Why rent a car in Lafayette
It’s easy to find the perfect rental car for Lafayette using our system. Just enter Lafayette as your pickup (or Lafayette Regional Airport if you’re flying in), select your dates and desired times, and we’ll do the rest. You’ll see all available cars from our network of Lafayette providers, with up-to-date prices. Use filters to narrow by car size (need a minivan or a pickup truck? No problem!). Once you choose a car, reserve it online in a few clicks, no pre-payment required for most reservations. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details. Pick up your keys at the designated counter (bring your license and card), and you’re ready to explore Lafayette and beyond.
Located in the heart of Cajun Country, Lafayette offers rich culture, delicious cuisine, and lively music, and a rental car is the best way to experience it all and the surrounding areas. AirportVanRental makes finding a Lafayette car rental simple and budget-friendly. We partner with leading rental companies in Lafayette (including at Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) and downtown locations) to bring you a wide range of vehicles at cheap rates. Whether you’re in town for business or to explore nearby bayous and historic sites, we have the right car for you: from compact cars for easy city parking to roomy SUVs or vans for family road trips. Enjoy unlimited mileage on standard rentals, free cancellation on most bookings, and no surprise fees, so you can drive through Louisiana’s scenic byways with confidence. Let’s hit the road in Lafayette!
Why Rent with AirportVanRental in Lafayette?
All-in-One Price Comparison: We bring you rates from multiple rental brands in Lafayette, international companies plus regional and local rental agencies. In seconds, you can compare prices and inclusions (mileage, insurance options, etc.) to be sure you’re getting the best deal. No need to visit multiple websites, we’ve got all the options here.
Competitive Local Deals: Because of our partnerships, we often have exclusive discounts in Lafayette, think weekend specials or free upgrade offers. Our displayed prices have no hidden fees. You’ll see the base rate, taxes, and airport surcharges (if any) clearly listed. What you see is what you pay at the counter.
Airport & City Convenience: Choose to pick up your car right at Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) for maximum convenience, ideal if you’re flying in. Or, if you’re already in town, save a few dollars by picking up at an off-airport Lafayette location. We list downtown and neighborhood rental offices, which sometimes have lower rates and are handy if you only need a car for part of your stay.
Unlimited Mileage & One-Way Trips: Standard rentals include unlimited miles, so feel free to drive anywhere, New Orleans, Houston, the Gulf Coast, without tallying distance. Planning a one-way journey? Some of our Lafayette offers allow you to drop off in another city (for example, New Orleans or even a different state). We’ll clearly indicate if one-way is available (and any fee) when you book.
Top Lafayette Car Rental Deals
Economy Car, from $29/day (e.g. Mitsubishi Mirage or similar). A small, fuel-efficient ride that’s perfect for solo travelers or couples staying around town. Easy to park downtown or at popular spots like Cajun Field.
Midsize SUV, from $45/day (e.g. Nissan Rogue or similar). Comfortable for families or small groups, with luggage space and good mileage. Great for cruising to Baton Rouge or taking scenic byways through Acadiana’s swamps and prairies.
Minivan (7-passenger), from $50/day (e.g. Dodge Grand Caravan or similar). Ideal for larger families or groups attending festivals (like Festival International). Plenty of room for everyone and their gear, and you’ll still have that Cajun two-step music on the stereo!
Prices shown are examples for the current week, actual rates may vary by dates and demand. Book early, especially for festival weekends and LSU game days, to snag the best price!
Driving Tips for Lafayette, LA
City Driving & Traffic: Lafayette is relatively easy to navigate by car. Traffic is moderate; you might see some congestion on Johnston Street or Ambassador Caffery Parkway during rush hour (around 8am and 5pm), and around the University of Louisiana–Lafayette when classes start or end. Overall, driving is low-stress compared to big cities. Use Evangeline Thruway (US 90) to traverse north-south through town efficiently.
Parking: Good news, parking in Lafayette is typically free or inexpensive. Downtown Lafayette offers free street parking after certain hours and on weekends, and even during weekdays metered spots are cheap (and many have a 2-hour free limit). There are also public parking lots and garages downtown that cost only a few dollars if you’re staying longer. At attractions like Acadian Village or Vermilionville Historic Village, parking is free on-site. During major events (Mardi Gras parades or festival downtown), some streets close and parking fills up, arrive early or be ready to walk a few blocks.
Fuel & Gas: Louisiana generally has lower gas prices than the national average (thanks to nearby refineries), so filling up your rental car won’t break the bank. You’ll find plenty of gas stations in Lafayette and along interstates. If you’re taking a road trip towards more rural areas (the Atchafalaya Basin, for instance), fill up before you go, small towns can be 20-30 miles apart.
