Alabama Car Hire

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.