Avis Car Rental
Alabama

After you collect your luggage at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, the process of finding your rental car is very straightforward. The rental car counters are conveniently located on the ground level of the terminal, directly across from the baggage claim area. Simply exit the baggage claim doors and walk across the arrivals hall to find the rental desks. Once you have your keys and contract, the rental car parking deck is just a short, covered walk from the terminal, with clear signage to guide you.

For the most direct route from the airport to downtown Birmingham, you will want to follow the signs for I-20 West/I-59 South. This interstate will take you directly toward the city center in just a few miles. To reach the heart of downtown, including the convention center and museum areas, look for exits around 22nd Street or 17th Street. This path helps you avoid the more complex I-65 interchange if your destination is in the central business or civil rights districts.

A popular and convenient stop for supplies after leaving BHM is the Eastwood area, located just a few minutes east of the airport. By taking I-20 East for one exit, you'll find a large shopping center with major retailers, a grocery store, and several fast-food options. This allows you to quickly stock up on water, snacks, and any forgotten travel items. It's an easy detour before you turn around and head west toward downtown Birmingham or your final destination.

To reach the suburbs of Homewood or Mountain Brook, a less hectic alternative to the downtown interstates is taking US-280 East. After leaving the airport area, you can connect to this major highway which bypasses the most congested parts of the I-65 and I-20/59 interchange. US-280 is a multi-lane highway with traffic lights, but it provides direct access to Mountain Brook and has several exits that lead into Homewood. This route is often preferred by locals for its more predictable traffic flow outside of peak rush hour.

Navigating the I-20/I-59 and I-65 interchange, often called "Malfunction Junction" by locals, can be challenging for newcomers. The interchange involves multiple lanes merging and splitting in rapid succession. The best advice is to use a GPS navigation app and pay close attention to the overhead signs well in advance of your exit. Try to get into your target lane early and be prepared for other drivers making last-minute maneuvers, especially during peak traffic hours.

Returning your rental car at BHM is a well-marked process designed to be efficient. As you approach the airport, follow the main roadway and look for the large overhead signs that specifically direct you to "Rental Car Return." This entrance is separate from the main departures and arrivals lanes, which helps reduce confusion. Following these dedicated signs will lead you directly into the rental return garage, where staff will guide you to the correct drop-off area.

For a convenient base with easy parking and highway access, consider staying in the suburbs of Homewood or Hoover, or along the US-280 corridor. These areas offer a wide selection of hotels that typically provide ample, complimentary parking for guests. They are situated near major arteries like I-65 and US-280, allowing for quick trips into downtown Birmingham for sightseeing. You can then return to a less congested area at the end of the day.

Parking near Railroad Park and Regions Field during a game or major event requires some planning. While there are numerous surface lots and a few parking decks in the vicinity, they fill up quickly and often have special event rates. Arriving at least an hour early is highly recommended to secure a spot. Be prepared to walk several blocks from your parking spot to the venue, as the closest lots are always the first to become full.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) provides several designated visitor parking decks conveniently located throughout campus. Before your visit, it's best to check the UAB website or your tour confirmation for the recommended parking garage closest to your starting point. Using one of these official visitor decks allows you to park your rental car once and then explore the campus on foot. This is far easier than trying to find limited street parking in the busy university area.

The Birmingham Zoo has a large, dedicated parking lot directly in front of its main entrance, which makes access very convenient. However, on weekends, holidays, or sunny afternoons, this lot can reach capacity. If the main lot is full, you may be directed to overflow parking areas that require a slightly longer walk. To minimize stress, it's always a good idea to arrive earlier in the day to secure a closer spot before the peak crowds arrive.

The Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument area is very walkable, making a "park once" strategy ideal. There are several paid surface lots located directly across from and adjacent to the Civil Rights Institute and Kelly Ingram Park. Choosing one of these central lots allows you to easily walk to the Institute, the 16th Street Baptist Church, and the park in just a few minutes. This approach saves you the time and hassle of trying to find separate parking for each historic site.

The drive up to Vulcan Park and Museum is on a paved, winding road that climbs Red Mountain, offering scenic views of the city. The road itself is not difficult to navigate, but you should drive at a moderate speed and be aware of the curves. The parking lot at the top is adequately sized but can become full during peak tourist times, such as weekend afternoons. Arriving on a weekday or earlier in the day generally makes finding a parking spot much easier.

When visiting the popular Pepper Place Market on a busy Saturday morning, the key is patience and an early arrival. The dedicated parking lots fill up extremely fast, so most people expect to find street parking in the surrounding blocks of the Lakeview district. It's common to circle for a few minutes or park five to ten minutes away and enjoy the walk. Many visitors arrive right when the market opens to get the best chance at a convenient spot.

