Car Rentals in New Orleans, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around New Orleans

Renting a car in New Orleans offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Bourbon Street, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant city life, or the National World War II Museum for a rich cultural experience. Jackson Square is also accessible, providing a lovely urban park setting for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

A car hire is particularly convenient for those travelling with family or multiple pieces of luggage, allowing for easy management of your belongings while you navigate the city's sights. Furthermore, having a car gives you the opportunity to explore nearby areas like the French Quarter, Metairie, and Kenner, which feature additional attractions such as Lafreniere Park and Chateau Golf and Country Club. This means you can create flexible travel plans without relying on public transport or ride shares. Overall, renting a car enhances your experience in New Orleans, making it simpler to discover all that this vibrant metropolis has to offer.

Most popular car hires in New Orleans

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle accommodates 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. The spacious interior ensures comfort during your travels, while the additional luggage space allows for easy management of your belongings as you explore New Orleans and its surroundings.
• Fullsize: Suitable for 5 travellers and capable of holding up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize car is ideal for families and groups. With ample room for passengers and luggage, this option provides a comfortable ride as you navigate the vibrant streets of New Orleans, ensuring that everyone can travel together with ease.
• Standard SUV: This vehicle comfortably accommodates 5 travellers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. The standard SUV is perfect for couples, families, or groups looking for a reliable and spacious vehicle to explore New Orleans. Its balance of comfort and capacity makes it a popular choice for those wishing to travel with flexibility while enjoying the sights.

Top rated car suppliers in New Orleans

• Budget: With 4 rental locations throughout New Orleans, Budget provides great flexibility for travellers. Known for their excellent value, the most booked vehicles with this supplier are the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV, making them ideal for both solo travellers and families looking to explore the vibrant city and its surroundings at their own pace.
• Avis: Offering more than 5 rental locations in the New Orleans area, Avis is a popular choice for car hire. Their diverse fleet includes highly sought-after Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, ensuring you have the right vehicle to comfortably navigate both urban and rural attractions. Avis is well-regarded for its customer service, making your car hire experience smooth and enjoyable.
• Alamo Rent A Car: With 1 convenient rental location in New Orleans, Alamo Rent A Car is a reliable option for those seeking a more specialised selection. Their most popular vehicles include the Standard SportsCar and Midsize SUV, catering to a range of preferences from sporty drives to family-friendly adventures. Alamo is known for its straightforward rental process, ensuring a hassle-free pick-up experience.

Where to stay in New Orleans

• French Quarter: Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, the French Quarter offers a unique blend of family-friendly activities and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore attractions like Bourbon Street and Canal Street, both ideal for city-themed holidays. Don't miss the historic Jackson Square, perfect for outdoor enjoyment. The area is also dotted with numerous dining options, including restaurants and pubs, making it a gastronomic delight.
• New Orleans Central Business District: This bustling neighbourhood is a hub for family and city-themed experiences. The Central Business District features key attractions such as the National World War II Museum, which is perfect for history enthusiasts. Both Canal Street and Bourbon Street are easily accessible for those seeking a lively atmosphere. With a variety of restaurants and wineries nearby, you'll find plenty of options to unwind after a day of exploration.
• Mid-City District: Known for its charming streets and local vibe, Mid-City District is an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Key attractions include Frenchmen Street, offering an artistic atmosphere, and Jackson Square, which is ideal for outdoor activities. Royal Street is also nearby for a delightful stroll. The district hosts a range of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around New Orleans

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary according to demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often an extra fee for collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payments.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on embarking on long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around New Orleans

The best time to rent a car in and around New Orleans is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low, offering great value. September also presents a good option, with similar pricing and average demand. However, June tends to be the most expensive month, as it sees slightly high prices and average demand. April and May also experience slightly high prices and moderately high demand, making them busier times for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
March	64.6°F (18.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	69.8°F (21.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
May	76.6°F (24.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
June	82.6°F (28.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	83.5°F (28.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	83.8°F (28.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	80.6°F (27.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
November	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
December	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average