Ready to roll through the Crescent City? Use the search form above, enter your New Orleans pick-up location (MSY Airport, Downtown/French Quarter, etc.), your travel dates, and hit “Search.” In seconds, you’ll see real-time offers from dozens of rental providers in New Orleans. Want a compact car to dart through city traffic? An SUV for a family trip to the Gulf Coast? Or maybe a cool convertible to enjoy those sunny days along Lake Pontchartrain? Simply filter by vehicle type to find your ideal ride. Our booking system is user-friendly, compare prices across brands, choose the best deal, and reserve in under 2 minutes. Most rentals in New Orleans let you reserve now, pay later at pick-up, and offer free cancellation if your plans change (because hey, plans can change in a city that never sleeps!). In just a few clicks, you’ll secure your New Orleans wheels at a bargain rate, so you can spend more on jazz clubs, delicious crawfish boils, and unforgettable experiences.
Welcome to New Orleans, the Big Easy, a city of jazz, Creole cuisine, vibrant history, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Exploring New Orleans and its surroundings is a joy, and having a rental car gives you the freedom to savor all its flavors, from the French Quarter to the bayous beyond. This page is your all-in-one guide to renting a car in New Orleans, complete with insider tips and money-saving deals to help you navigate NOLA like a local. Whether you’re flying into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) for Mardi Gras, planning a family vacation to the Audubon Zoo and City Park, or plotting day trips to plantations and swamp tours, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle quickly, easily, and affordably. Get ready to cruise down St. Charles Avenue under oak canopies, venture out to Cajun country, and experience laissez-faire driving at its finest, with extra cash in your pocket for beignets and po-boys!
New Orleans is a city of neighborhoods and nearby natural beauty, a car lets you uncover both the city’s treasures and the gems beyond. Here’s why having your own car is a great idea in NOLA:
In short, renting a car in New Orleans amplifies your experience, you can see and do way more than if you confine yourself to the French Quarter or tour buses. From downtown to down the bayou, the freedom is unbeatable.
Our New Orleans Car Rental Benefits
When you book your NOLA wheels with AirportVanRental, you’re getting more than just a car, you’re getting local expertise and top-notch service. We offer several perks tailored to New Orleans renters:
Top New Orleans Car Rental Deals
(“From” rates are recent sample base prices. Taxes and fees (around 10–15%) are additional and will appear in your quote, no surprises. “Updated: just now” means we continuously refresh deals, what you see is current. Note: During major events like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or big conventions, car demand is high, so rates can be higher than these samples and vehicles can sell out. It pays to book early for those periods! Conversely, in slower months (say August or September), you might snag even better deals than the ones above.)
Driving in New Orleans: Tips and Local Insights
Driving in New Orleans is part laid-back Southern cruise, part navigating a historic city, with a pinch of unique local quirks. Here’s how to handle the roads of the Big Easy like a pro:
Traffic & Rush Hours: New Orleans isn’t a huge city, but it does have traffic peaks. Weekday rush hour in the metro area runs roughly 7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:30 PM. The main congestion points are the I-10 (especially the stretch known as the “Claiborne flyover” near downtown, and the High Rise bridge heading east), the Crescent City Connection bridge (if you’re coming from the West Bank into downtown in the morning or vice versa in the evening), and along Causeway Blvd if you’re commuting to/from the Northshore. If you can, time your drives around those peaks, for example, maybe enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the French Quarter and drive out after 9 AM. Midday traffic is generally light. Events: When there’s a Saints game in the Superdome or a festival downtown, expect heavy traffic around those venues. During Mardi Gras, certain areas (e.g., St. Charles Ave, Canal Street) are completely closed for parades at specific times, traffic will be rerouted and very slow on alternate streets. NOPD (New Orleans Police Dept.) often manages flow during big events, so follow their directions, even if your GPS suggests otherwise. Patience is key, in gridlock, locals often just crank up the radio (WWOZ 90.7 FM for local tunes!) and roll with it. One more thing: in some older parts of town, traffic lights operate like 4-way stops when it rains really hard (an odd local practice), if you see flashing reds at an intersection, treat it as stop-sign rules.
