Thrifty Car Hire
Mobile

On arrival at Mobile Downtown Airport (BFM) you’ll find the car hire counters conveniently located within the main terminal building. After collecting your luggage, follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" or "Ground Transportation." The Thrifty desk will be in this area alongside other rental agencies. Because BFM is a compact, easy-to-navigate airport, the rental car centre is just a short walk from baggage claim, ensuring a smooth start to your visit.

Mobile Downtown Airport (BFM) is known for being a smaller, efficient airport, which makes the car hire process relatively quick. The rental counters are located directly in the terminal, a short walk from baggage claim, so you won’t need a shuttle. While it’s sensible to allow a comfortable amount of time, you can generally expect a much faster experience from deplaning to driving away compared with larger, more complex airports. The straightforward layout means you shouldn’t need to budget significant extra time just to locate the rental area.

For a straightforward drive to downtown Mobile, the most common route is to head east from the airport on Airport Boulevard. Continue on Airport Boulevard for several miles until you reach the interchange for Interstate 65 (I-65). Take I-65 South towards the city centre. From there, you’ll merge briefly onto Interstate 10 (I-10) East and take one of the next exits for downtown, such as Water Street or Canal Street. A satnav will help with the final turns, but this primary route keeps you on major, well-signed roads.

Leaving Mobile Downtown Airport after dark is generally manageable for most drivers. The main thoroughfare, Airport Boulevard, is a multi-lane road that is well lit and clearly signed. As you drive towards the motorway, you’ll pass through commercial areas with plenty of lighting from businesses and streetlights. The interchanges for I-65 are also well illuminated, making it easy to see the signs for joining. As with driving in any unfamiliar city at night, it’s best to have your satnav ready and to drive attentively as you acclimatise to the area.

When leaving BFM, the key is getting onto I-65 South to connect to I-10. A common point of confusion is navigating the Airport Boulevard commercial district if you’re not in the correct lane for the I-65 interchange. Another potential mistake is taking I-65 North by accident, which will head away from the city centre and coastal areas. To avoid this, pay close attention to the signs for I-65 South as you approach the motorway. Once on I-65 South, the signage for I-10 East and I-10 West is very clear.

The drive from Mobile Downtown Airport (BFM) to the Port of Mobile cruise terminal is typically quite direct. Under normal traffic conditions, you can expect the journey to take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The route mainly involves taking Airport Boulevard to I-65 South, then connecting to I-10 East and following signs for the Water Street exit, which leads directly to the port area. It’s a good idea to check a live traffic app before you depart, especially during weekday peak times, to allow for any delays.

To reach Dauphin Island with minimal hassle, take Airport Boulevard to I-65 South, then merge onto I-10 West. From I-10 take Exit 17A-B for Highway 193 South, also known as Dauphin Island Parkway. This parkway is the most direct route and will take you to the island. To avoid the heaviest traffic, try to travel outside peak weekend arrival times such as Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings in summer. Travelling earlier in the day or on a weekday often results in a smoother drive.

For a first-time visitor, the most straightforward route to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach is via the Baldwin Beach Express. From BFM, take Airport Boulevard to I-65 South, then merge onto I-10 East towards Florida. After crossing the bay, take Exit 49 for the Baldwin Beach Express. This modern, well-signed road is designed to get travellers to the coast efficiently, avoiding much local traffic on other routes. Follow the express route south and it will connect you directly with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

The I-10 Bayway and the George C. Wallace Tunnel are major, well-maintained parts of the interstate. If you’re anxious, it helps to know the tunnel is well lit and has multiple lanes in each direction. To make the drive less stressful, position your vehicle in a central lane well before entering the tunnel to minimise last‑minute merges. The Bayway is a long, elevated bridge, but it is wide and offers clear views. Driving outside peak hours will mean lighter traffic and allow you to travel at a comfortable pace with the flow.

In downtown Mobile, particularly around the Dauphin Street entertainment district, street parking can be hard to find, especially on evenings and weekends. Many spaces are metered with time limits that can confuse visitors. For a less stressful experience, plan to use one of the public parking garages or paid lots. These are generally well signed and offer hourly or daily rates, allowing you to park and explore the historic downtown on foot without worrying about tickets or time restrictions.

Driving to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is very straightforward, as it’s located right off I-10 and is highly visible. The park is accessed via its own dedicated exit, so you don’t have to navigate complex city streets. After the exit, follow a short access road that leads directly to the park entrance. The park has a very large, dedicated car park on site, making it highly convenient for visitors. You can simply park your rental and spend time exploring the battleship and exhibits.

When enjoying the nightlife on Dauphin Street, it’s best to park for the evening and explore on foot. A good option is one of the public car parks, such as the one at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel or the Mobile Civic Center. These locations are a few blocks from the main entertainment area and provide a secure place to leave your vehicle. By parking in a central car park you can easily walk the lively stretch of Dauphin Street and visit restaurants and bars without moving your car.

Driving in downtown Mobile during a Mardi Gras parade is extremely difficult and not recommended. The city implements extensive road closures hours before each parade, blocking off large sections of the downtown area to vehicles. If you must drive, expect significant detours and allow a great deal of extra time. The best strategy is to park your hire car well outside the official parade route and walk to your viewing spot. Always check the city’s official Mardi Gras website for parade times and street closure maps before you go.

The Mobile Carnival Museum is located in the heart of downtown, making it easily accessible but also subject to downtown parking realities. There is some metered street parking nearby, but it can be limited, especially during peak hours. A more reliable plan is to use a nearby public car park or car park garage. Several are a few blocks from the museum. That lets you park once and comfortably walk to the Carnival Museum, the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and other nearby historic sites.

If you’re heading to Midtown from BFM during rush hour, avoiding the most congested parts of I-65 can help. A less stressful surface-street route is to take Airport Boulevard east directly into Midtown. This road becomes Government Street as you get closer to the city centre. While it has traffic lights, it allows you to bypass potential interstate backups. This route takes you through the heart of Midtown’s historic district and offers a more scenic arrival to your hotel compared with the motorway.

To get to the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, the most direct route is to take I-65 South from the airport area to I-10 West. From I-10 take the Michigan Avenue exit and follow signs for the Aeroplex. This area is a large industrial and aviation complex, but the main roads into it are public and well signed. Using your satnav and following primary signage for Brookley will keep you on the correct public access roads and away from restricted or private industrial drives.

While Mobile’s road network is generally reliable for satnav navigation, some visitors report issues in the older historic districts with narrow streets and one-way systems. Occasionally a satnav might not be updated with a recent change in traffic flow downtown. It’s also wise to be cautious around industrial areas near the port and Brookley Aeroplex, where some roads may lead to secured gates. As a general rule, if a road looks like a private drive or a small, unmaintained lane, stick to the main, clearly signposted thoroughfares.

Airport Boulevard, the main road leading away from Mobile Downtown Airport, is lined with numerous convenient options for a quick stop. Within the first few miles you’ll find familiar fast-food restaurants, coffee shops and petrol stations. These establishments offer clean restrooms, a wide variety of snacks and drinks and easy parking. That makes it simple to take care of immediate family needs before you get on the motorway for a longer drive.

The easiest way to reach the scenic pull-offs on the Causeway is to first drive towards downtown Mobile. From BFM take Airport Boulevard to I-65 South, then merge onto I-10 East. Instead of continuing over the Bayway bridge, take the exit for US-90/US-98 East, which is signed for the Causeway. This road runs parallel to the interstate but at a lower elevation, right alongside the water. You’ll find several restaurants and designated areas where you can safely pull over to enjoy the view and take photos of the bay.

To catch a morning ferry from Dauphin Island, it’s sensible to plan for about a 45–60 minute drive from BFM to the ferry landing, depending on traffic. You should also allow extra time for parking and buying tickets before the scheduled departure. Therefore, leaving the airport at least 90 minutes to two hours before your desired ferry time is a safe bet. This buffer accounts for unexpected traffic and ensures a relaxed start to your coastal trip.

