Budget Car Rental
Alabama

The Budget Car Rental counter is conveniently located within the airport's consolidated Rental Car Facility. This facility houses multiple rental agencies in one place, making it a streamlined experience for travelers. After collecting your luggage, you will follow the airport signage directing you to the rental car center. The building is situated adjacent to the main terminal, just a short walk away, so there is no need for a shuttle bus.

Finding your way is very straightforward. Once you have your bags from the lower-level baggage claim, look for the overhead signs that read “Rental Cars.” Follow these signs, which will lead you out of the terminal and along a covered walkway directly to the entrance of the Rental Car Facility. The Budget counter will be clearly visible among the other agencies as soon as you enter the building.

Budget operates out of a separate, consolidated Rental Car Facility at BHM, not inside the main terminal building. However, this facility is conveniently connected to the terminal via a covered walkway, making access quick and easy. You can walk from baggage claim to the Budget counter in just a few minutes without being exposed to the elements. The rental vehicles are also parked in an attached garage, providing a seamless transition from the counter to your car.

For late-night arrivals, the process remains convenient as the rental car center is typically staffed to accommodate the last scheduled flights. The facility and parking garage are well-lit, ensuring a safe environment for locating your vehicle. It is always a good practice to include your flight number in your reservation so the staff can be aware of any delays. Once you have your keys, clear signage will guide you from the garage to the main airport exit to begin your journey.

While times can vary, a reasonable estimate for a smooth process on a typical weekday afternoon is around 30 to 45 minutes. This accounts for deplaning, walking to baggage claim, waiting for your luggage, and the short walk to the rental car facility. The transaction at the Budget counter is usually efficient, and from there, it's just a matter of locating your vehicle in the adjacent garage. Planning for this timeframe helps ensure a relaxed start to your trip.

A great meeting spot is the baggage claim area corresponding to the last arriving flight. This allows everyone to gather their luggage in one place before heading over to the rental counter together. Alternatively, the main seating area just inside the entrance of the Rental Car Facility is another excellent option. This spot allows the designated driver to handle the paperwork while the rest of the group can wait comfortably with the luggage.

Your rental agreement will be your primary guide to finding your vehicle efficiently. The document will clearly state the specific parking stall number or row where your car is located. The parking garage at the BHM Rental Car Facility is well-organized with clear, easy-to-read signage for rows and sections. Simply match the information on your rental agreement to the signs in the garage to locate your car quickly.

The safest and most practical place to get organized is within the rental car parking garage itself, before you exit. Find an empty, out-of-the-way parking stall to pull into for a few minutes. This allows you to set your GPS, adjust your mirrors, and arrange your belongings in a calm environment without the pressure of moving traffic. Once you exit the garage, you will be directed onto airport roads that merge quickly with the interstate.

The most common point of confusion for visitors leaving BHM is the immediate merge onto Interstate 20/59. The airport exit funnels you directly onto the highway, so it's crucial to know whether you need to head east or west beforehand. Having your navigation set up and running before you leave the rental garage is the best way to avoid a last-second, stressful lane change. Pay close attention to the overhead signs for I-20 W/I-59 S toward Downtown/Tuscaloosa or I-20 E/I-59 N toward Atlanta.

The drive to downtown Birmingham is quite direct and easy to navigate. From the airport, you will follow signs for Interstate 20 West/59 South. This single interstate will take you directly toward the city center. You will then take one of the downtown exits, such as the 22nd Street exit (Exit 125), which provides straightforward access to the main hotel and business district. The entire drive is typically less than 15 minutes without heavy traffic.

To get to Homewood, you'll take I-20 W/I-59 S from the airport and merge onto US-31 S/US-280 E via Exit 126A. Follow the signs for US-31 South, which will take you directly into the heart of Homewood. This route is a mix of highway and surface streets but is generally easy to follow with GPS. One of the benefits of staying in Homewood is that most hotels in the area offer ample, complimentary on-site parking, making it a convenient choice for travelers with a rental car.

The drive to the UAB campus and hospital district is very similar to going downtown. You'll take I-20 W/I-59 S and exit onto surface streets that lead directly into the university area. The campus is sprawling, so it's best to know the specific address or building you're heading to. Parking in this dense area consists almost exclusively of paid parking decks and garages. Plan on using one of these facilities, as on-street parking is scarce and often reserved for permit holders.

For a trip to Railroad Park, take I-20 W/I-59 S from the airport toward downtown. You can use Exit 124A for 17th Street North, which will lead you south toward the park. Railroad Park is located along 1st Avenue South. Visitors typically find ample metered street parking along the surrounding blocks, especially on weekdays. There are also several paid surface lots nearby that offer convenient options if street parking is full.

