Alabama Car Rentals

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Top destinations to rent a car in Alabama

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Birmingham

Birmingham

What you need to know for your Alabama car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Alabama

Renting a car in Alabama is an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore the state's diverse attractions at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you have the freedom to visit scenic locations such as Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State Park, both ideal for outdoor adventures and relaxing beach experiences. The convenience of a car allows for easy luggage management, making it simple to transition between destinations like Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, each offering unique sights and activities. For families, The Wharf in Gulf Shores serves as a great spot for outdoor fun. Whether you're seeking romantic getaways or scenic drives, having a car enables you to fully appreciate Alabama's beauty. You can effortlessly navigate between popular destinations and hidden gems, ensuring a flexible travel itinerary that suits your interests. Overall, renting a car enhances your Alabama trip by providing the flexibility to explore at your own leisure, making it a perfect option for anyone looking to experience the state's charm and attractions.

Most popular car rentals in Alabama

  • Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases—ideal for families, couples, or small groups. This option provides ample space for passengers and luggage, making it perfect for road trips around Alabama while ensuring comfort and convenience.
  • Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases—ideal for couples, families, or groups. The standard SUV offers a balance of space and maneuverability, allowing you to navigate both city streets and open highways effortlessly.
  • Fullsize: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases—ideal for families or groups. This option provides generous room for passengers and their belongings, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to travel comfortably throughout Alabama.

Where to stay in Alabama

  • Gulf Shores: A vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor adventures, Gulf Shores offers a perfect blend of relaxation and activity. Travelers can enjoy the stunning Gulf Shores Beach, which is ideal for a beach vacation, and explore the natural beauty of Gulf State Park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For family-friendly fun, The Wharf is a must-visit, featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Numerous restaurants and breweries are also nearby, making it a great spot for food lovers.
  • Orange Beach: Close to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach is another fantastic destination for beach lovers. The pristine beaches and outdoor activities attract many visitors seeking a city-themed experience. Key highlights include The Wharf, which offers family-friendly attractions, and the same stunning Gulf Shores Beach. With a variety of breweries and restaurants nearby, Orange Beach is an ideal location for enjoying local food and drinks while soaking up the sun.
  • Birmingham: As Alabama's largest metropolis, Birmingham provides a diverse range of experiences, from outdoor activities to cultural explorations. Visitors can discover the historic Sloss Furnaces and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum for a taste of the city’s rich history and culture. For sports enthusiasts, Barber Motorsports Park offers exciting motorsports events. With numerous breweries, wineries, and restaurants in the area, Birmingham is perfect for those looking to enjoy both culinary delights and vibrant city life.

10 tips to save on your car rental in Alabama

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for extra space, a convertible for the summer, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also work, but be sure to return the vehicle empty in such cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might justify the extra cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning to embark on long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in Alabama

The best time to rent a car in Alabama is January, when prices and demand are both slightly low, offering great value. February follows closely, maintaining similar trends. As spring approaches, April sees average prices and demand, while May can be slightly high as people begin to travel more. The summer months, particularly July, are the most expensive and busiest time for rentals, with high demand making it less ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Find Alabama Car Rentals

Expedia makes it easy for you to book your next Alabama car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in Alabama, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury, full size and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in Alabama offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your Alabama car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next car rental.

Expedia offers a wide selection of rental cars in Alabama to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our Alabama airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing. Need a long term car rental in Alabama? Enter your dates in Expedia search wizard, discover our cheap monthly car rentals deals and save big!

Expedia offers many Alabama rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your Alabama airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia

Frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest car rentals in Alabama?
You can find cheap car rentals in Alabama from $10 a day with Routes's midsize suv. The cheapest car rentals for exploring Alabama are picked up at the region's main gateway, Hartsfield Jackson Intl (ATL). From there it's an easy drive to towns like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Suppliers such as Sixt, Enterprise, and Dollar Rent A Car operate across the region. Rates shift by vehicle type and dates, so compare a few pickup points and dates on Expedia to find a rate that suits your trip. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Alabama.
What are the best car rentals in Alabama?
Car rentals across Alabama offer a full range of vehicle types from providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Alamo Rent A Car, broadly available in the region's main cities - Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. The most common car classes include:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door
  • Compact SUV
  • Midsize SUV
  • Fullsize 2 or 4 door
  • Standard 2 or 4 door
These options cater to various travel needs, whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family. Choose based on passenger count, luggage, and whether you're driving in the city or exploring the wider region. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Alabama.