Five Points South is a vibrant entertainment district, which means evening parking can be competitive. The area has a mix of metered street parking, which is often in high demand, and several paid parking lots and decks. You should also be mindful of the network of one-way streets that can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the layout. It's wise to pay close attention to your GPS and street signs, especially when returning to your hotel late at night.

Reaching the Birmingham Botanical Gardens by car is quite simple, as it's located adjacent to the Birmingham Zoo in the city of Mountain Brook. The entrance is well-marked, and visitors will find a large, free parking lot available right at the main gate. There is generally ample space for cars, making it one of the more stress-free destinations in the area for parking. You can simply pull in, find a spot, and begin your walk through the beautiful gardens.

Both Ruffner Mountain and Red Mountain Park have designated parking lots at their primary trailheads. These lots are generally sufficient but can fill up on nice weekend mornings, so an earlier start is always a good idea. Because these are large nature preserves, cell service can be unreliable in certain areas. It's highly recommended to download trail maps and driving directions to your phone before you leave, ensuring you can navigate to the park and on the trails without issue.

A frequent mistake for visitors is underestimating the complexity of the major interstate interchanges, particularly where I-65 meets I-20/59. Drivers often don't get into their required exit lane early enough and are forced to make sudden, difficult maneuvers. Another common issue is navigating the grid of one-way streets downtown without anticipating the turns. Finally, on US-280, traffic can stop abruptly, so maintaining a safe following distance is crucial to avoid a fender bender.

Interstate 65 becomes heavily congested through the heart of Birmingham during typical weekday rush hours, from about 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and again from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. During these times, you can expect significant slowdowns and stop-and-go traffic, especially near the downtown interchanges. For a much smoother drive across town, plan your travel during the late morning or early afternoon, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, or wait until after 6:30 PM.

For a smooth day trip to Tuscaloosa, plan to leave Birmingham after the morning rush hour, around 9:30 AM. The drive on I-20 W/I-59 S takes about an hour. Upon arrival, head directly to one of the University of Alabama's visitor parking decks, which offer a central place to leave your car for the day. This allows you to explore the campus, Bryant-Denny Stadium, and the nearby Strip on foot without worrying about moving your vehicle.

If your trip coincides with a University of Alabama home football game, you must plan for exceptionally heavy traffic. The I-20/59 corridor between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa will be extremely congested for hours before and after the game. If you need to travel between the cities, leave several hours earlier than you normally would. Be prepared for significant delays, and consider alternative routes if possible, though most main roads will be affected by the high volume of fans.

A day trip from Birmingham to Montgomery is very realistic and easily manageable. The drive south on I-65 is straightforward and typically takes about 90 minutes. A comfortable plan is to leave Birmingham around 9:00 AM, arriving in Montgomery with plenty of time to visit the downtown historic sites. You can park once and explore the Capitol, the Legacy Museum, and Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, taking a lunch break before heading back in the late afternoon to avoid rush hour traffic.

To make the most of a day trip to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, plan to leave Birmingham after the morning rush, around 9:00 AM. The drive north on I-65 takes approximately two hours. This timing helps you avoid the worst of Birmingham's traffic and arrive in Huntsville before its lunch rush. The Space & Rocket Center has a very large, dedicated parking lot, so finding a space is rarely an issue once you arrive.

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is conveniently located just east of Birmingham, making it an easy day trip. To avoid the biggest crowds, plan your visit for a weekday morning. Arriving shortly after it opens will give you several hours to explore the extensive collection in a more relaxed atmosphere. Weekends can be significantly busier, especially if there is a race or event happening at the track, so checking their schedule in advance is always a good idea.

On beautiful weekends, expect a queue of cars at the entrance gates to Oak Mountain State Park, so it's wise to arrive early. Once inside, the park is quite large, and you will need to drive your car between different areas, such as the beach, the marina, and various trailheads. Parking is available at all major attractions, but popular spots like the Peavine Falls trailhead can fill up quickly. Be prepared to spend some time driving on the park's scenic roads to get from one activity to another.

The drive from Birmingham to Cheaha State Park takes about 90 minutes, starting on I-20 East and transitioning to smaller state highways that wind up the mountain. As you get closer to the park, gas stations and restaurants become very scarce. It is highly recommended that you fill up your gas tank and purchase any snacks or drinks in a larger town like Pell City or Oxford before you begin the final ascent into the Talladega National Forest.

The primary traffic bottleneck on a drive from Birmingham to Gulf Shores is typically on I-65 in Montgomery and, more significantly, where I-65 meets I-10 in Mobile. To minimize delays, the best strategy is to leave Birmingham very early in the morning, ideally before 6:00 AM. This allows you to pass through both Montgomery and Mobile before their traffic volumes build, setting you up for a much smoother final leg of the journey to the coast.

