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Hire a car at Birmingham Airport
BHX Airport is one of the UK's busiest gateways and an excellent starting point for exploring both Birmingham and the wider Midlands, a region known for its historic cities, picturesque countryside and major business hubs. Getting a rental car from here is a convenient choice for travellers arriving by air who want the freedom to travel at their own pace from the moment they land.
For business travelers attending exhibitions or conferences at the NEC or Resorts World Birmingham, hiring a car from the airport offers direct access to meeting venues and hotels. Families arriving with children or travelers carrying extra luggage get the convenience of reaching their hotels and then visit attractions like Cadbury World, Drayton Manor Resort or Warwick Castle.
For those planning longer drives, Birmingham Airport offers connectivity via the M42, M6 and M40 motorways, making road trips across England straightforward.
Where are car hire desks located at Birmingham Airport (BHX)?
Birmingham Airport operates a single passenger terminal, with most on-site car rental companies located in a dedicated Car Rental Centre, approximately a 5-minute walk from the terminal building. These suppliers include Avis, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, National, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.
To reach this centre, simply follow clearly marked 'Car Rental’ signboards and walk along the covered pedestrian walkway leading towards the suppliers’ desks.
Some off-site rental companies such as Drivalia and Green Motion operate from nearby off-airport branches and provide complimentary shuttle services between the airport and their rental offices.
If you have booked with an off-site supplier, collect your luggage first and contact the supplier using the phone number provided in your Rental Confirmation Voucher. The company will direct you to its designated shuttle meeting point at Birmingham Airport.
Note that shuttle pick-up procedures may vary by supplier, so it is advisable to check the instructions shared in your voucher.
How to return rental car at BHX Airport?
Birmingham Airport is easily accessible via the M42 (Junction 6) and the A45. As you approach the airport, follow the signs for 'Car Rental Return' or your rental company's designated return area.
- Park the vehicle in your supplier’s allotted return bay within the parking area.
- If required, a rental representative will inspect the vehicle for any new damage and confirm the return details.
- Return the car keys at your provider’s desk or put them in the key drop box, as instructed by your car rental company.
After hours pick up & return
Opening and closing hours vary between rental companies and note that not every supplier offers after hour collections. If your flight is scheduled outside standard business hours, contact your rental provider in advance and include your flight number when making the reservation.
Many suppliers such as Drivalia and Sixt provide secure key drop boxes within the Car Rental Centre, allowing you to return the vehicle even when the rental office is closed. Always confirm the procedure with your chosen provider before travelling, as after-hours policies vary from supplier to supplier.
Which car rental categories are available at BHX Airport?
From electric car hire at Birmingham Airport to vehicles with automatic transmission, our suppliers provide a wide range of well maintained and quality vehicles so that you can have a comfortable journey ahead. Here are the available categories with us for this location.
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Economy car hire
Vehicles such as Peugeot 208, Toyota Yaris and Citroen C3 are excellent for those places where busy streets, frequent traffic and limited parking is prevalent. So, if you are planning to take your car from Birmingham Airport to the city centre area, these fuel-efficient vehicles make navigating urban roads and parking much easier.
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Full size car rentals
This category includes cars like BMW 3 Series and Volkswagen Arteon. Their spacious cabins and comfortable ride make them ideal for anyone who is seeking extra comfort on longer journeys. If you are travelling via the M6, M5, M42 or M40 to destinations across the West Midlands and beyond, these cars are well suited.
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SUV rentals
SUVs like the MG ZS and Jeep Avenger are well suited for trips to Cannock Chase and the Malvern Hills, where visitors often spend the day hiking, cycling or enjoying outdoor activities. Their elevated driving position enhances visibility on rural roads, while the spacious cabin and generous boot space make it easy to carry outdoor gear and luggage.
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Luxury car hire
Luxury vehicles like Mercedes C-Class and Audi e-tron are perfect for special occasions or premium leisure trips. They are a popular rental choice for corporate events at the NEC Birmingham, fine dining at Opheem or Adam's Restaurant and luxury hotels such as The Grand Hotel Birmingham and Park Regis Birmingham.
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Van/minivan rentals
Vans and minivans are the preferred option for families and large groups carrying extra luggage.
They are especially practical for group day trips across the West Midlands, where everyone can travel together with their bags and family outings to places like Drayton Manor Resort, providing ample seating and boot space for pushchairs, picnic essentials and other travel items.
Car hire deal types at Birmingham Airport
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Short term car rentals
Short term rentals are ideal for city breaks and day trips around Birmingham as their duration ranges between a day (24 hours) and 2 weeks. These deals are a convenient option for travellers visiting the Bullring Shopping Centre or nearby destinations such as Solihull and Coventry, without committing to a long rental period.
