Birmingham is the UK’s second city and one of its most underrated destinations — a place of industrial heritage, world-class museums, a thriving food scene, and more canals than Venice. It was the engine room of the Industrial Revolution, the birthplace of the steam engine, the pen, and the chocolate bar, and today it is a city of culture, creativity, and diversity. Hiring a car here lets you explore the Cotswolds, the Peak District, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, and the historic cities of the Midlands. For a wider itinerary, compare UK car hire guide, Inverness Airport car hire and all car hire locations before choosing the pickup point.

We compare Avis, Hertz, Europcar and local operators in Birmingham. Compact cars start around £14/day. The city is 200 kilometres northwest of London.

Why Hire a Car in Birmingham

• The Jewellery Quarter: Birmingham produced 40% of the UK’s jewellery, and the quarter is a living museum of workshops, museums, and independent shops. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is housed in a former factory, frozen in time.
• The Canals: Birmingham has 35 miles of canals — more than Venice. The towpaths are now walking and cycling routes, and the canal-side pubs and restaurants are some of the best in the city.
• The Museums: The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has the world’s largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. The Thinktank is a science museum with a planetarium and steam engines. The Back to Backs are the last surviving court of back-to-back houses, showing working-class life in the 19th century.
• Cadbury World: 15 minutes south. The home of Cadbury chocolate, with tours, tastings, and the world’s biggest Cadbury shop.
• The Cotswolds: 1 hour south. A region of honey-coloured stone villages, rolling hills, and country pubs. Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Broadway are the most famous villages.
• Stratford-upon-Avon: 45 minutes southeast. Shakespeare’s birthplace, with the Royal Shakespeare Company theatres, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and the Stratford Butterfly Farm.
• The Peak District: 1.5 hours north. The UK’s first national park, with moorland, caves, and the market towns of Buxton and Bakewell.
• Warwick Castle: 45 minutes southeast. A medieval castle with towers, dungeons, and daily shows.

Driving in Birmingham

The UK drives on the left. The M6, M5, and M42 motorways connect Birmingham to London, Manchester, and the rest of the country. The city has a Clean Air Zone — check if your vehicle is compliant. Speed limits are 70 mph on motorways, 60 mph on rural roads and 30 mph in towns.

Parking in Birmingham is expensive in the centre — expect £15–£25 per day. Use the Park & Ride at the edge of town. At the museums, some have visitor parking.

Booking Tips for Birmingham

• Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer and weekends.
• Check Clean Air Zone compliance — non-compliant vehicles are charged £8 per day.
• Use Park & Ride — city centre parking is expensive.
• If combining with London, the drive is 2.5 hours south on the M40.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire in Birmingham

Is Birmingham worth visiting? Yes — it is one of the UK’s most underrated cities, with great museums, a diverse food scene, and excellent access to the Cotswolds and Stratford.

Do I need an SUV? No — a compact car is fine for Birmingham, the Cotswolds, and Stratford.

Can I use my EU driving licence? Yes — EU licences are valid in the UK.