Available Cars in New Orleans

Real prices · Updated regularly

Intermediate Enterprise
Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla

or similar large car

5 2/4 Auto

From $196.27

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Economy Avis
Wild Card

Wild Card

or similar small car

4 2 Auto
9.7 Superb

From $196.46

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Economy Budget
Wild Card

Wild Card

or similar small car

4 2 Auto
6.5 Good

From $187.53

View Offers
Intermediate Enterprise
Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla

or similar large car

5 2/4 Auto

From $210.71

View Offers

Essential Information for Renting a Car in New Orleans

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While streetcars and buses cover many popular attractions, a rental car in New Orleans makes it easier to visit nearby destinations, such as plantations, swamps, Gulf Coast beaches, Baton Rouge, and scenic drives along Lake Pontchartrain. The vehicles can be booked both online and in person. Many companies, including Dollar, Payless, and Thrifty, offer a wide range of vehicles, from small economy cars to larger SUVs and vans. The rental price is usually competitive compared to many major US tourist cities. However, rates increase significantly during events like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and major conventions. 


Why Renting a Car in New Orleans Is a Good Choice?

Here are some reasons why many visitors choose to rent a car:

  • A rental car makes it easy to visit the city's popular attractions, including the Mississippi River plantations and nearby swamps.

  • Visitors can travel on a flexible schedule without relying on bus or streetcar timings.

  • Larger vehicles give more space for bags and other belongings for comfortable group travel. 

  • Renting a car offers easier and more convenient transportation.

  • A car offers protection from New Orleans' frequent rainfall. 


What Should New Orleans Visitors Know About Hiring a Rental Car?

Visitors can ask about the round-the-clock roadside help before renting a car in New Orleans. This is because it is an add-on that many rental car companies provide. More things that should be taken into account are described below:

  • Find out about the pickup service.

  • Before purchasing extra insurance and renting a car, ask the auto insurance agent about the coverage.

  • Passengers’ credit cards may not offer collision damage when they are renting a Luxury or SUV vehicle. Therefore, check this before reservations.

  • Take into account parking availability, traffic patterns, and congested neighbourhoods' narrow streets.

  • Examine the rental company’s policy on cancellations and modifications.

Different Types of Rental Cars in New Orleans

A plethora of car rental types are available in New Orleans. Some of these are explained here:

  • Convertible and Sports Cars: During favorable weather, these cars offer excitement and style to any vacation by allowing tourists to experience open-air driving and dynamic city vistas.

  • Company and Economy Cars: These cars are affordable choices that are perfect for couples and single people traveling alone. Also, these are easy to drive through congested streets and confined parking spaces, and have good fuel economy.

  • Luxury Cars: Premium comfort, cutting-edge technologies, and elegant styling are all features of Luxury Cars.

  • Full-Size Sedans: Families or business travelers who require additional space during their stay can benefit from full-size sedans.

Leading Car Rental Providers in New Orleans

10 companies that provide car rental services with reliability, best deals, and availability in New Orleans are listed here:


  • Thrifty Car Rental

  • Payless Car Rental

  • Hertz

  • Dollar Rent-A-Car

  • Avis

  • Alamo

  • Budget

  • Enterprise

  • National

  • Sixt


Popular Car Rental Pickup Locations in New Orleans

At New Orleans Louis Armstrong International (MSY), car rental facilities are available. In addition to this, other locations are provided below:

  • Chalmette

  • Downtown New Orleans Canal St.

  • Belle Chasse

  • Downtown New Orleans, Baronne St.

  • Gretna

  • Kenner

  • Metairie N. I-10 Service Rd.

  • Harvey

  • Metairie Airline Dr.

  • Metairie Veterans Blvd.

  • New Orleans N. Chef Hwy.