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Long term car hire
Long term deals are for professionals working on temporary assignments in Birmingham, visitors relocating to the city or travellers planning to explore the West Midlands and neighbouring counties over several weeks or months. These deals have low daily rates which make them comparatively cheaper.
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Last minute car rental
If your flight plans change unexpectedly, you require a replacement vehicle or you have decided on a spontaneous trip, you can book a last minute car rental. Subject to availability, our suppliers offer a range of vehicles to help you get on the road quickly and continue your journey.
One-way car hire from Birmingham Airport
With one-way car rental, you can pick up your vehicle at BHX Airport and return it at another convenient location. These deals are apt for those who are planning multi-city itineraries or wish to explore different parts of the UK without retracing their route.
Below listed are some popular one-way routes -
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Car Hire Birmingham Airport to Manchester Airport
Distance: 89.2 miles via M6 Travel Time: Approx. 1h 30m -
Car Hire Birmingham Airport to Gatwick Airport
Distance: 137 miles via M42, M40 and M25 Travel Time: Approx. 2h 20m -
Car hire Birmingham Airport to Heathrow Airport
Distance: 103 miles via M40 Travel Time: Approx. 1h 40m
Cross border travel
You can explore beyond the UK by taking your rental car across borders. Many suppliers like Europcar and Keddy allow you to take the vehicles to other countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Norway and Iceland. Whether you are taking your rental car to another country and dropping it off there or crossing the border and coming back to the UK for return, it would be counted as cross border travel.
Key information
- For such travels, you would require a prior authorisation from the supplier.
- An additional fee may also apply.
- There are restrictions on renters’ age and car categories that you can take across borders.
- Some suppliers require you to notify the rental desk at your pick-up location at least 72 hours in advance if you plan to travel across the border.
Note: Read Rental Terms of your preferred supplier to learn all the restrictions and applicable fee.
About Birmingham Airport
| IATA Code: | BHX |
|---|---|
| Address: | Birmingham Airport, Birmingham B26 3QJ, United Kingdom |
Birmingham Airport is the main international airport serving the city and the wider Midlands. It is one of the UK's busiest airports, offering flights to numerous domestic and international destinations throughout the year. Conveniently located around 13 km southeast of the downtown area, the airport has direct access to the M42 (Junction 6), allowing travellers to easily continue their journey towards Coventry, Solihull, the Cotswolds and other parts of the UK by a rental car.
Facilities at BHX Airport
- Restaurants, cafes and grab-and-go food outlets
- Duty-free shops and retail stores
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Currency exchange and ATMs
- Airport lounges for eligible passengers
- Baby changing and family facilities
- Left luggage and baggage wrapping services
- Car rental desks and vehicle pick-up area
- Short-stay, long-stay and premium parking options
- Charging points for electronic devices
- Information desks and customer assistance services
VIP Cars’ tips for BHX Airport car hire
- Book your car hire at least 2-4 weeks before your trip to get cheaper prices and choose from a bigger pool of options. This is especially relevant when you are traveling during the summer holidays (July to August), Christmas, Easter or major exhibitions at the NEC Birmingham. Making a reservation in advance will help you get cheaper prices and choose from a bigger pool of options.
- If you are landing in the morning (7:00 am - 10:00 am) or evening (4:00 pm - 7:00 pm), schedule extra time for vehicle pick up as these are peak hours. These are the busiest periods at Birmingham Airport and on surrounding roads, particularly the M42 and A45.
- Familiarise yourself with the airport exit routes before picking up your rental car. Birmingham Airport connects directly to the A45 and Junction 6 of the M42, providing quick access to Birmingham city centre, Solihull, Coventry, the M6 and the wider Midlands motorway network.
- If you have booked an electric vehicle at BHX Airport, plan your charging stops in advance. Birmingham and the West Midlands have an expanding EV charging network, with charging stations available near the NEC, city centre, Solihull and along major motorways including the M6 and M40.
- Allow at least 20-30 minutes to return your vehicle before checking in for your flight. During busy travel periods, the roads around the airport and the Car Rental Centre can become congested, so arriving early helps avoid unnecessary stress.
- Refuel before returning your vehicle to a level that is decided in your rental agreement. Several petrol stations are located within a few minutes' drive of Birmingham Airport, making it convenient to top up before returning the vehicle. These include BP Chelmsley Wood (approximately 2 miles), Esso Chester Road, Castle Bromwich (around 2.5 miles) and Shell Coleshill (about 3 miles).