The drive to Pensacola from Mobile is very straightforward and mostly uses one main highway. From the airport area take I-65 South and then merge onto I-10 East. This interstate will take you directly to Pensacola. The interchange from I-65 to I-10 is well signed, and once on I-10 East you simply stay on that road until you reach the exits for Pensacola. There are no complex interchanges to navigate, making it an easy and direct day trip.

A day trip to New Orleans is entirely realistic, as the drive typically takes about two and a half hours each way without major traffic. The route is a straight shot on I-10 West from Mobile. You’ll cross several long bridges over bays and waterways in Mississippi and Louisiana, but they are standard interstate bridges and easy to navigate. Be prepared for potential traffic delays as you get closer to New Orleans, especially during peak commuting times. Leaving Mobile early in the morning is the best way to maximise your time in the city.

A good way to explore the Eastern Shore is to plan a loop. From Mobile drive east on I-10 and take the US-98 exit south towards Daphne and Fairhope. Spend time exploring Fairhope’s charming town centre. From there continue south on US-98, which becomes a scenic route along the bay through Point Clear. To return without backtracking, continue south and then loop back north on a different road like the Baldwin Beach Express to reconnect with I-10 West, taking you back to Mobile. This creates a scenic circular tour.

Driving in downtown Fairhope on a busy weekend requires a bit of patience, as the area is very popular with pedestrians. The main streets can be congested and on-street parking fills up quickly. The best strategy is to look for public car parks located a block or two off the main thoroughfare, Fairhope Avenue. Once you’ve parked, the downtown area is very walkable, with flower-lined streets, shops and cafes. Arriving earlier in the day can help you secure a more convenient parking spot.

Getting to Fort Morgan is a scenic and straightforward drive. From the Gulf Shores area take Highway 180 West, also known as Fort Morgan Road. Stay on this road for its entire length, about 22 miles. The road ends directly at the entrance to the Fort Morgan Historic Site — you can’t miss it. Once you arrive, there are clear signs directing you to the on-site visitor car park, which is conveniently located near the fort entrance and the ferry landing.

US-98, especially along the Eastern Shore through towns like Fairhope and Point Clear, offers a much more relaxed driving experience than the interstate. This route, often called Scenic 98, features lower speed limits and passes through charming town centres and residential areas with attractive views of Mobile Bay. While it will take longer to reach your destination, it’s perfect for a leisurely drive. The road is well maintained and provides a pleasant alternative for drivers wanting to avoid higher speeds and heavy traffic on I-10.

Mobile has a subtropical climate, which can bring sudden, heavy downpours, particularly during the summer months. These intense rainstorms can temporarily reduce visibility and cause localised street flooding in low-lying areas. It’s important to slow down, use your headlights and avoid driving through standing water if you encounter a storm. The main interstates and highways are designed to handle rainfall well, but some secondary roads and downtown streets may be more susceptible to temporary flooding, so it’s wise to be cautious.

There are several drawbridges in the Mobile area, particularly on routes that cross smaller rivers and bayous feeding into Mobile Bay. These bridges occasionally open to allow boat traffic to pass, which can cause temporary traffic delays. While the main I-10 Bayway does not have a drawbridge, routes like the Causeway (US-90/98) and others in the region do. Delays are usually short, but it’s a factor to consider if you’re on a tight schedule, so allowing a little extra travel time is sensible.

For major events at the Mobile Civic Center or other downtown venues, the most convenient plan is to use the official parking areas associated with the venue itself. The Civic Centre has a large, dedicated car park. If those lots are full, there are numerous public and private car parks within a few minutes’ walk. Arriving early is key to securing a spot and avoiding the last-minute traffic rush. Pre-booking a space through a parking app can also be a stress-free option for some larger events.

Downtown Mobile does have a grid of one-way streets that can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors. The area between Government Street and St. Louis Street, which includes the main entertainment district, is where you’ll encounter them most. The key is to have your satnav active and pay close attention to street signs. The north-south streets are generally easier to navigate than the east-west ones. If you miss a turn, it’s usually simple to circle the block and try again, as the grid pattern becomes logical once you get used to it.

