New Orleans Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around New Orleans

Renting a car in New Orleans offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Bourbon Street, known for its lively city experiences, and the National World War II Museum, which provides rich cultural insights. Jackson Square is also just a short drive away, perfect for enjoying outdoor family activities. Having a car allows you to conveniently manage your luggage, making it easier to enjoy longer outings or day trips. You can venture into the French Quarter, a bustling neighbourhood featuring Bourbon Street and Jackson Square, or explore nearby cities like Metairie and Kenner. In Metairie, you can visit Lafreniere Park or the Pondicherry Wildlife Reserve, offering outdoor experiences. Meanwhile, Kenner features attractions like Chateau Golf and Country Club and Veterans Park. Whether you're travelling with family or seeking outdoor adventures, a rental car enhances your experience in and around New Orleans, allowing you to create your own itinerary and explore freely.

Most popular car rentals in New Orleans

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV offers a spacious interior, allowing passengers to travel comfortably while providing ample luggage space for your adventures around New Orleans.
• Fullsize: Perfect for larger families or groups, the Fullsize car accommodates 5 travellers and offers the flexibility to carry up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for those who require extra space for both passengers and their belongings, ensuring a comfortable ride as you explore the vibrant sights of New Orleans.
• Compact: The Compact car is a great choice for solo travellers, couples, or smaller families, comfortably seating 5 travellers with room for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is particularly beneficial for navigating the bustling streets of New Orleans and finding parking in more crowded areas, all while being mindful of fuel costs.

Top rated car suppliers in New Orleans

• Budget: Budget is a popular choice among travellers in New Orleans, with over 5 rental locations conveniently situated throughout the area. Known for its extensive fleet, the most booked vehicles are Midsize and Fullsize cars, making it an excellent option for those seeking comfort and space. Many customers appreciate the flexibility Budget offers, allowing for easy management of luggage and itineraries.
• Hertz: With 5 rental locations in New Orleans, Hertz is another top supplier that caters to the needs of various travellers. Most commonly booked are Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, which provide a perfect balance of space and efficiency for exploring the city and surrounding areas. Customers often highlight the quality of service and the reliability of their vehicles, making Hertz a trustworthy option for your car rental needs.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental boasts 2 locations in the New Orleans area, making it accessible for tourists. It is well-regarded for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, ideal for navigating city streets and enjoying the local scenery. Travellers appreciate Thrifty for its competitive pricing and quality service, ensuring a pleasant rental experience while exploring the vibrant surroundings of New Orleans.

Where to stay in New Orleans

• French Quarter: This vibrant neighbourhood is the heart of New Orleans, offering a family-friendly, outdoor, and city-themed experience. It is renowned for its lively atmosphere, with attractions like Bourbon Street and Canal Street nearby, both suitable for a city holiday. You can explore Jackson Square, an urban park perfect for family and outdoor activities. The local dining scene features a variety of restaurants, pubs, and breweries, ensuring you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
• New Orleans Central Business District: A bustling area ideal for families and city enthusiasts, the Central Business District boasts numerous shopping options and cultural venues. Notable attractions include Canal Street and the historic Bourbon Street. You can also visit the National World War II Museum, which offers an engaging cultural experience. With a diverse array of restaurants and wineries in the vicinity, this neighbourhood is a great place to unwind after a day of exploration.
• Mid-City District: Known for its family-friendly and outdoor atmosphere, the Mid-City District is a charming neighbourhood offering a variety of attractions. Frenchmen Street and Royal Street are both popular for their vibrant city holiday appeal. Jackson Square, located close by, provides a lovely park setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. The area features numerous restaurants and wineries, making it a delightful choice for food lovers looking to experience local flavours.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around New Orleans

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to help identify the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced combination of affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements may require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most convenient option. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind should unforeseen events occur during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is required to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around New Orleans

The best value period to rent a car in and around New Orleans is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. February and May also offer decent options, with average prices and moderate demand. However, the busiest and most expensive time is October, which tends to see higher prices and steady demand. March is another peak month, as it brings high demand and average pricing, making it less ideal for budget-conscious renters.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
March	64.6°F (18.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	69.8°F (21.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
May	76.6°F (24.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	82.6°F (28.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	83.5°F (28.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
August	83.8°F (28.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
September	80.6°F (27.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average