The anterolateral group of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST_ALG) plays a critical role in a diverse array of behaviors; however, little is known of the physiological properties of neurons in this region. Using whole-cell patch clamp recordings from rat BNST_ALG slices in vitro, we describe three distinct physiological cell types. Type I neurons were characterized by the presence of a depolarizing sag in response to hyperpolarizing current injection that resembled activation of the hyperpolarization-activated cation current I_h, and a regular firing pattern in response to depolarizing current injection. Type II neurons exhibited the same depolarizing sag in response to hyperpolarizing current injection, but burst-fired in response to depolarizing current injection, which was indicative of the activation of the low threshold calcium current I_T. Type III neurons did not exhibit a depolarizing sag in response to hyperpolarizing current injection, and instead exhibited a fast time-independent rectification that became more pronounced with increased amplitude of hyperpolarizing current injection, and was indicative of activation of the inwardly rectifying potassium current I_K(IR). Type III neurons also exhibited a regular firing pattern in response to depolarizing current. Using voltage-clamp analysis we further characterized the primary active currents that shaped the physiological properties of these distinct cell types, including I_h, I_T, I_K(IR), the voltage-dependent potassium current I_A, and the persistent sodium current I_NaP. The functional relevance of each cell type is discussed in relation to prior anatomical studies, as well as how these currents may interact to modulate neuronal activity within the BNST_ALG.