Road Conditions & Tolls: Roads in and around Lafayette are mostly flat and in good condition. Watch out for occasional heavy rain, Louisiana downpours can be intense, causing minor street flooding. Always avoid driving through standing water. There are no toll roads around Lafayette. The nearest toll is on LA 1 to Grand Isle and the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway far to the east, unlikely on your itinerary unless you head to New Orleans’ Northshore.
Watch for Wildlife & Local Hazards: If you drive outside the city at night, be alert for wildlife. Rural roads may have deer crossing or even wandering livestock in Cajun prairie country. Also, note that in Louisiana, it’s common to drive on elevated highways over swamps (like the Atchafalaya Basin bridge on I-10). Keep a safe distance from other cars and try not to break down on these stretches, next exit could be many miles away. It’s smart to carry a roadside emergency number (all rentals come with a roadside assistance option).
Road Trip Ideas from Lafayette
Lafayette to New Orleans (135 miles east, ~2 hours):Route: Take I-10 East straight into the heart of New Orleans. It’s a smooth interstate drive crossing the swamps (don’t miss the 18-mile Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, one of the longest in the US). Highlights: In New Orleans, explore the French Quarter, savor beignets at Café du Monde, and stroll along Bourbon Street. This makes a perfect overnight or weekend road trip from Lafayette. Tip: Leave Lafayette early to maximize your day in NOLA. Parking in the French Quarter can be pricey, look for full-day lots on the edges of downtown for a better rate. Also, try the scenic alternative route US-90 for a change of scenery on either the outbound or return, it takes a bit longer but passes through small towns and bayous.
Atchafalaya Swamp & Cajun Villages (Scenic Loop, ~100 miles):Route: Head east on I-10 about 35 miles to Breaux Bridge, the “Crawfish Capital of the World.” After a stop for some crawfish étouffée, continue to the Atchafalaya Welcome Center (at I-10 exit 121) for an overlook of the basin. Then, double back and take LA-31 down along Bayou Teche through charming towns like St. Martinville (see the historic Evangeline Oak) and New Iberia (home of Tabasco, detour to Avery Island for the Tabasco Factory tour). Loop north via LA-182 through Jeanerette and back to Lafayette. Highlights: Authentic Cajun and Creole culture, beautiful bayou scenery under hanging moss, and delicious local eats everywhere. Tip: This is a relaxed all-day drive. Start with breakfast in Breaux Bridge, do lunch in New Iberia or Avery Island, and you’ll return by dinner. Keep your camera handy for possible gator sightings along Bayou Teche!
Lafayette to Baton Rouge Plantation Country (60–80 miles):Route: Drive east on I-10 to Baton Rouge (about 55 miles). Tour Louisiana’s capital, perhaps the Old State Capitol or LSU’s campus, then continue on a historical route. Head south on River Road (LA-depicted as Great River Road) along the Mississippi River towards Plantation Country. Within 30 miles you can visit famous antebellum plantation homes like Nottoway Plantation (in White Castle, one of the largest) or Oak Alley Plantation (a bit further, known for its tunnel of oak trees). Highlights: A mix of city and country, the energy of Baton Rouge and the serene, somber beauty of plantation estates that tell stories of Louisiana’s past. Tip: Baton Rouge traffic can be heavy during rush hour, plan to hit the city midday to avoid jams on the I-10 Mississippi River Bridge. Many plantations require tours at set times; check schedules and maybe purchase tickets online in advance to ensure you get in.
Popular Lafayette destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Lafayette Regional Airport hosts several rental car companies (like Enterprise, Hertz, National, etc.) right at the terminal or via a short shuttle. After you land and grab your bags, follow signs to the rental car center. If you booked in advance, you’ll just need your ID, credit card, and reservation info to pick up the car. Renting at LFT is super convenient, you’ll be on your way to downtown or your hotel within minutes of arriving. We advise reserving ahead during peak travel times (like festival weekends or college events) to ensure a car is available.
No, there are no toll roads in the Lafayette area. The major highways you’ll use, I-10, I-49, US 90, are all toll-free. In fact, Louisiana has very few toll roads at all. The only tolls you might encounter would be if you drive far out of the area (for example, east of New Orleans on the Causeway, or certain bridges in Lake Charles have had tolls historically but not currently on I-10). For typical Lafayette and Acadiana travels, tolls aren’t something you need to worry about.
Yes. Parking in Lafayette is generally plentiful and often free. Most hotels, shopping centers, and attractions offer free parking lots. In downtown Lafayette, you’ll find street parking (which is usually free after hours and on weekends, and modestly metered during weekdays) and a couple of public parking garages that charge low hourly or daily rates. During large events (like Festival International de Louisiane or big Mardi Gras parades), downtown parking can fill up, during those times some private lots open up for a fee. But on a normal day, you can usually park within a block or two of your destination without hassle.