigate Alabama's roads while still providing enough room for your belongings.
  • Standard: The Standard option is suitable for 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases. It is an excellent choice for couples or families, providing a comfortable and spacious interior. The Standard car type allows for flexibility in your travel plans while ensuring you have enough space for your luggage.

Where to stay in Alabama

  • Gulf Shores: A vibrant city known for its stunning beaches and outdoor experiences, Gulf Shores is perfect for those seeking a beach-themed holiday. Key attractions include the beautiful Gulf Shores Beach, ideal for sunbathing and swimming. The nearby Gulf State Park offers a range of outdoor activities amidst picturesque scenery. For families, The Wharf provides entertainment options and dining experiences. With various shopping centres and restaurants, Gulf Shores is a delightful base for exploration, particularly during the summer months when the beach is at its best.
  • Orange Beach: Adjacent to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach shares a similar charm with its inviting coastline and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the same stunning Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park, making it an excellent choice for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. The Wharf also serves as a family-friendly tourist precinct, offering shopping and dining options. With its vibrant bar scene and local breweries, Orange Beach is ideal for those looking to unwind after a day of exploration, especially in the warm summer months.
  • Birmingham: As Alabama's largest city, Birmingham combines outdoor activities with a rich cultural scene. Highlights include Barber Motorsports Park for motorsport enthusiasts and Sloss Furnaces, a historic site that offers insight into the area’s industrial past. Additionally, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum caters to sports and culture aficionados alike. With plenty of breweries and wineries nearby, Birmingham provides a bustling atmosphere for both families and business travellers, making it suitable for visits year-round.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Alabama

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting specific vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-sized rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always confirm the age requirements prior to booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuelling alternatives, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but this may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can assist you in avoiding unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on embarking on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional costs.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in Alabama

The best value period to rent a car in Alabama is November, when prices are slightly low and demand remains moderately low. This month is followed closely by February, which tends to have slightly low prices and is often the quietest time for rentals. March through June generally sees average prices and demand, while July stands out as the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand. August also offers slightly low prices, but demand can vary.

Why rent a car in Alabama?

Alabama is a sub-tropical state in the southeast of the US. It boasts an amazing variety of landscapes including rivers, forests, hills, grasslands, farmlands, swamps, bayous and even beaches on its south tip. Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and Columbia are all notable Alabama cities to visit by rental car.

 

 

How to get to and around Alabama?

If you’re arriving via Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport then it’s a five-mile drive by rental car to Montgomery, the capital of Alabama. En route you can stop off to visit Birmingham Zoo, a 188-acre wildlife space with over 800 animals.

 

 

What brands are available?

There are various hire car providers at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to suit your budget and preferences. These include Hertz, Thrifty and Alamo. Many offer extras like free cancellation, unlimited mileage and zero excess collision cover.

 

 

Must-sees within an easy drive of Alabama

Situated on the Alabama river, Montgomery is the capital of the state. Key attractions include the Alabama State Capitol building, the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Sites that honour the civil rights history of the city include the Rosa Parks Museum and the Civil Rights Memorial. Old Alabama Town is a fascinating area of restored 19th and 20th century structures.

Birmingham, the biggest city in Alabama, has a number of highlights for you to enjoy. These include the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the Birmingham Museum of Art and Railroad Park, the historic 16th Street Baptist Church, the Birmingham Zoo and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, which includes a sculpture park. The city also has two universities and a lively nightlife as a result of that.

Talladega National Forest is a stunning 392,567-acre wilderness area at the edge of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s also the site of Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state of Alabama. You can spot wildlife like deer, black bears and coyotes, and rare species like the gopher tortoise. Activities include hiking, biking and camping.

Tips and tricks for driving in Alabama

With its amazingly varied landscapes, you’ll find Alabama fascinating to explore by hire car. Make sure to take extra care while driving through mountainous areas. The US is right-hand drive and remember to keep an eye on your mirror, as drivers don’t always indicate a direction change. Every state has different driving laws, so make sure you familiarise yourself with the Alabama ones before your visit.

 

 

Ready to plan your Alabama city break?

Feeling inspired to explore Alabama and the rest of the US? Check out this Guide and use the Expedia search tool to help you find the best car hire, flight and hotel deals and to research the best attractions and activities.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Alabama car reservation?
We've got good news! You should receive a complete refund if you advise us at least six hours ahead of pick-up time. Your confirmation contains information about this, and so does our Customer Service Portal. Not all reservations qualify for a refund though, so you may want to read through your car's cancellation policy.
What types of cars can I rent in Alabama?
Ease of parking, affordability and superb mileage are just a few reasons compact vehicles are the number once choice in Alabama. Their small size makes them ideal for city driving. They're a good match for couples, solo travellers or road-trippers on a budget. Of course, how you cruise around is your call! Go even smaller with a mini or economy, or stretch out in an intermediate or a full-size. In need of some luxury? You'll love our premium options.
How do I find the best car hire deals in Alabama with Expedia?
It's easy to pick up an incredible deal with Expedia. Simply choose your wheels, select your dates and preferred pick-up and drop-off points, and compare offers from big-name hire suppliers. Make even bigger savings when you combine your Alabama car rental with hotel or flight bookings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Alabama?
Rental vehicle rules in Alabama require drivers to be 21 and over. Are you a young driver? Some surcharges and restrictions could apply. Many rental suppliers impose what is known as a young renter surcharge, which is an additional fee to the rental car cost. Restrictions generally apply to the categories of cars young people can rent as well. Age limits may differ between providers, so check before booking.
What do you need to rent a car in Alabama?
While rules may differ between rental car outlets, the essentials are a current driver's license and a credit card. You don't need to take out the company's auto insurance. However, proof of your own coverage may be necessary.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Alabama?
Yes, and you're sure to find your ideal set of wheels on our long-term car rental deals page. Just enter your trip dates and we'll list awesome options from numerous trusted providers.
Where can I find an Alabama hire car if I am younger than 25?
Age policies are different between rental companies, so be prepared to do a little research. Found an Alabama outlet that does rent to drivers under 25 years of age? Terrific news! Just be aware that extra fees often apply to drivers between 21 and 24. The terms and conditions of each hire car you're interested in should have all the information you need.
Why should I rent an Alabama car with Expedia?
With years of experience finding the best prices for intrepid explorers, Expedia is the perfect place to rent your next car. We've got multiple suppliers in Alabama to pick from, offering everything from zippy compacts to large and comfy SUVs. Why not bundle your car with your hotel and flights and save even more? From our holiday packages to our exclusive offers and member prices, Expedia will get you on your way for less. Plus, when you're a member of our free One Key™ loyalty programme, you can collect OneKeyCash™* and use it on eligible hotels, flights, car rentals and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation