Hertz Car Hire
Mobile

The Hertz car hire desk at Mobile Regional Airport (BFM) is conveniently located inside the main terminal building. After you collect your baggage from the reclaim area, you'll easily find the hire desks nearby. The process is designed to be seamless for arriving passengers. Once you complete the paperwork at the desk, you'll be directed to the adjacent car park where the hire vehicles are staged, allowing for a quick and easy start to your journey.

Arriving late at Mobile Regional Airport is generally straightforward. The walk from baggage reclaim to the Hertz car hire desk is short and well lit, as it is located within the same terminal building. The airport is small and easy to navigate, even late at night when it is quieter. After visiting the desk, the walk to the hire car area is also brief and secure. This efficient layout helps minimise stress and gets you on your way quickly, regardless of your arrival time.

The most direct route from Mobile Regional Airport to Downtown Mobile is designed for simplicity. On leaving the airport you will mainly use Airport Boulevard heading east. This main thoroughfare will take you most of the way, with clear signage guiding you. As you approach the city centre, your navigation app will direct you onto I-65 South for a very short distance before merging onto I-10 East towards Downtown. Following the signs for the Water Street or Government Street exits will place you right in the heart of the city with minimal complex interchanges.

Under ideal conditions, the drive from Mobile to Gulf Shores takes about an hour. However, during the peak summer season, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, that time can easily double due to heavy beach traffic. To avoid the worst congestion, plan to travel during off-peak hours. The calmest times are typically early in the morning before 9 a.m. or later in the evening after 7 p.m. Midday, from about 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., tends to be the busiest period on the roads leading to the coast.

For a less stressful drive to Orange Beach that avoids some of the more intimidating bridge crossings, the Baldwin Beach Express is an excellent option. After taking I-10 East from Mobile across the Mobile Bay, you can exit onto the Baldwin Beach Express. This modern highway is designed to handle beach traffic efficiently and bypasses the smaller, congested towns along Highway 59. It provides a direct and smooth journey, connecting you to the Foley Beach Express which leads you straight into the Orange Beach area with minimal hassle.

The I-10 Bayway is a long, elevated bridge system that offers pleasant views but requires attentive driving. For first-time visitors, it's important to maintain a steady speed and be aware of merging traffic. During heavy rain or fog, visibility can reduce dramatically and quickly. In these conditions it is crucial to slow down, increase your following distance, and use your headlights. The Bayway is generally safe and well maintained, but exercising extra caution during adverse weather will ensure a more comfortable and secure crossing.

The most efficient route from Mobile Regional Airport to the Eastern Shore communities of Daphne and Fairhope involves a simple drive across the bay. From the airport you'll take Airport Boulevard to I-65 South, then merge onto I-10 East. You'll cross Mobile Bay via the I-10 Bayway, a scenic and straightforward drive. For Daphne you'll take one of the first exits after the bridge, typically for US-98. To reach Fairhope you can continue on US-98 South, which offers a pleasant drive through the area.

Mobile's tunnels, the George C. Wallace Tunnel (I-10) and the Bankhead Tunnel (US-98), carry traffic under the Mobile River. For visitors, the key is to choose your lane well in advance, as changing lanes inside the tunnels is not permitted. The Wallace Tunnel is part of the interstate and handles most through traffic, while the Bankhead Tunnel is narrower and serves more local downtown traffic. Pay close attention to overhead signs indicating which lanes are open, especially during peak hours, and be prepared for a slight descent and ascent as you pass through.

Downtown Mobile, particularly the area around Dauphin Street, Government Street, and Royal Street, features a grid of one-way streets that can be tricky for first-time visitors. It's wise to use a GPS and pay close attention to street signs to avoid turning the wrong way. The historic districts, like De Tonti Square, also have narrow streets and unusual junctions. Taking a moment to review your route before you start driving downtown can help you navigate these areas with greater confidence and ease.

A common point of confusion for travellers is the I-10 and I-65 interchange, known as the 'Malfunction Junction', just before the bay. To avoid issues, stay in the correct lane for I-10 East well in advance. Another tricky spot is the split for the Wallace Tunnel (I-10) and the Bankhead Tunnel (US-98/Water Street exit) when heading into downtown. To reduce last-second lane changes, use your navigation app with voice guidance and review the major interchanges on your route before you begin driving, allowing you to anticipate your next move.

To easily access the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, the best approach is from the I-10 Cochrane-Africatown USA Bridge. Whether you are coming from the east or west on I-10, look for the dedicated exit signs for Battleship Parkway (US-90/US-98). This exit leads you directly to the park's entrance without the need for any difficult turns or U-turns. Follow the prominent brown historical attraction signs for the park and they will guide you smoothly into the spacious visitor parking.

Driving to the Mobile Cruise Terminal is straightforward as it is located at the south end of the downtown area. The simplest route is to take the Water Street exit from I-10, which runs directly alongside the river and leads to the terminal entrance. The terminal has a well-marked, designated loop for passenger drop-offs right in front of the main building. This area allows you to safely pull over, unload passengers and luggage, and then exit without disrupting traffic flow.

On a cruise departure day, it's sensible to plan your arrival at the Mobile Cruise Terminal to avoid the peak rush. Traffic in the immediate port area and surrounding downtown streets can become congested, especially during the main boarding window. Arriving on the earlier side of your recommended boarding time, often before 11:30 a.m., can help you miss the heaviest backups. This gives you a more relaxed experience for dropping off passengers, handling luggage, and proceeding to parking without feeling rushed.

The drive to Dauphin Island involves a long, scenic causeway bridge that is the only road access to the island. On busy summer weekends or public holidays, traffic on this two-lane bridge can back up significantly, adding considerable time to your trip. It's best to start the day early, aiming to be on the island before 10 a.m. to secure a good parking spot and avoid the worst of inbound traffic. Similarly, leaving the island either before 4 p.m. or after sunset can help you miss the peak departure rush.

The drive from Mobile to Pensacola is typically a simple one-hour trip east on I-10. The route is mostly smooth motorway driving and quite scenic as you cross several rivers and bays. The primary bottleneck to be aware of is potential congestion on the I-10 bridge over Escambia Bay just before you reach Pensacola, especially during weekday peak hours. Additionally, traffic can be heavier on weekends as you get closer to the Pensacola Beach exits, so allowing a little extra time is always prudent.

A day trip from Mobile to the Mississippi Gulf Coast is very straightforward. The easiest and most direct route is to take I-10 West from Mobile. This motorway will carry you all the way to the exits for both Ocean Springs and Biloxi without any confusing splits or junctions. For a more scenic coastal drive, you can exit I-10 and take Highway 90, which runs right along the beach. However, for pure simplicity and speed, remaining on I-10 is the best option.

The drive from Mobile to New Orleans is about two and a half hours west on I-10. The journey is mostly uncomplicated motorway travel. The main area to be aware of is the I-10/I-12 split near Slidell, Louisiana; ensure you stay on I-10 to head into New Orleans. When returning to Mobile, especially on a Sunday evening, be prepared for heavier traffic as many people head home from weekend trips. Leaving New Orleans either before 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m. can help you avoid the most significant congestion.

To create an efficient multi-stop trip, it's best to plan your route geographically. A logical order would be to start in Mobile, then drive south to explore Gulf Shores and the surrounding Alabama coast. From Gulf Shores, you can easily drive east along the coast into Florida to visit Pensacola. This west-to-east progression minimises backtracking. When your trip is over, you can take I-10 directly from Pensacola back to Mobile, completing a convenient and logical loop of the region.

Shortly after leaving Mobile Regional Airport you'll drive east on Airport Boulevard, which is lined with numerous convenient shopping centres. Within the first few miles you'll find several large grocery stores and supercentres that have spacious, easy-to-navigate car parks. These locations are perfect for stocking up on snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and any other beach supplies you might need. Stopping here allows you to get everything in one place before you head downtown or continue south toward the coast.

A great place for a family break on the way to the beaches is the town of Foley, which you'll pass through on Highway 59. Foley has several large public parks with playgrounds and clean restroom facilities, offering a perfect spot for children to stretch their legs. You can also visit OWA Parks & Resort, which has restaurants and shops in its free-to-enter downtown area, providing a fun and engaging environment for a quick stop. These options are located right on the main route, making them incredibly convenient.

When checking into a hotel in busy Downtown Mobile, the best strategy is to use the hotel's designated loading and unloading zone. Most downtown hotels have a small pull-in area or valet stand near the main entrance specifically for this purpose. Pull in, switch on your hazard lights, and have one person go inside to handle the check-in. This avoids the stress of trying to find a temporary on-street parking spot and keeps traffic flowing smoothly.

When a large event is happening at the Mobile Convention Center, expect increased traffic on Water Street and Government Street, the main roads surrounding the venue. Police may be directing traffic at key junctions to manage the flow of vehicles and pedestrians. It's also common for nearby car parks to fill up quickly. Plan to add extra time to your driving schedule during event start and finish times, and be prepared for a higher volume of pedestrians in the area.

During the Mardi Gras season, navigating Downtown Mobile by car requires careful planning. On parade days, major streets along the routes are closed to traffic several hours before the event begins and remain closed until after cleanup. Driving across town can become impossible, so it's essential to check the daily parade schedule and associated street closure maps. The best strategy is to park your hire car in a car park outside the parade route and explore the festivities on foot to avoid getting stuck.

Parking directly on Dauphin Street in the evening, especially at weekends, can be very challenging due to its popularity. A more realistic and less stressful plan is to use one of the nearby public car parks or paid surface lots. These are typically located just a block or two away from the main entertainment district. Arriving a little earlier in the evening can also increase your chances of finding a convenient spot, allowing you to park once and enjoy the area on foot.

For the Mobile Botanical Gardens the approach is fairly simple as it's located near the University of South Alabama, accessible via main roads like Airport Boulevard. For Bellingrath Gardens and Home, which is further south, the drive is a bit longer but scenic. You'd typically take I-10 West to the Theodore exit and then follow the well-marked signs along Bellingrath Road. Both destinations are clearly signed as you get closer, making the final approach easy for first-time visitors to navigate.

The most relaxed drive to Fairhope's waterfront involves taking US-98 into the heart of the town and then following the signs down Fairhope Avenue towards the bay. This route takes you through the charming town centre. When the waterfront area is crowded, visitors typically find parking in the large public lots located near the pier and the adjacent park. If those are full, there is often available on-street parking a few blocks up in the town centre, offering a pleasant walk down to the bay.

During a week with frequent thunderstorms, the most stressful driving conditions for visitors in Mobile are often related to reduced visibility and standing water. Sudden, heavy downpours can drastically reduce what you can see, especially on high-speed roads like I-10 and the Bayway. In addition, some lower-lying local roads and underpasses can be prone to temporary flooding. The combination of slick roads, poor visibility, and potential for aquaplaning requires heightened awareness and a significant reduction in speed to navigate safely.

If you're not used to driving in heavy rain, the key is to be proactive and cautious. Always drive with your headlights on during a downpour for better visibility. Significantly reduce your speed and increase the distance between your car and the one ahead to allow for longer braking times. Avoid driving through large puddles or standing water, as you can't be sure of the depth or potential road hazards beneath. If the rain becomes too intense, it's safest to pull over in a secure location and wait for it to ease.

Yes, the I-65 and I-10 interchange, locally known as 'Malfunction Junction,' experiences significant congestion during typical weekday rush hours, from about 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 4:00–6:00 p.m. It also gets very busy on weekends with beach traffic heading to or from I-10 East. To plan around it, try to schedule your travel through this area during off-peak, mid-day hours. Using a real-time traffic app can also help you anticipate delays and, in some cases, suggest alternate surface street routes to bypass the worst of the backup.

To ensure you arrive in Gulf Shores in time for sunrise and avoid early commuter traffic, an unusually early start from Mobile is recommended. Plan to be on the road no later than 5:00 a.m., especially during the summer when the sun rises earlier. This departure time allows you to get through the city and across the bay before the morning rush begins to build. It provides a peaceful, low-traffic drive, giving you plenty of time to find a good spot on the beach and relax before the sun comes up.

