National Car Hire
Alabama

On arrival at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport you'll find the National Car Rental desk conveniently located within the airport's main car park. This facility is directly attached to the terminal, so there is no shuttle bus required. After collecting your luggage, simply follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" which will lead you along a covered walkway into the car park. The rental desks are on the ground level, making for a quick and seamless transition from your flight to your vehicle.

Finding the National desk after a late-night arrival at BHM is straightforward. The airport is well signposted and the route is indoors or covered throughout. From the baggage claim on the lower level, look for prominent signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars." You will walk a short distance to the attached car park where all rental car desks are consolidated. The route is brief and well lit, ensuring a safe and easy walk to collect your vehicle even late at night.

The most direct route to Birmingham city centre from the airport is designed to be simple for visitors. As you exit the rental facility, follow signs for I-20 West / I-59 South. This takes you onto the main airport access road which merges directly onto the interstate. Within a few miles you'll see clearly marked exits for the downtown business district, such as the 22nd Street exit. This route lets you get your bearings on a major road before navigating any complex city streets.

For an early-morning flight it's sensible to allow a comfortable time cushion for the car return. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport's rental car facility at least two hours before your scheduled departure. This typically allows about 15–20 minutes for the vehicle return and the short walk to the terminal. The remainder should be ample time to check bags, clear security and get to your gate without feeling rushed.

The best place to get familiar with your hire car is in its designated parking bay before you leave the garage. This provides a calm, low-traffic environment to make necessary adjustments. Take a few minutes to set your side and rear-view mirrors, pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth and enter your first destination into the sat nav. You can also arrange luggage in the boot and familiarise yourself with basic vehicle controls, ensuring you're comfortable before merging into traffic.

To reach the over-the-mountain suburbs of Homewood or Mountain Brook the most efficient and least stressful route is usually US-280 East, also known as the Elton B. Stephens Expressway. From the airport take I-20/59 to the US-31/US-280 exit and head south. This major artery bypasses much of the city-centre congestion and gives direct access to these communities. It's a multi-lane route that is generally easier to navigate than weaving through downtown surface streets.

Weekday rush hours in Birmingham, generally from 07:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 18:00, bring significant traffic increases on key routes. The most congested corridors are I-65, especially through the city centre, and US-280 heading to and from the suburbs. The I-20/59 and I-65 interchange, known locally as "Malfunction Junction," can also experience major backups. If you must travel during these times, plan for extra journey time to avoid being delayed.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) campus and hospital area have numerous public car parks specifically for visitors. These are well signposted and are the most convenient option. The most congested streets in this district are University Boulevard and 20th Street South, the main thoroughfares through campus. Traffic is heaviest during class change times and weekday business hours, so allow a little extra time when heading directly to the hospital or a specific campus building.

For the Birmingham Civil Rights District, the most reliable parking strategy is to aim for a public car park rather than hunting for on-street spaces. The Birmingham Parking Authority operates a large deck on 18th Street North which is centrally located and a short walk from landmarks like the 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park. Arriving earlier in the day, particularly on weekdays, generally makes it easier to find a space and explore on foot.

The Birmingham Zoo and Botanical Gardens share a large car park which can fill up quickly, especially at weekends and on bank holidays. For the easiest parking experience plan to arrive right when they open in the morning. This allows you to secure a space close to the entrance before the midday crowds arrive. Alternatively, visiting on a weekday or arriving later in the afternoon, around 14:00, can also work well as early visitors may already be leaving.

Driving in Five Points South can be a little challenging for first-time visitors due to its unique layout. The area is known for its central five-way junction, a mix of one-way streets and frequent pedestrian activity. The best approach is to drive slowly, be prepared to give way, and watch the street signs closely. Using a GPS helps, but be prepared to loop round the block if you miss a turn in this busy and historic entertainment district.

For Railroad Park and Regions Field a good strategy is to park once and explore on foot. There are several large surface lots along 1st Avenue South, between the park and the ballpark, which offer convenient access to both. Another good option is the car park for the Pizitz Food Hall, a few blocks away. Parking in this central area lets you easily walk to the park, the game and numerous nearby restaurants and breweries.

The Summit is a popular upscale outdoor shopping centre, and driving there at peak times requires patience. At weekends and during the holiday season traffic on US-280 leading to the centre can be heavy. While there is ample free parking in both surface lots and multi-storey car parks, the most desirable spots fill up quickly. Be prepared to park a little further from your intended shops and enjoy a short walk, or try to arrive before the main shopping rush late in the morning.