Navigating the Streets: Downtown New Orleans has an older street layout, which means one-way streets are common and some intersections are a bit odd-angled. Always check for “One Way” signs before turning. Canal Street divides many street names into “North” and “South” (or “East/West”), not usually an issue unless you’re looking for an address; just be aware e.g., North Rampart and South Rampart are different ends. The French Quarter: Streets are narrow and often crowded with pedestrians. It’s legal to drive in the Quarter, but not always practical. Many streets are one-way, and some (like parts of Bourbon Street) are pedestrian-only in evenings or during events. If you’re staying at a hotel in the Quarter, you might use your car mainly to get in and out of the city, not to drive inside the Quarter much. Neutral Grounds: In NOLA, the median is called the “neutral ground.” Fun fact: on some broad streets like Canal St or St. Charles Ave, people park on the neutral ground middle during certain times (like parade days or when flooding threatens, they seek higher ground literally). Don’t do this unless you see locals doing it en masse and it’s permitted; otherwise, it’s illegal. Turns: There’s a local driving quirk, on a multi-lane one-way, sometimes people in the far left or right lanes will turn left/right even if not a designated turn lane when the light changes (especially common on Canal St). It’s a bit chaotic; just stay alert and don’t assume the car next to you is going straight. When in doubt, just go slow and signal, New Orleanians are generally forgiving drivers (must be all that good food and music mellowing us out).
Parking in New Orleans: Parking can be a mixed bag. Metered street parking is available in downtown, the Warehouse District, and around the Quarter, usually a 2-hour limit during the day (rates around $3/hour via pay stations or phone app). Many meters are free after 7 PM and on Sundays, check the signage. The French Quarter’s residential streets mostly require permits (signs say “Residential Parking, 2 hour limit” or similar). If you’re visiting the Quarter, plan to use a parking garage or lot. Several good ones: the Fulton Street Garage (Warehouse District, good for Harrah’s Casino and a short walk to Quarter), Premium Parking lots scattered around downtown (book online for a discount), or the lot at Elysian Fields & Decatur (edge of French Quarter, often reasonable). Expect to pay about $20–$30 for all-day parking near the Quarter. Don’t park on parade routes during Mardi Gras, the city will tow promptly at posted times (and towing fees are steep). The city publishes parade route parking restrictions, heed them. In residential neighborhoods like Bywater or Marigny, watch for any permit signs but generally you can find free street parking a few blocks out and walk. Superdome events: lots and garages around the Dome run $20-$40 event rate. Valet Parking: Many hotels, especially in French Quarter/Downtown, only offer valet (usually $30–$50 per night). It’s pricey, but if you’re not using the car often, sometimes leaving it at the hotel is worth it for peace of mind. If your hotel doesn’t have parking, they’ll direct you to a nearby public garage. Also, never block driveways or park too close to corners, the city will ticket/tow for those offenses too. Finally, as mentioned earlier, never leave valuables visible. Car break-ins can happen in tourist areas if tempting items are in sight. Lock things in the trunk or take them with you. Better safe than sorry.
Weather Hazards:Rain & Flooding: New Orleans is low-lying, and heavy rain can lead to street flooding. If you see water pooling high on a street, do not try to drive through if it’s more than a few inches. It’s common for underpasses or low points to temporarily flood, the city even has gauges on some underpass walls to show water depth. Find another route or wait it out, floods usually subside quickly once rain eases. Some cars parked on streets may move to neutral grounds (higher center) during flash floods, as a visitor, just avoid flood-prone spots. If caught in rain, drive slower, as roads can get slick (oil buildup + water). Hurricane Evacuation: Rare for short-term visitors, but if you’re here during peak hurricane season (Aug–Oct) and a big storm threatens, the city might call for evacuation. Rental cars can be a blessing here, you can drive out early. Follow official advice; we waive some fees usually in such events to accommodate early returns or one-way drop-offs if needed for safety. Heat: Not a hazard to driving per se, but do remember that a closed car in summer gets extremely hot, don’t leave children, pets, or even electronics in a parked car without A/C, even for a few minutes. Also, touch test your steering wheel or seatbelt buckle when you get in, they can be hot! Many locals use windscreen sunshades, a cheap buy that really helps if you park outside.