What are the best car rental companies in Alabama?
For car rentals across Alabama, well-rated providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Alamo Rent A Car offer a strong mix of vehicles and competitive rates, with wide availability in the region's main cities - Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Compare suppliers and pickup points on Expedia to find a great rate and the right vehicle for your trip.
Can I rent a car from Hartsfield Jackson Intl (ATL) for exploring Alabama?
Yes - you can pick up a rental car right at Hartsfield Jackson Intl (ATL) for exploring Alabama. Providers including Sixt, Enterprise, and Alamo Rent A Car operate at the airport, with rates from around $13 a day. ATL is the region's main gateway and a convenient base for reaching cities across the area, from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach.
Can I rent a car one-way in Alabama?
Yes, one-way car rentals work well across Alabama - pick up in one city, such as Gulf Shores, and drop-off in another, like Orange Beach, which is ideal for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $11 a day. Providers like Sixt and Enterprise offer flexible one-way options. A one-way drop-off fee may apply, so confirm it when booking on Expedia.
Are there electric or hybrid car rental companies in Alabama?
Electric and hybrid car rentals are available across Alabama, including in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Sixt and Enterprise both offer hybrid options from $10 a day. EVs keep fuel costs low, and charging is widely available along major routes. Book a few weeks ahead as demand is high, and plan charging stops for longer regional drives.
What are the best luxury car rental companies in Alabama?
For luxury car rentals across Alabama, Sixt offers fullsize elite 2 or 4 door cars from $21 a day (and fullsize elite SUVs from $28), while Enterprise and Alamo Rent A Car add premium categories - high-end vehicles with extra comfort and space for exploring the region in style. You'll find them in the region's main cities like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Expedia's car-class filters to browse premium options and compare rates before you book. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Alabama.
What are the best car rentals in Alabama for families or groups?
For families or groups exploring Alabama, SUVs and minivans give you room for passengers, car seats, strollers, and luggage - available across the region's cities, from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach:
  • Sixt: midsize SUV from $14 a day - seats up to 5 with room for 3 large suitcases
  • Dollar Rent A Car: mini passenger van from $27 a day - seats up to 8 with room for 6 large suitcases
  • Enterprise: fullsize SUV from $26 a day - seats up to 6 with room for 3 large or 5 medium suitcases
These keep everyone comfortable for both city driving and longer trips into the surrounding area. Book a few weeks ahead, as the larger vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Alabama.

What are the best car rentals in Alabama for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in Alabama for solo travelers are economy and compact classes - small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring the region at their own pace, available across cities like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach:
  • Economy car, from $16 a day - fits up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets
  • Compact SUV, from $13 a day - fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for getting around the region. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Alabama.

What are the best car rentals in Alabama for couples?
The best car rentals in Alabama for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two, available across the region's cities like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach:
  • Midsize car, from $13 a day - fits up to 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, from $13 a day - fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for regional day trips
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Alabama.

What are the closest airports to Alabama for car rental pick-up?
Several airports offer car rental pick-up for Alabama, giving you flexible options close to your arrival point:
  • Hartsfield Jackson Intl (ATL)
  • Mobile Regional Airport (MOB)
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
These airports provide convenient access to the Alabama region, including cities like Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Compare rental rates at each airport on Expedia to find a rate that fits your trip.

What are the best road trip destinations from Alabama by rental car?
From the main gateway airport for Alabama, Hartsfield Jackson Intl (ATL), a rental car opens up plenty of nearby sights and road trips. Easy drives from this hub include:
  • State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, approximately 1 mile away
  • Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Blue Ridge, Georgia, approximately 1 mile away
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, approximately 2 miles away
You could time your trip around events like the Atlanta Winter Market, or add activities such as Atlanta's Black History and Civil Rights Tour. With cities like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach also within reach in Alabama, having your own car makes exploring the wider region simple and flexible. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Alabama.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Alabama?
In Alabama, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Keep to local speed limits and traffic laws for a safe, easy drive while exploring the region's cities and the roads between them. If you're used to driving on the other side, give yourself a little time to adjust - take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, which flow in the opposite direction.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Alabama?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Alabama. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Alabama?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Alabama?
Budget car rental in Alabama can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Alabama?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Alabama. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Alabama car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Alabama?
To rent a car in Alabama, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Alabama car rental?
If you need to cancel your Alabama car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.

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