The most convenient option for visiting the Civil Rights District is the parking deck located directly across from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute on 16th Street North. This provides secure, centralized parking for the entire district, including the 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park. Additionally, there is metered street parking available throughout the area, which is a good option for shorter visits. Be sure to note the time limits on the meters.

Visiting the Birmingham Museum of Art by car is very manageable. Located in the heart of downtown, the museum has its own dedicated public parking lot accessible from Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard. This is the most convenient option and is often free for museum visitors. If this lot happens to be full, there is plenty of metered street parking on the surrounding streets, as well as several paid public parking garages within a short walking distance.

When heading to a game at Regions Field, it's wise to arrive early to secure good parking. Several large, paid parking lots and garages are situated around the ballpark, with clear signage directing you as you get close. Post-game traffic can be heavy as everyone leaves at once, so expect some delays exiting the lots and navigating the nearby streets. A good strategy is to relax after the game for a bit or plan a route that avoids the main thoroughfares immediately.

Five Points South is a vibrant entertainment district where parking can be competitive during peak evening hours. The best strategy is to look for one of the several paid surface lots located just off the main intersection. While there is on-street parking available, it fills up quickly. Arriving a little before your dinner reservation can make finding a spot much easier. Once parked, the area is very walkable, allowing you to explore its many restaurants and bars on foot.

The Avondale neighborhood is perfect for a 'park once' approach. The main commercial area along 41st Street South has a good amount of free street parking. The most practical plan is to find a spot anywhere in this central area and then walk to the various breweries, restaurants, and music venues. The district is compact and pedestrian-friendly, so you won't need to move your car once you've found a spot for the evening.

Downtown Birmingham features a grid of one-way streets and numerous turn-only lanes, which can be tricky for first-time visitors. While your phone's GPS is an essential tool, it can sometimes lag, causing you to miss a turn. The best advice is to review your route briefly before you start and pay close attention to road signs. Keep an eye out for 'One Way' and 'Do Not Enter' signs, and be prepared for your GPS to recalculate if you miss a turn.

Weekday rush hour in Birmingham generally runs from about 7:30-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM. Leaving the airport during the afternoon rush, you'll find that traffic heading south and west on the I-59/I-20 and I-65 corridors slows down considerably. The interchange where these highways meet, known locally as 'Malfunction Junction,' is a primary bottleneck. If your flight lands during these times, it's wise to budget extra time for your drive into the city or to suburban areas.

Visitors to Birmingham often notice that local drivers tend to be courteous but also move at a confident pace, especially on the interstates. Merging can happen quickly, so it's important to be decisive and maintain your speed. In the city, be aware that some drivers may make sudden stops or turns with little warning. The key is to remain alert, leave a safe following distance, and trust your navigation while also paying close attention to the flow of traffic around you.

Visiting Vulcan Park and Museum is a very low-stress experience by car. The route to the park is well-marked as you approach on surface streets like Valley Avenue. The road winds up Red Mountain to the entrance, where you will find a large, free parking lot right at the base of the statue and museum. There are no complicated parking rules or fees, making it easy to park your rental car and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.

Accessing Red Mountain Park is straightforward, with the main entrance located just off Lakeshore Parkway. The park has a large, paved parking lot near the main trailhead and visitor center. On beautiful weekend days, this lot can become quite full, so arriving earlier in the morning is a good strategy to ensure you get a spot. The access roads are well-maintained, so any type of rental vehicle will be suitable for the trip.

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark is conveniently located just east of downtown Birmingham and is easily accessible from the interstate. The entrance is clearly marked, leading you directly to the site. One of the best features for drivers is the vast, free on-site parking lot. Even during popular events or busy tourist days, there is typically more than enough space for all visitors, so parking your rental car is never a concern.

A day trip to Oak Mountain State Park is an easy drive south from Birmingham, primarily via Interstate 65. After exiting the highway, well-marked roads lead you to the park entrance. There is a per-person entry fee to access the park. Inside, you'll find numerous designated parking lots near popular attractions like the beach, trailheads, and the farm. Parking is included with your entrance fee and is generally plentiful, though prime spots can fill up on sunny weekends.

The drive to Talladega Superspeedway is a simple and direct trip east on Interstate 20. The journey takes about an hour without traffic. As you approach the speedway, large signs will direct you to the appropriate entrance. On non-race days, parking for museum visits or tours is free and located right near the main entrance, making it incredibly easy. During race weekends, parking is a much larger, coordinated effort, so be sure to follow all specific event directions.

The drive to Huntsville is a straight shot north on Interstate 65, taking about an hour and a half to two hours. A perfect and convenient halfway point for a break is the city of Cullman. Several exits for Cullman offer a wide variety of gas stations, fast-food chains, and sit-down restaurants right off the interstate. This makes it an ideal spot to refuel both your car and yourself without venturing far off your route.

