Why rent a car in Lafayette?
Situated along the banks of the Vermillion river in southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette is a thriving city, widely considered to be the centre of Acadiana – the area of Cajun and Creole culture in Louisiana. As a result of a diverse heritage drawn from as far as Canada and France, Lafayette has plenty of rich cultural experiences to offer, including performances at the Lafayette Ballet Theatre and the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and Conservatory of Music. Positioned between the bustling cities of New Orleans and Houston, Lafayette is in the prime position for an enjoyable city break in the heart of Louisiana.
Once you have the keys to your hire car, exciting destinations beyond Lafayette are also within easy reach, such as Alexandria (an hour and 20 minutes’ drive) where the city’s zoological park can provide the rare chance to view a range of endangered species such as the golden lion tamarin monkey or the Malayan tiger.
How to get to and around Lafayette?
Fly into Lafayette Regional Airport and from there it’s an easy 10-minute drive into the centre of Lafayette. Meanwhile, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is just two hours’ drive away.
Once you have a hire car at your disposal, you can venture beyond Lafayette to Lake Charles (just over an hour’s drive), where the Mardi Gras Museum provides a sequin-coated look behind this popular Louisiana tradition, featuring the largest display of elaborate Mardi Gras costumes in the world.
What brands are available?
Choose from a wide selection of hire car providers in Lafayette to suit every budget and requirement, from Dollar and Hertz to Thrifty and Alamo.
Must-sees within an easy drive of Lafayette
The Cajundome lies at the heart of sporting activity in Lafayette, where you can watch the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team compete for glory, or attend the Cajun Heartland State Fair, an 11-day event that attracts more than 175,000 visitors each year. In addition to this, the Acadian Village provides a fascinating insight into the history of the city – a cluster of historic 19th century homes and buildings that provide some sense of what life was like in Lafayette for the settlers who arrived there centuries ago.
Beyond Lafayette, there are plenty more exciting destinations to visit in Louisiana including Baton Rouge (an hour’s drive), where the spectacular interior of the Old Louisiana State Capitol is a must-see. Constructed in the early 1930s, the building was modelled on a neo-Gothic castle and features a remarkable, stained glass dome. New Orleans is also a two-hour drive away – where the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival means the city comes alive with the sound of live music performances and the delicious smell of soul food such as Cajun jambalaya and crawfish bread –two popular local dishes.
Tips and tricks for driving in Lafayette
Driving in Lafayette, like much of America, is largely straightforward, with wide lanes and simple road layouts. Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road and you can overtake on both sides. You can also perform a U-turn at the end of most junctions – it will be marked if you are not allowed to do so. Most American cars are automatic, so remember to request a stick shift if you would prefer one.
Ready to plan your Lafayette city break?
Feeling inspired to start exploring Lafayette and other parts of Lafayette? Check out this city guide and use the Expedia search tool to help you find the best car hire, flight and hotel deals and research the best attractions and activities.