After picking up your rental car, the easiest way to get organised is to pull into a parking spot in one of the nearby shopping centres on Airport Boulevard. Within a minute or two of leaving the airport you’ll find large car parks for grocery stores or retail centres. These provide a safe, spacious area to adjust your mirrors, set up your satnav and rearrange luggage without holding up traffic. This quick stop lets you start your journey feeling comfortable and prepared.

For a large group needing to coordinate, a good meeting spot is one of the large retail car parks on Airport Boulevard, just a short drive from the airport. Locations like a Target or Walmart car park offer ample space for multiple vehicles to park near each other. These spots are easy to find and provide a low-stress environment to gather everyone, make a plan and then depart in a convoy if needed. Many of these locations also have coffee shops or restaurants nearby for a quick refreshment before you set off.

You’ll find several major, well-known petrol stations directly on Airport Boulevard within a mile or two of the airport. Look for stations situated at junctions with traffic lights, as these typically offer the easiest and safest entry and exit points. These larger stations are designed for high traffic and have plenty of room to manoeuvre your hire vehicle. They provide a convenient opportunity to top up your tank and grab any last-minute supplies before heading to the motorway for your trip.

The drive between Mobile Downtown Airport (BFM) and the area around Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) is quite simple. The most direct route is to take Airport Boulevard west from BFM. You’ll stay on the same road for approximately 10–12 miles. Airport Boulevard runs directly past both airports, making the connection between them very straightforward. The road is a major, multi-lane thoroughfare for its entire length, so you won’t need to navigate any complex side streets.

Driving across the I-10 Bayway at sunrise or sunset can be a beautiful and memorable experience, offering stunning views of the bay. However, be prepared for possible sun glare. When the sun is low on the horizon it can be directly in your line of sight, making it harder to see. Have a good pair of sunglasses to hand and use your car’s sun visor as needed. Maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead is also important during these times of reduced visibility.

To get to Bellingrath Gardens from BFM you’ll want to head south out of the city. A common route is to take I-65 South to I-10 West, then exit onto Theodore Dawes Road. Follow local roads south through the community of Theodore, with clear signage directing you to the gardens. The drive is scenic and takes you through more rural parts of the county. Once you arrive, parking is straightforward: the gardens have a large, free on-site car park just steps from the main entrance.

To avoid delays on the I-10 Bayway when returning to BFM, checking a live traffic app like Google Maps or Waze before you leave is the most effective strategy. The heaviest westbound traffic typically occurs during the afternoon rush on weekdays. If you see significant congestion, an alternative is to take the Cochrane-Africatown USA Bridge via US-98/US-90. While this route may be slightly longer in distance, it can often be quicker when the Bayway is backed up, offering a less stressful return.

There are many convenient places to perform a drop-off near BFM. If you are dropping someone at a hotel, many are located along Airport Boulevard and have easy-to-access entrances. For a quick and simple exchange, you could use the car park of a nearby coffee shop or fast-food restaurant. These locations provide a safe, off-street spot to transfer luggage and say your goodbyes. From almost anywhere on Airport Boulevard, the drive back to the airport’s car hire return area is just a few minutes.

When driving in Mobile, especially on interstates like I-10 and I-65, it’s important to be attentive and drive defensively. The area has significant port and industrial activity, so you will share the road with heavy truck traffic. Some of the older interchanges, particularly where I-65 and I-10 meet, have shorter on- and off-ramps than more modern highways. The best approach is to stay in the centre or right lane, maintain a consistent speed and give yourself plenty of space between your vehicle and others, especially large trucks.

The drive from Mobile to the Mississippi Gulf Coast is exceptionally easy and scenic. From the BFM airport area take I-65 South to connect with I-10 West. This interstate will take you across the Mississippi state line. For a more scenic route you can exit I-10 and take Highway 90, which runs directly along the coastline through towns like Pascagoula, Ocean Springs and Biloxi. This coastal highway offers beautiful beach views and a more relaxed pace than the interstate.