Your One-Way Car Hire from London to Birmingham with SIXT
Getting in the driver's seat and driving from London to Birmingham is one of the most frequently made and popular commutes in the UK. Driving from London to Birmingham by car covers a distance of around 120 miles and the journey can be made in less than 3 hours (traffic permitting of course!). Pick up a car from one of our many London Car Rental branches to make the journey between the capital and second city. Then drop your car off at our airport or city centre branch in Birmingham.
Choosing to travel from London to Birmingham by car will allow you to set your own pace and easily take all of your belongings with you, without delay or crowded transportation systems. If you are looking to make this journey one way, then you may be interested in taking advantage of our one-way car hire services. Simply choose "Change drop-off" and enter your destination. As part of our car hire services we also offer unlimited mileage and optional Sat Nav system to ensure that you can travel without restriction.
How to Reserve a Car Rental One Way
Booking a car rental one-way with SIXT is quick and easy:
1. Start your booking by entering your pick-up and drop-off locations.
2. Choose your rental dates and select the vehicle category that suits your needs.
3. SIXT will automatically show you availability details.
4. Complete your booking online and get ready for a smooth pick-up and drop-off experience.
One-way hires with SIXT
You can book a one-way hire with SIXT in numerous countries. Flexibly arrange your hire car for your individual route, including in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands and the USA.
Special Deals
Before booking your one-way hire, take a look at our current hire car offers and find the right vehicle at the best price.
Why choose a specific car category?
One-way Convertible Hire
Take a fun-spirited drive from London to Birmingham in a SIXT one-way car hire. Enjoy the journey through classic English countryside and lively motorway stretches as you travel comfortably from city to city. You can pick up your car in London and drop it off in Birmingham with ease. SIXT offers a wide range of modern vehicles to make your trip to Birmingham smooth and convenient.
One-way SUV Hire
SIXT offers a wide range of SUV rentals to make your drive from London to Birmingham by car comfortable and spacious. Travel with confidence as you journey along motorways and through the countryside, with ample room for passengers and luggage. A SIXT SUV hire ensures everyone can enjoy the journey in comfort. With a variety of SUV models available, SIXT has the perfect vehicle to make your trip to Birmingham both practical and enjoyable.
One-way Luxury Car Hire
Experience the ultimate way to travel from London to Birmingham with a luxury car hire from SIXT. Boasting an impressive range of high-end and exotic vehicles, SIXT lets you enjoy the journey in style and comfort. Select from a variety of luxury and sports cars to make your trip truly unforgettable and arrive in Birmingham feeling like a VIP.
FAQs
A one-way car rental lets you return your rental car to a different SIXT location than where you picked it up. It's ideal for:
• Moving between cities or states
• Cross-country road trips
• Flexible travel when flight plans change
• Avoiding round trips to the same location
Only authorized drivers listed on the rental agreement can drive and return the car.
Yes! SIXT offers flexible cancellation options. Select "Stay flexible" to cancel free of charge anytime before pickup time.
One-way hire pricing from London to Birmingham varies depending on the type of vehicle, rental dates, and availability. SIXT offers competitive rates and may waive drop-off fees on certain routes within the UK. All fees are clearly shown in the "Price details" section during booking—no hidden charges. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, check real-time rates at our SIXT Website.
The drive from London to Birmingham is toll-free, except for the M6 Toll motorway around Birmingham.
Driving from London to Birmingham by car
Traveling from London to Birmingham, you’ll experience a shift from the bustling urban atmosphere of the capital to the rich industrial heritage and vibrant culture of the Midlands. London offers iconic landmarks and a cosmopolitan vibe, while Birmingham is known for its impressive canals, diverse culinary scene, and historic sites. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, this route provides a good mix of cityscapes and green spaces.
SIXT offers a wide range of rental vehicles for your journey, including compact cars ideal for navigating London’s busy streets, comfortable sedans for the motorway, and SUVs for extra space. Be aware that some vehicles may have restrictions on one-way rentals between London and Birmingham, so it’s best to check availability when booking.
The route between London and Birmingham is straightforward. After picking up your car rental at one of London’s major locations, such as Heathrow Airport or a central city branch, you’ll typically take the M40 motorway heading northwest out of London. The M40 will lead you through parts of the scenic Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, before merging with the M42 near Solihull, which circles around Birmingham. You can then follow signs into the city center where you can drop off your car at a convenient location such as the Birmingham Airport rental branch or the city center office.
The journey is about 120 miles (193 km) and typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. Motorways have plenty of service stations where you can stop for fuel, food, and restrooms.
- Windsor: Just outside London, you might consider a short detour to visit Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s official residences.
- Chiltern Hills: As you drive along the M40, enjoy views of the rolling hills and picturesque villages of this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Warwick: Located slightly off the M40, Warwick is famous for its well-preserved medieval castle — a great stop if you want to explore some history.
- Stratford-upon-Avon: A small detour from the route takes you to Shakespeare’s birthplace, a charming town full of Tudor architecture and theaters.
Approaching Birmingham, you’ll see the city’s iconic Canal Network, which is even longer than Venice’s canals and now home to trendy bars, restaurants, and cultural venues.
For additional information about driving in the United Kingdom please visit our UK driving tips page!
*SIXT one-way car hire is subject to availability at participating SIXT locations in the UK. This offer is subject to change without notice and all rentals are subject to SIXT standard terms and conditions. For the complete allowances with your rental car, please reference the rental services information.
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