To avoid the infamous beach arrival traffic in Orange Beach, timing is everything. The most congested period is late Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon when most vacationers are checking in. For a less stressful arrival, plan your drive to get there on a weekday or aim for a check-in time later on Saturday evening after the initial rush has subsided. Leaving Birmingham early is still key, but your goal should be to miss that final 10-mile crawl to the coast during peak hours.

As you drive south on I-65 and approach Mobile, you will need to merge onto I-10. Pay close attention to the overhead signs to get in the correct lane early. If your destination is downtown Mobile or west of the city, you will take I-10 West. If you are heading east toward the causeway or Florida, you will need to be in the lanes for I-10 East, which will take you through the George C. Wallace Tunnel under the Mobile River.

Driving in downtown Birmingham at night is generally manageable, but requires heightened awareness in entertainment areas like Avondale and Five Points South. In these districts, you should expect significant pedestrian traffic, with people crossing streets frequently, sometimes outside of marked crosswalks. Drive slowly, be prepared for cars stopping to pick up or drop off passengers, and be patient when looking for parking, as street spots will be in high demand.

To avoid circling a busy venue, arrange a pickup spot a block or two away from the main entrance. Good options include a well-lit street corner, the entrance to a nearby public library, or a less crowded side street that runs parallel to the main thoroughfare. This allows your passenger to walk a short distance away from the crowds, making it much easier for you to pull over safely for a quick and stress-free pickup.

Alabama weather, especially in the spring and summer, can change rapidly. It's common to experience sudden, intense thunderstorms that can dramatically reduce visibility and make roads slick in an instant. If you encounter a heavy downpour, it's safest to slow down significantly or, if necessary, pull over to a safe location until the worst of it passes. Never attempt to drive through standing water on the roadway, as its depth can be deceptive.

During a severe weather watch, road conditions can remain normal, but it's a signal to be vigilant and have a plan. If a warning is issued for your area, conditions can deteriorate quickly with high winds, hail, or heavy rain. A smart backup plan is to know your route and identify potential safe places to stop, such as a gas station, restaurant, or shopping center. Avoid stopping under overpasses and always monitor a local weather app for real-time updates.

For trips involving outdoor recreation, a vehicle like an SUV can be particularly helpful. The higher ground clearance provides peace of mind on uneven gravel roads leading to trailheads or boat ramps. Additionally, features like all-wheel drive can offer better traction and stability when parking in grassy or potentially muddy areas after a recent rain. These features contribute to a more confident and capable driving experience when you venture off the main paved roads.

The most direct route from Birmingham's airport to Hoover is to take I-20/59 West to I-65 South. This interstate will lead you directly to the main Hoover exits. For the easiest parking, the area around the Riverchase Galleria and The Summit shopping center offers vast, open parking lots. These locations are surrounded by a high concentration of hotels, restaurants, and shops, allowing you to park once and access many amenities on foot.

From Vestavia Hills, using US-31 North is often the easiest and most direct way to get into Birmingham's Southside and downtown areas for dinner. It's a major surface road that avoids the potential complexities and heavy traffic of the interstate. For the return trip, US-31 South provides a straightforward path back to your lodging. This route is well-lit and easy to navigate, making it a comfortable choice for evening travel.

The Summit is a very popular upscale shopping and dining destination, especially on weekends. It is located directly off US-280, which can be very busy. When you arrive, you'll find that the parking spaces closest to the most popular restaurants and anchor stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Gus Mayer fill up first. Be prepared to drive toward the outer edges of the lots and enjoy a short walk to your destination.

For an efficient stopover in Birmingham, focus on the downtown Civil Rights District. You can park your car in one of the paid lots near the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and easily spend a few hours exploring key historic sites on foot. The 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park are all within a very short walking distance of each other. This strategy allows you to experience a powerful part of the city's history without the hassle of driving and parking multiple times.

To ensure a low-stress start to your trip, consider booking your first night's hotel in a location just outside the downtown core. Areas near the airport, or in suburbs like Homewood or Hoover along I-65, are excellent choices. This allows you to get settled quickly after your flight without having to immediately navigate the complex downtown interchanges or search for parking in a dense urban area. You can then start the next day's drive fresh and ready to go.

The most notorious spot for confusing navigation is the I-65 and I-20/59 interchange near downtown, where lanes split and merge with very little warning. Another challenging area is US-280, where the high volume of traffic and numerous exits can make it easy to miss your turn. Lastly, the one-way street system in the central business district can be disorienting for first-time visitors who aren't expecting it, so a reliable GPS is essential.

For a smooth drop-off, first follow the airport signs for "Departures." Pull up to the curb corresponding to your airline and unload all passengers and their luggage. Once they are safely on their way into the terminal, you can get back in the car alone. From the departures level, simply follow the airport loop road around again, but this time, follow the clearly marked signs for "Rental Car Return" to proceed to the drop-off garage.