Bridges & Ferries: New Orleans metro has a few major bridges. The Crescent City Connection (bridge over the Mississippi downtown) is free to use, just mind the traffic merges. The Causeway (to Northshore) has toll ($5 one way, north to south, or $6 cash as updated) as mentioned. If you venture to the West Bank (Algiers, etc.), there’s a free bridge (CCC) or you might consider the Canal Street Ferry for fun, though that’s passenger-only now, no cars on board. If you go further afield, there’s a car ferry at Belle Chasse if you’re exploring Plaquemines Parish. Always check hours, some smaller ferries don’t run late night. But most travelers stick to the main bridges.
Drive-Thru Daiquiris, Are they real? Yes, you’ll see drive-thru daiquiri shops in the New Orleans area. And yes, you can legally buy a frozen drink from your car. The catch: it’s technically an “open container” violation if the straw is in it while you drive. So the shops will hand you the cup with the straw separate (or paper wrapped). As long as you don’t pop that straw in while driving, it’s legally not an open container. We’re mentioning this because it’s such a unique local thing. If you indulge, please do so responsibly, maybe save it for when you get back to your hotel or have a passenger enjoy it. Drinking and driving is strictly illegal and dangerous, even if quirky loopholes exist. When in doubt, treat it like any alcohol purchase: wait until you’re not behind the wheel to enjoy.
Driving in New Orleans is truly part of the adventure. With these tips, you’ll handle it with ease. Take it slow in the crowded zones, enjoy the scenery in the scenic zones, and you’ll do fine. And if you miss a turn (happens a lot with those one-ways), don’t sweat it, adjust course and carry on. As locals say, “Ain’t no big deal, cher.” Enjoy the ride!
Road Trip Ideas from New Orleans
New Orleans is a fantastic hub for road trips, you can experience a wide array of Southern landscapes and cultures just by steering a few hours in different directions. Here are three awesome road trip ideas starting from the Big Easy:
Plantation Country Drive (New Orleans to Baton Rouge via River Road):Distance: ~100 miles one-way (depending on stops); can be a day trip or leisurely 2-day tour.
Gulf Coast Getaway (New Orleans to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach):Distance: ~200 miles to Gulf Shores, AL; best as a 2–3 day beach road trip.
Blues & BBQ Road Trip (New Orleans to Memphis via the Mississippi Delta):Distance: ~400 miles to Memphis (one-way); best done in 3+ days to savor the journey.*
From historic plantations to sunny beaches and bluesy backroads, New Orleans is the start of countless adventures. These road trips are just a taste, there’s also Cajun Country to explore (west toward Lafayette), or a ride along the Natchez Trace, and more. Wherever you choose to drive, having a rental car from New Orleans means the journey is yours to create. Need more ideas? Ask us or check our blog for itineraries. Happy travels, and laissez les routes bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll on the roads!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Prices fluctuate with season and demand, but generally you might find economy car rentals starting around $30–$40 per day in off-peak times. During busy periods (say, Mardi Gras in Feb/Mar or major conventions), that same economy car might be $50+ a day due to demand. Mid-size and standard cars often average around $50–$70/day under normal demand. Larger vehicles like SUVs and minivans could range from $70 to $100+ daily depending on size and season. It’s not uncommon to see specials, e.g., we’ve seen rates as low as ~$25/day at MSY Airport for a basic compact during a slow week. The key is to search for your specific dates, our system will show you the current deals (which might include limited-time promotions). Also, renting for a week often lowers the effective daily rate compared to a one- or two-day rental. Keep in mind, the price usually doesn’t include taxes/fees until you get to checkout, in New Orleans those add roughly 10–15%. The great thing about booking with us: we combine all the results from different companies, so you can easily spot that steal of a deal if one company is undercutting others. In summary, expect roughly $40–$70 a day for most typical rentals as a ballpark, and check our site for the real-time bargain, you might luck out with something cheaper, especially if your dates are flexible.