A visit to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is very car-friendly, as it sits within a large park with extensive on-site parking. The lots directly in front of the museum's main entrance are the most convenient and therefore the first to fill. On regular weekdays finding a close spot is usually straightforward. However, if you’re visiting during a major race weekend or special event, arriving early is highly recommended to secure prime parking.

To minimise traffic stress when heading to a concert at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre plan to arrive well in advance. The venue is located in Pelham, just off the I-65 South, and the exit and local roads can become very congested on event nights. It’s best to aim to arrive at least 90 minutes before the show starts. This gives you time to navigate the final stretch of roads, find a parking spot in the large lots and get into the venue without feeling rushed by last-minute queues.

On event days the area around Protective Stadium and Legacy Arena, part of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), becomes very busy. Traffic on surrounding sections of I-59/20 and downtown streets increases significantly. The BJCC has multiple parking lots and decks, and it's often possible to pre-purchase parking online, which is highly recommended. Arriving at least an hour early is a smart strategy to navigate traffic and find your designated parking area with ease.

When checking in to a city-centre hotel the best strategy is to use the hotel's designated passenger loading zone or porte-cochère. Pull in briefly to unload your luggage onto the kerb with the help of a porter if available. If the hotel lacks a dedicated zone, it’s often best for one person to stay with the vehicle with hazard lights on while the other person checks in quickly. After unloading you can proceed to the hotel's recommended car park.

Yes—visitors should be particularly mindful of parking regulations in central Birmingham and lively neighbourhoods like Five Points South. On many streets parking rules can change based on the time of day, shifting from metered parking to no-parking or loading zones during rush hour. Always read posted signs carefully to check for time limits and specific restrictions. This simple step can help you avoid an unexpected parking fine while you explore the city.

The drive from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa is very straightforward, making for an easy day trip. The most direct route is to take I-20 West/I-59 South for about an hour. The primary traffic bottleneck as you approach Tuscaloosa is often McFarland Boulevard, especially near the I-359 interchange and the bridge over the Black Warrior River. During peak times or on match days this area can experience notable slowdowns, so budget a little extra time.

To avoid the intense game-day gridlock around Bryant-Denny Stadium a good strategy is to park further from campus and use shuttles or walk. Many visitors park at large commercial lots, such as University Mall, which often provide shuttle services to the stadium for a small fee. Another option is paid parking in downtown lots and enjoying the walk to campus. This approach allows for a much easier exit after the match, bypassing the immediate post-match traffic jam.

A day trip to Huntsville is manageable with mostly smooth motorway driving. The best route is to take the I-65 North from Birmingham for around 90 minutes until you reach the I-565 East exit for Huntsville. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is conveniently located off I-565, with clear signage directing you to the exit. By avoiding Birmingham's morning and evening rush hours you can typically enjoy a trip with very little stop-and-go traffic.

The drive to Montgomery is simple for first-time visitors: take the I-65 South for about 90 minutes. This motorway leads you directly into the city. Once in the city-centre to see landmarks like the State Capitol or the Legacy Museum, the simplest parking solution is to use one of the many public car parks. These are generally well signposted and within easy walking distance of the main historic and cultural sites, saving you the hassle of hunting for on-street parking.

Although it's a long day, driving to the Gulf Shores area is a popular excursion. The route primarily follows I-65 South. To avoid the worst traffic, especially on a Friday or Saturday, leave Birmingham very early in the morning and aim to be south of Montgomery before 08:00. The biggest bottleneck is the final stretch on Highway 59 through Foley, which becomes extremely congested with beach-bound traffic during typical afternoon check-in times.

The drive from Birmingham to Mobile is almost entirely on I-65 South. Potential slowdowns can occur when passing through Montgomery and as you approach the I-10 interchange just north of Mobile, especially over holiday weekends. Good break points include Prattville (just north of Montgomery) and Greenville (roughly halfway), both offering facilities for fuel, food and restrooms conveniently off the interstate. These towns are well equipped for travellers.

The most convenient and scenic route to Lake Martin from Birmingham is US-280 East. You'll follow this road for about an hour before taking smaller state and county roads to your specific lakeside destination. The final stretch will be on two-lane roads that can be winding and hilly. Drive attentively and watch for local traffic and wildlife as you navigate the quieter roads leading to the shoreline.

A car trip to Cheaha State Park, Alabama's highest point, makes for a great family outing. The easiest route is I-20 East from Birmingham toward Atlanta, then follow signs from the Lincoln or Oxford exits. The final approach up Cheaha Mountain is a scenic parkway with curves and elevation changes. Maintain a moderate speed and use lower gears on steep descents if needed.

