Manage BookingTravel Tips

Lafayette Regional Airport Car Rentals | AirportVanRental

08/03/2025 – 08/06/2025

Why rent a car at Lafayette Regional Airport

Ready to find the perfect car for your Lafayette stay? Use the search tool above to compare deals from multiple rental companies at LFT in real time. Simply enter “Lafayette Regional Airport” as your pick-up, choose your dates, and we’ll show you available cars ranging from compact runabouts to roomy SUVs and vans. You can narrow results by vehicle type, price, or rental company to get exactly what you need. Booking is quick and flexible, most reservations don’t require pre-payment (pay at pick-up), and you can cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before pickup if your plans change. Our system highlights the cheapest rates across all the brands at LFT, so you’ll save both time and money. Go ahead and secure your Lafayette ride now, then arrive knowing your car will be ready and waiting.

Welcome to Lafayette, Louisiana, the heart of Cajun Country! Picking up a rental car at Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) is the ideal way to start exploring this vibrant region. With your own set of wheels, you can easily visit local attractions like Vermilionville, Avery Island (home of Tabasco), or take a scenic drive through the bayous and small towns that surround Lafayette. This guide will help you secure the best Lafayette airport car rental deal, with tips on a hassle-free pick-up and insider info to maximize your trip. By booking with AirportVanRental, you’ll get great rates, free cancellation if plans change, and no hidden fees, so you can hit the road around Lafayette with peace of mind and a little extra lagniappe (that’s “something extra” in Cajun French)!

Lafayette (LFT) Car Rental Quick Info:

  • Vehicle Options: Economy cars (great for solo travelers or couples), standard sedans, full-size cars, SUVs for extra space, and minivans/passenger vans if you have a group. Luxury models are available in limited numbers if you want to ride in style.
  • Starting Price: Approx. $35/day for an economy or compact car (rates vary by season, book early to lock in low prices).
  • On-Airport Rental Companies:Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, and Enterprise all serve Lafayette Regional Airport, so you have a choice of trusted national brands. Rental counters are conveniently located in or near the terminal, and cars are typically parked within a short walk or quick shuttle ride from baggage claim.

Tips for Renting at Lafayette Regional Airport

  • Airport Rental Counters: LFT is a smaller regional airport, which is great news for renters, it means a quick and easy process. The rental car counters are located in the arrivals area of the terminal (or just outside). After you land and grab your luggage, you’ll see signs directing you to “Car Rental.” Because Lafayette’s terminal is compact, it’s only a few minutes from the gate to the rental desk.
  • Picking Up Your Car: Once you’ve checked in at the counter, the staff will direct you to your vehicle. Cars are on-site at LFT, usually in a dedicated parking lot adjacent to the terminal. You might walk out directly to the lot, or a short shuttle (or even a golf-cart style ride) could take you there if it’s a bit further due to current airport renovations. Either way, you won’t have to go far. This means minimal waiting, you can typically go from plane to car in 15 minutes or less at Lafayette.
  • Plan for Operating Hours: Unlike big airports, Lafayette Regional’s rental counters may not be 24/7. Commonly, they align with flight schedules (early morning through late evening). If you’re arriving on the last flight of the night, rest assured the rental agents usually stay until all reserved customers are served. However, if you have a very late arrival or unexpected delay, it’s wise to call ahead and inform the rental office. They can often make arrangements (or at least advise you) if you’re coming in after hours.
  • Returning Your Car: The return process at LFT is straightforward. Follow signs for “Rental Car Return” as you approach the airport, typically you’ll be directed back into the same parking lot where you picked up. Because the airport is small, you can usually drop the car and walk a short distance to the terminal for your flight. Allow a few extra minutes if you need to fuel up (see next tip) or if it’s around peak travel times (early morning departures). But generally, dropping off at Lafayette Regional is quick and stress-free.
  • Fuel Policy & Nearby Gas: Most rentals at LFT will be full-to-full, meaning you need to return with a full tank. There are several gas stations within a couple of miles of the airport. For example, there’s a convenient station on Surrey Street and another on Johnston Street not far from the airport. Prices in Lafayette are generally reasonable, but it’s still smart to fill up off-airport to avoid any surcharge. Save your fuel receipt in case there’s any question about the refill.
  • Driving in Lafayette & Beyond: Lafayette is easy to navigate by car. Traffic in the city is usually light to moderate, with some congestion around Johnston St. and Ambassador Caffery during rush hours (around 8 AM and 5 PM). If you’re heading to Baton Rouge or New Orleans, the major highways (I-10 and I-49) are the way to go, just be aware that I-10 can get busy on LSU football weekends or holidays. Keep an eye out for local speed limits, especially on rural roads outside the city. And if you’re exploring the countryside, watch for wildlife (and the occasional alligator crossing signs!) on some backroads.
  • One-Way Rentals: Considering a one-way road trip? Some renters pick up in Lafayette and drop off in New Orleans or elsewhere in Louisiana. Many of the LFT airport rental companies do allow one-way rentals, often with no drop fee within Louisiana (or a nominal fee). If you plan to do this, specify your drop-off location when booking. It’s a great option if, for example, you’re flying into Lafayette but out of a different airport. Always confirm any one-way fee in your quote so you know the total cost upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lafayette Regional Airport hosts several major rental car companies right on-site. The primary ones include Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, and Enterprise. These are well-known national brands with counters at LFT. Because it’s a smaller airport, some companies may share staff or counters (for example, Alamo and National often operate together). All of them are reputable, and when you book through AirportVanRental, you’ll be able to compare prices from these providers easily. In short, you’ll have a solid selection of companies, and whichever you choose, your car will be conveniently located at or very near the terminal.

Not far at all, one of the perks of a regional airport! At LFT, the rental car pick-up lot is within a short walk of the terminal. After you finish paperwork at the counter, you typically exit the baggage claim area and walk just a couple of minutes to reach the rental car parking area. In some cases, an attendant might direct you or even shuttle you in a cart if it’s on the far end of the lot, but there’s no lengthy bus ride or off-site garage to worry about. Expect a quick and easy transition from plane to car.

While you can often get a car on-the-spot at Lafayette Regional (especially on normal weekdays), it’s highly recommended to book in advance. Here’s why: LFT is a smaller airport, so the rental fleets are smaller too. Popular car types (like SUVs during football season or pickups during certain events) can sell out. Booking ahead secures your vehicle type and a better rate. Walk-up rates at the counter may be higher than what you can get by reserving online beforehand. Plus, when you book through our site, you benefit from comparing all companies’ prices at once, something you can’t do effectively when you’re standing at one counter. Given that we offer free cancellation on most bookings, there’s little downside to reserving early. You’ll step off the plane knowing your car is guaranteed and waiting for you.

United States Car RentalCar TypesHelp CenterPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
Airport Van Rental powered by Travantas