  • I-10 & Read

  • New Orleans Uptown


New Orleans Car Rental Cost Breakdown by Vehicle Category

Here is the complete car rental price breakdown by vehicle category:

Vehicle Type

Average Daily Car Rent

Average Weekly Car Rent

Economy Car

$30-$44 

$195-$260 

Compact Car

$32-$45 

$210-$275 

Intermediate Car

$42-$59 

$245-$325 

Standard Car

$48-$65 

$270-$360 

Full-Size Car 

$52-$75 

$290-$395 

SUV

$54-$79 

$310-$440 

Luxury Car 

$75-$102 

$460-$620 

Minivan 

$62-$92 

$390-$530 

Note: April and May are the most expensive months to rent a car in New Orleans due to major spring events, like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and surging seasonal tourism.

New Orleans Car Rental Criteria 

When renting a car, drivers must have a licence and a recognized form of payment. Along with these, other requirements are mentioned here:

  • The minimum age to drive is 21 years.

  • There is an underage driver’s fee for passengers between the ages of 21 and 24.

  • A major credit card is required.

  • It is required to provide proof of insurance coverage.

  • Foreign guests may need to present a passport.

  • Along with this, their driver's license from their home country may be needed.

  • An International Driving Permit is necessary as well for foreign guests.

  • Usually, a refundable security deposit is deducted from the renter's credit card.


Easy Ways to Book Budget-Friendly Car Rentals in New Orleans

Booking a rental car in New Orleans in advance can help travelers get better prices. Consider the following to book budget-friendly rental cars in New Orleans:

  • Compare different companies and their associated costs.

  • Check for discounts, promotions, etc.

  • Use membership discounts, if applicable.

  • Be flexible with dates and times.

  • Choose a local location instead of an airport.

  • Avoid add-ons like insurance and GPS.

  • Select an off-season for traveling.

New Orleans Car Rental Tips for Comfortable Travel 

Here are some simple and useful tips to help make the New Orleans car rental experience comfortable and convenient:

  • Inspect the car before driving away and take photos of any existing damage. 

  • Choose the right vehicle based on the number of travelers and the amount of luggage.

  • Read the rental agreement carefully to understand the fuel policy, mileage limits, and additional fees. 

  • Use GPS or navigation apps to find the quickest routes and avoid heavy traffic. 

  • Plan parking in advance, especially near the French Quarter and during festivals. 

  • Returning the vehicle with a full fuel tank and documenting its condition at pickup and drop-off can help avoid unnecessary charges.

  • Check the additional fees for car rental at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.


Car rental in New Orleans offers a variety of vehicle types to suit a range of travel requirements. These options are made to fit various budgets and tastes, ranging from roomy SUVs for families to small cars for lone travelers. In relation to this, passengers can choose cars that properly fit their itineraries as well as comfort standards.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a rental car in New Orleans?

Yes, having a car will allow visitors to freely travel between well-known areas, districts, and spend more time at the top, must-see sights.

Can I hire a sports car in New Orleans?

Yes, passengers can rent sports cars in New Orleans.

What is the price for hiring a luxury car in New Orleans?

Standard luxury car rentals normally cost between USD 80 and USD 150 per day. Further, for high-end luxury cars, one needs to pay up to USD 500 per day.

How much is a car rental in New Orleans for a week?

In general, USD 200 to USD 300 can be levied for renting a car on a weekly basis.

What is the monthly car rental cost in New Orleans?

For a month, a visitor is required to pay the cost of USD 800 to USD 1100 to rent a standard car.

What is the average mileage allowed for renting a car in New Orleans?

Generally, many rental firms come with unlimited mileage. But some local or speciality costs may have daily mileage restrictions.

How to add a driver in a New Orleans car rental agreement?

To add an extra driver, travelers need to provide a driver's license at the time of pickup and get the rental company’s approval. It can be done at an additional daily cost.

Can my rental car be upgraded when I pick it up?

Yes, rental cars can be upgraded at pickup when available at no cost or at some cost.

Can I cancel or modify a car rental reservation in New Orleans?

Indeed, it is possible to change or cancel a car rental reservation. Nevertheless, the costs and regulations differ depending on the provider and its policy.

What happens if I get a ticket for traffic on a rental car in New Orleans?

Tourists are liable for the fine and any additional costs imposed when they receive traffic tickets while driving rental cars.

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