The most direct and simple route from Mobile to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo involves taking I-10 East to the Baldwin Beach Express exit. This modern highway is designed to move traffic efficiently toward the coast. Follow the Baldwin Beach Express south until it ends, at which point you will be directed onto the Foley Beach Express. The zoo is located just off this expressway, and you will see clear, prominent signs guiding you directly to the entrance, helping you avoid any confusing local side roads.

For events at Hancock Whitney Stadium, the simplest approach is to arrive early and follow the official event parking signs. The stadium is located on the University of South Alabama campus, which is easily accessible from main roads like Airport Boulevard. Event staff and police typically direct traffic to designated car parks, many of which are prepaid or cash-on-entry. Following their guidance is usually simpler than trying to find on-street parking in the surrounding neighbourhoods, ensuring a smoother entry and exit from the venue.

Airport Boulevard is a major commercial artery in Mobile, so you should expect numerous traffic lights and busy intersections. The lights are generally well timed, but allow for extra travel time during peak business hours. When heading west back toward the airport, stay in the middle or left lanes to avoid vehicles turning into shopping centres. The final turn into the airport itself is a well-marked left turn, so be sure to get into the dedicated turn lane as you approach the airport entrance.

For a low-stress early morning departure from Mobile, plan to arrive at the airport hire car return area about two hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This provides a comfortable buffer. The return process itself is usually quick, but this timeline allows for refuelling the car if needed, completing the vehicle check-in, and walking to the terminal. It also gives you plenty of time to check your bags and clear security without feeling rushed, even if there are small unexpected delays.

A common mistake travellers make is following the main signs for 'Departures' or 'Arrivals' instead of looking for the specific 'Rental Car Return' signs. The turn-off for the hire car area often comes just before the main terminal loop, and missing it can require you to circle the entire airport road system again. To avoid this, slow down as you approach the airport grounds and pay close attention to the signage. Following the logos of hire car companies can also help guide you to the correct entrance.

A great meetup spot just a few minutes from the airport is one of the large shopping centres along Airport Boulevard. For example, the car park of a major retailer like Target or Lowe's offers ample space, is easy to find, and has simple entry and exit points. This allows both parties to get settled in their hire cars, set their navigation, and easily find each other in a low-stress environment before heading off to your final destination together.

For a smoother ride to Gulf Shores that may be more comfortable for those prone to motion sickness, using the Baldwin Beach Express is an excellent choice. After taking I-10 across the bay, this route provides a continuous, steady drive with fewer traffic lights and less of the stop-and-go traffic common on the more direct Highway 59. The consistent speed and gentle curves of the expressway can make for a much more pleasant and less jarring journey to the coast.

For a long weekend in Mobile, a realistic driving budget would be about 1.5 to 2.5 hours per day if you plan a beach trip. The round trip from downtown Mobile to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach will take at least two hours without traffic, and likely more with stops or congestion. Driving between sights within Mobile itself is relatively quick, usually 15–20 minutes. Factoring in this time helps you plan a relaxed itinerary that balances city exploration with coastal relaxation without feeling constantly on the road.

International visitors should be aware of a few key driving norms in Alabama. Turning right at a red light after a complete stop is permitted unless a sign specifically prohibits it. When merging onto motorways like I-10 or I-65, drivers are expected to match the speed of traffic and merge assertively but safely. On roads with multiple turn lanes, it is crucial to stay within your marked lane throughout the entire turn. Overall, driving is generally relaxed, but attentiveness on major interchanges is always recommended.

For visitors who prefer simpler driving, staying in the West Mobile area near Airport Boulevard is a great option. This suburban area offers wide roads, straightforward navigation, and plenty of shopping and dining with large car parks. You are still only a 15–20 minute drive from downtown attractions but can avoid the complexities of one-way streets and tight parking. Another good choice is the Eastern Shore (Daphne or Fairhope), which provides a more relaxed, small-town driving experience while still being close to Mobile via the I-10 Bayway.