The answer depends on what you plan to do. If you’re visiting New Orleans and plan to stay mostly in the French Quarter/Downtown area, you might find you don’t use a car much within the Quarter, the area is compact, very walkable, and public transportation (historic streetcars, buses) plus rideshares can cover short distances. In fact, some parts of the Quarter are easier navigated on foot due to traffic and one-way streets. However, the moment your plans extend beyond the immediate city (and they should, if you have time, there’s so much around!), a car becomes extremely valuable. For example, popular tourist activities like visiting plantations (Oak Alley, etc.), doing a swamp tour in Jean Lafitte park, going to Cajun country (Lafayette) for a day, or even just accessing some off-the-beaten-path restaurants in New Orleans East or the West Bank, all those virtually require a car or very expensive private transport. Also consider your itinerary: If you’re in town for several days, you might not need a car the whole time. Some travelers will not rent for the 2 days they’re just soaking up the Quarter, but will rent for the next 2 days to venture out. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is plentiful in the tourist areas and fine for point A to B within the city (and great if you plan a night of enjoying the city’s famous cocktails, don’t drink and drive!). But if you tally multiple rides, costs add up and you’re still limited to their service range. Public transit in New Orleans: the streetcars are historic and fun but slow and limited in route (basically St. Charles line to Uptown, Canal Street line to Mid-City, Riverfront line). Buses exist but can be infrequent and not always super tourist-friendly for all destinations. So here’s our take: For most visitors, renting a car at least for part of the trip is worth it. It gives you freedom to explore beyond the well-trodden paths. For instance, you can drive to Frenchmen Street for music without worrying how to get back late, or spend a whole day doing a loop: city in the morning, swamp in afternoon, dinner at an outlying neighborhood eatery at night, impossible without a car. Parking can cost a bit (see our parking FAQ), but outside the downtown it’s mostly free or cheap. If you’re absolutely certain you’ll stay in the core (say, you’re at a convention by day and only in the Quarter by night), you can skip the car and use Uber/streetcar. But we find many visitors regret not having wheels when they hear about that cool distillery in Lacombe or those outlet shops or even a simple trip to a supermarket (there aren’t many in the tourist zones). In summary: Renting a car gives you the full New Orleans experience, city and surroundings, on your schedule. Many do a hybrid approach: e.g., arrive, enjoy city 48 hrs sans car, then pick up a rental (from a downtown location, which we offer) to venture further. Do what fits your plan, but if you’re on the fence, we lean towards saying yes, get the car, at least for the flexibility it provides. It’s a relatively affordable add-on that can hugely enrich your visit to the Big Easy.
New Orleans itself has no toll roads in the city proper. You can traverse the metro area highways without paying any tolls. The only toll facilities in the region are a couple of bridges and an expressway outside the immediate city: • The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, a 24-mile bridge going north from suburban Metairie (New Orleans area) to Mandeville on the North Shore. A toll is collected only when coming southbound towards New Orleans (so you pay to come into the city area). As of now it’s $6 for cash, or $5 with a toll tag. If you do a day trip to, say, Covington or Abita Springs on the Northshore, you’ll pay the toll on your return. • The LA 1 Bridge to Grand Isle/Port Fourchon, this is down in Bayou country (south of New Orleans by a couple hours). If you’re doing a road trip that way, it’s an electronic toll (around $2.75). Unlikely most NOLA visitors will hit it unless they’re specifically heading to Grand Isle or doing the ferry to avoid New Orleans on a longer trip. • Mississippi River bridges: The main bridge downtown (Crescent City Connection) used to have a small toll years ago, but it’s now free. Other Mississippi River bridges in Louisiana (Baton Rouge, etc.) are also free. No tolls on the interstate 10 or 610 through town. • One more minor: Belle Chasse Tunnel/Bridge on LA 23 in Plaquemines Parish (south of city) has a $1 toll for southbound during certain hours (for the tunnel); it’s not a common tourist route, unless you go to visit Fort Jackson or similar. If you happen to drive east or west out of state: Mississippi has no tolls at all. Alabama has a couple (like a $2.50 at the Mobile Bayway on I-10, but you can avoid it by taking a different tunnel route). Florida starts having tolls on I-10 near Pensacola Beach and definitely on other highways further in. But within the typical New Orleans driving radius, tolls are minimal. So for most, tolls won’t impact your trip. If you do cross the Causeway or the LA-1 bridge, the rental car might have a toll tag (e.g., some Hertz cars have PlatePass). If you use it, they’ll bill you later with a small fee. If you pay cash or card at the toll booth (Causeway does accept cards at staffed lanes, and LA-1 has a system where you can pay online if you miss it), then no issue. Also, you can ask the rental company if they offer a toll package, often not needed here due to few tolls, but if you’re continuing to Texas/Florida, maybe. In short: No toll roads in NOLA to worry about, and just a bridge toll or two if you venture out. We’ll provide info in your rental packet if there’s a toll policy specific to your car. Enjoy the drive, toll-free!