For a trip to Talladega Superspeedway on race day the key is to set off very early. Take I-20 East from Birmingham but be prepared for major traffic backups starting miles before the speedway exit. Plan to leave Birmingham at least three to four hours before the race begins. After the event expect even longer delays as everyone leaves at once; many fans choose to tailgate for a while to let the worst of the traffic clear before heading home.

As with driving in any new state, the best practice is to be mindful of and strictly adhere to all posted speed limits. On major interstates around Birmingham, such as I-65, I-20/59 and the I-459 bypass, speed limits are clearly marked. Law enforcement may be present at any time, so maintaining a safe and legal speed is the most reliable way to ensure a smooth and uneventful journey. Pay special attention to reduced limits in roadworks.

For drivers unaccustomed to them, Birmingham's multi-lane interstates can feel intense, particularly during peak hours. The most challenging area is the I-65 and I-20/59 interchange in the city centre, which involves multiple lanes merging and exiting in close proximity. To navigate it safely, know your exit in advance, get into the correct lane early and avoid last-minute lane changes. Outside this central interchange the highway system is generally manageable.

During heavy rainstorms in Birmingham visibility can be significantly reduced on high-speed interstates, so it's crucial to slow down and increase following distance. Some major surface roads, such as parts of US-280 and lower-lying urban streets, can be prone to standing water or temporary flooding in the outer lanes. It's always safest to avoid driving through deep water and to be extra cautious on unfamiliar roads during a downpour.

Significant snowfall is uncommon in Birmingham, but the primary winter driving hazard is ice, especially black ice. Bridges, overpasses and shaded areas can freeze quickly even when the road surface appears clear, so exercise extreme caution during cold snaps. Dense morning fog can also occur in low-lying areas, severely limiting visibility. In either condition reduce your speed and allow extra travel time for safety.

For safe night driving in Birmingham it's best to stick to well-lit major thoroughfares and motorways where possible. When leaving a concert or sporting event after dark be especially vigilant for pedestrians walking through car parks and crossing streets. On rural roads outside the city reduce speed and be alert for wildlife, particularly deer which can be more active near roads at night.

The availability of EV charging stations in the Birmingham area is steadily growing, making EV road trips more feasible. You'll find the highest concentration of chargers in the city centre, along the busy US-280 corridor and at major suburban shopping centres like The Summit and Riverchase Galleria. For the best experience plan your route using a dedicated EV charging app to locate stations and confirm availability before you arrive.

After collecting your hire car a convenient place to organise bulky gear is at one of the nearby shopping centres a few minutes from the airport. The retail areas along Messer Airport Highway offer large, open car parks where you can pull over safely. This gives you plenty of space and time to arrange golf bags, luggage or other equipment in the boot without the pressure of being in the busy airport rental facility.

A sensible approach is to dedicate separate days to city and outdoor exploration. Spend one day on downtown Birmingham's museums and historical sites which are relatively close to one another. On another day plan a trip to a nearby natural attraction like Oak Mountain State Park or Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. Both are under 30 minutes' drive from the city centre, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities without long travel times.

The most direct route from BHM to the Hoover/Galleria area is to take I-20/59 West to I-65 South. From there you can exit onto US-31 South or continue to I-459 to reach your hotel. During the evening rush, roughly 16:00 to 18:00, I-65 South can become very congested. The area on US-31 around the Riverchase Galleria is also a traffic hotspot, particularly at weekends, so allow extra travel time.

Neighbourhoods like Homewood or the Lakeview district are excellent choices as a base. Homewood offers pleasant, walkable streets with shops and restaurants and easy access to US-31 and US-280 for driving outings. Lakeview is adjacent to the city centre and has a vibrant dining scene, making it easy to walk to local spots while still being well placed for quick car access to the main motorways for exploring the wider metropolitan area.

While navigation apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps are invaluable, remain alert for real-time conditions. Downtown Birmingham frequently has ongoing construction projects that can cause sudden lane closures or detours not yet reflected in the app. Always pay attention to physical road signs and be prepared for your navigation to reroute you. Trust the app, but verify with what you see on the road.

The process at BHM is designed to be efficient. First follow signs for "Departures" to access the upper-level roadway. You can pull up at the kerb in front of your airline to drop off passengers and luggage. After they are on their way, continue following the airport loop road. Clear signage will then direct you to the "Rental Car Return" entrance in the car park, a manoeuvre that requires no backtracking.