The trip to Montgomery is an easy drive south on Interstate 65, typically taking about 90 minutes. Once you arrive in downtown Montgomery, you'll find it quite visitor-friendly for parking. There are numerous public parking garages that offer reasonable hourly or daily rates. Additionally, metered street parking is widely available near key attractions like the state capitol and the Legacy Museum, providing convenient options for exploring the city's historic sites.

Driving to Tuscaloosa from Birmingham on a game weekend requires significant planning. Expect very heavy traffic on Interstate 20/59 West, especially on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Once in Tuscaloosa, on-campus parking is almost entirely reserved, so your best bet is to find a paid spot in a private lot or yard away from the stadium and be prepared for a considerable walk. Arrive several hours before kickoff and plan for a slow exit after the game.

The main interchange that requires a driver's full attention is where I-65 meets I-20/I-59 near downtown, often called 'Malfunction Junction.' This multi-level interchange has several lanes that split off for different directions. The key to navigating it successfully is to know your next major route well in advance and move into the correct lane early. Rely on your GPS but also watch the large overhead signs carefully to avoid a last-minute, difficult lane change.

During a heavy downpour, visibility can be significantly reduced on all major interstates, particularly I-65 and I-59/20, due to spray from trucks. The complex 'Malfunction Junction' interchange can be especially challenging in these conditions. Some low-lying surface streets in the downtown and Southside areas can also be prone to temporary flooding or large puddles. The best practice is to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use your headlights to remain visible to others.

While Birmingham does not get significant snowfall, the primary winter driving hazard is ice, especially 'black ice' that forms overnight. Out-of-state drivers are often surprised by how quickly bridges and overpasses can freeze, even when other road surfaces seem fine. Areas with elevated roadways, like the interchanges for I-65, US-280, and I-459, require extra caution during cold snaps. It's always wise to drive more slowly and avoid sudden braking in these conditions.

A compact or mid-size sedan is often the ideal choice for navigating Birmingham. This vehicle size is comfortable and stable for driving on the area's extensive interstate system. At the same time, it remains nimble enough to easily handle downtown's one-way streets and fit into the sometimes tight spaces found in parking garages and on-street spots. This balance provides the most versatility for a typical visitor's itinerary.

If you're traveling with several large suitcases, a mid-size or full-size SUV will likely be your best option. Before leaving the lot, open the rear hatch to visually inspect the cargo area, ensuring it has the depth and height you need. For sedans, a deep, square-shaped trunk is more practical than a shallow, long one. Taking a moment to check that your luggage fits comfortably without obstructing your rear view is a smart step before starting your trip.

The best place to install car seats is in a quiet corner of the rental car garage before you leave. After you've located your assigned vehicle, you can often find an empty, out-of-the-way parking stall nearby. This provides a safe, controlled environment away from moving traffic where you can take your time to secure the seats correctly and get your children settled without feeling rushed.

Before you exit the rental lot, it's wise to do a quick 2-minute check of the vehicle's essential functions. Turn on the headlights and walk around the car to ensure they all work. Test the windshield wipers and fluid. Glance at the dashboard to make sure there are no warning lights, such as low tire pressure. Finally, plug your phone cable into the USB or power port to confirm it's working for navigation and charging.

For a convenient stop right after leaving the airport, head toward the Eastwood shopping district. It's a short drive from BHM, typically reached by taking I-20 East for just one or two exits. This area features major grocery stores, supercenters, and restaurants, all with large, easy-to-navigate parking lots. This allows you to get your supplies without getting tangled in complex city traffic immediately after picking up your car.

You will find several gas stations conveniently located along Messer Airport Highway, which is the main road leading directly to and from the airport terminal. These stations are situated on both sides of the road and are designed for easy entry and exit for travelers. Refueling at one of these locations on your way back to BHM allows for a stress-free return, as you are only a minute or two away from the rental car drop-off entrance.

As you drive toward the airport on Messer Airport Highway, stay in the left or middle lanes. You will see large, clear overhead signs that differentiate between 'All Terminals' and 'Rental Car Return.' Be sure to follow the specific signs for 'Rental Car Return.' This will guide you to a dedicated entrance for the return garage, keeping you separate from the busier traffic loops for passenger drop-off and pickup.

The process is designed to be simple and intuitive. After you've dropped off your vehicle and keys in the rental car garage, you will see clear signs directing you toward the main terminal. Follow these signs, which will lead you back through the same covered walkway you used upon arrival. Once inside the terminal building, you will be on the lower level; simply take an escalator or elevator up to the upper level for all airline ticketing and check-in counters.