Parking in New Orleans ranges from relatively easy (in many neighborhoods) to a bit challenging (in the tourist-heavy areas), but it’s manageable with some insider know-how. Here’s a breakdown by key areas: • French Quarter: Street parking is very limited. Much of it is permit-only for residents, or 2-hour metered for the few spots that exist. Unless you luck out early in the morning, assume you’ll use a parking lot or garage. Some convenient ones: the Premium Parking Lot P346 at 211 Conti (by Jackson Brewery), Jax Parking Lot near Jackson Square, or the Canal Place Garage (entry on Iberville; a short walk to the Quarter). Rates run $10–$20 for a few hours, up to $25–$40 for all day or overnight. If you’re just quickly visiting, the Riverfront lot by Woldenberg Park is convenient. And if you go for beignets at off-peak times, the French Market has some first-come spots that might be open. Tip: many lots can be paid via phone apps (Premium Parking app, etc.), which sometimes offer a small discount or at least let you extend time without returning to the car. • Downtown/CBD (Central Business District) & Warehouse District: Lots of garages and surface lots serving hotels and offices. Prices about $3 per hour or $15–$20 day. Evenings often have flat rates like $10 after 5pm. Street parking downtown is metered and mostly 2-hour limit weekdays until 6pm (free overnight). The Hilton Riverside garage and Port of New Orleans lots are options if going to Convention Center or Riverwalk. The Warehouse District (near galleries and restaurants) has some self-pay lots scattered around; usually you’ll find a space. • Garden District/Uptown: If you’re visiting places like Magazine Street shopping, Lafayette Cemetery, or touring the Garden District homes, street parking is generally free and easier. Just heed any “No Parking” signs (certain sides of street on certain days for street cleaning, etc.). Around popular restaurants on Magazine, you might park a block or two away on a residential street (watch out for any resident-only signs, though those are rare Uptown). St. Charles Avenue has some off-street spots by Lafayette Cemetery and such. • City Park/Mid-City: City Park (for the art museum, beignets at Morning Call, etc.) has ample free parking lots within the park. Mid-City restaurants (along Carrollton, Canal) have street parking free, just don’t block driveways. For Jazz Fest (at Fair Grounds), that’s a special beast, during that event, locals sell yard parking and it gets very tight. But that’s once a year. • Airports: MSY Airport has its own parking if you need (not relevant to rental drop-off since you’ll return to rental center). But FYI, if you do keep your rental to drop off downtown and then need to park at airport to pick someone, MSY garages are $2 for first hour, etc. • Attractions: Audubon Zoo, free parking lot. Lakeside Shopping Center (Metairie), free parking lot. Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, paid lots attached or metered street nearby. Superdome, on non-event days, surrounding garages are often open to public, on event days, arrive early and expect $20-$30 fee. • Safety: We mentioned before, do not leave valuables in view. In busy tourist areas (Quarter, etc.), there have been incidents of car break-ins, as in any city. If using a garage, take your ticket with you (some garages require it to re-enter). • Residential Areas: If you Airbnb in the Marigny/Bywater, much of that street parking is free and unmetered. Just pay attention to any curb paint (yellow = don’t park) and hydrants (stay 15ft away). Marigny has some nights/weekends when outsiders flood the area (e.g., Frenchmen Street live music nights), so spots might fill in late evening but usually open up by late night/early morning. The bottom line: plan ahead in the tourist core, identify a lot before you go, or consider ditching the car at the hotel and walking/ride-sharing for super short hops within downtown. But for venturing to neighborhoods, you’ll find parking reasonably okay. New Orleans is not like NYC or SF where parking is a nightmare and ultra expensive, but it’s also not a suburban strip mall where you can park anywhere. It’s somewhere in between. With a bit of patience and a few dollars for a lot, you’ll be just fine. And maybe budget that into your trip (e.g., $20/day for parking) when deciding on the rental, often still cheaper than multiple Uber rides. If you’re ever unsure, there’s an app called ParkMobile and another called Premium Parking which show locations and let you pay via phone, which is handy. Drive on in and enjoy, we say, better to have a car and place to park it than to miss out on parts of the city!