Start your New Orleans adventure by finding the perfect car: use the search above to compare deals from rental companies at MSY Airport. Enter your travel dates and choose New Orleans Intl (MSY), you’ll instantly see options ranging from compact cars (great for maneuvering city streets) to full-size sedans (for comfort on longer drives), SUVs and minivans (for families or groups), and maybe even the occasional luxury model if you’re feeling indulgent. Filter by price, car type, or rental provider to narrow it down. Our booking process is straightforward and doesn’t lock you in, reserve now, pay at pick-up for most rentals, and enjoy free cancellation up to 48 hours before if needed. We aggregate the best prices across all MSY providers, so you’re sure to snag a bargain. Once you book, all that’s left is to pick up the keys and hit the road in N’awlins!
Welcome to New Orleans, Louisiana, The Big Easy! If you’re touching down at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and want to truly experience southern Louisiana, a rental car is the way to go. New Orleans’ rich history, jazz-filled streets, and mouthwatering cuisine await, but don’t forget the surrounding gems, Cajun country swamps, plantation homes along the Mississippi, or the Gulf Coast beaches. Having your own car gives you the freedom to venture beyond the French Quarter whenever you like. This guide will help you navigate renting a car at MSY, including how to pick up your vehicle and local tips to make the most of your drive. With AirportVanRental, you can count on competitive rates, flexible booking (free cancellations), and no surprise fees, laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll) with confidence!
New Orleans Airport Car Rental Quick Info:
Tips for Renting at Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY)
Frequently Asked Questions
The rental cars at MSY are all located at the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, which is separate from the main terminal. After you land, you’ll need to take a shuttle from the terminal to the Rental Car Center. The shuttle picks up from the lower level outside baggage claim; look for signs that say “Rental Car Shuttle.” It’s an airport-operated bus (large and frequently running). The ride is only a few minutes, and it will drop you off directly at the multi-story rental car facility where all the companies have their counters and cars. This facility opened along with the new terminal, so it’s modern and efficient. In summary: unlike some airports where rental cars are within walking distance, at MSY you will take a quick shuttle, but it’s well-organized and easy to find.
All the major brands are represented. At New Orleans Airport’s rental center you’ll find Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, and usually a couple of others like Payless or Ace depending on current operations. In total, as of now, about 10 companies have desks at MSY. These are the usual suspects for U.S. car rentals, so you can use your preferred company or simply shop for the best price among them. They all share the shuttle and facility but of course have separate fleets and service counters. On our booking platform, we list all available suppliers so you can compare rates side by side.
It’s pretty straightforward. The airport is in Kenner, about 15 miles west of downtown New Orleans. The main route is to take I-10 East from the airport area toward New Orleans. Depending on traffic, the drive usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Exits for downtown/French Quarter include Superdome area exits or Orleans Avenue/Vieux Carre which takes you into the French Quarter. One thing to know: as you approach downtown on I-10 East, the interstate splits, one part goes to the “Business District” (US-90 Business, toward the Mississippi River bridge) and one stays I-10 toward Slidell. If you’re heading to downtown or French Quarter, either can work but generally staying on I-10 and taking the Vieux Carre exit or Superdome exit is simplest for French Quarter/CBD hotels. Traffic-wise, if you arrive during rush hour, I-10 can slow down especially around the Metairie area and again approaching downtown. If it’s really bad, an alternate is taking Airline Drive (US 61) from the airport, which runs parallel to I-10 into the city, not as fast when interstate is clear, but sometimes more steady if interstate is jammed. At off-peak times, it’s an easy drive. Also note: New Orleans drivers sometimes take curves on the elevated portions of I-10 a bit fast, just drive comfortably and let the speed demons pass. And yes, you might see the Superdome suddenly appear on your left as you near downtown, that’s when you know you’ve arrived in the Big Easy!
Good news, New Orleans proper has no toll highways. The main place you’ll encounter tolls is on the Causeway bridge over Lake Pontchartrain (which you’d only take if you’re driving north to the Northshore area like Mandeville/Covington). The Causeway toll is only collected one-way (southbound toward New Orleans) and is about $5 (less if you have a toll tag). Another toll: the bridges on US 11 or I-10 Twin Span east toward Slidell are free now (tolls were removed years ago). If you venture towards Baton Rouge or Mississippi, no tolls that way either. So, most casual visitors won’t hit any tolls unless they intentionally take the Causeway or perhaps the LA 1 bridge to Grand Isle (far out of town, unlikely). Therefore, many rental cars won’t even need a toll transponder in New Orleans. Florida this is not, here you mostly cruise toll-free. One exception: if you drive east towards Gulfport/Biloxi on I-10 and then take the Hwy 90 bridge to coastal casinos, no tolls; going west to Texas, the Lake Charles area has a small toll on I-10. But locally around NOLA: no toll roads in the city. This means you don’t really need to worry about a toll program for your rental car unless you plan a special trip that involves one. If you do end up on the Causeway or others, you can pay cash or card (Causeway accepts cash at toll plaza). So, tolls are probably the least of your worries, enjoy the drive!