When planning a trip to New Orleans, visitors are often faced with the decision of whether to rent a car or not. While there are pros and cons to both options, it’s important to consider your budget and transportation needs. To help you make an informed decision, we recommend checking out our article on the cheapest tow dolly rental options in New Orleans, which provides tips on how to save money on rental costs. From the historic French Quarter to the lively Mardi Gras celebrations, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant city, so make sure you choose the transportation option that works best for you.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
Should I Rent A Car in New Orleans?
No, If you plan on staying in the downtown area and only visiting the major tourist attractions, you may not need a car. New Orleans has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, streetcars, and ferries.
However, if you want to explore areas outside of downtown or take day trips to nearby attractions like plantations or swamps, renting a car can be a great option.
Bottom line: If you want to explore outside of downtown or take day trips to nearby attractions, renting a car in New Orleans can be a good idea. However, if you plan on staying in the downtown area and only visiting the major tourist attractions, you may not need a car.
The Benefits of Renting a Car in New Orleans
There are several benefits to renting a car in New Orleans. First and foremost, it provides more flexibility in your schedule. You won’t be tied to public transportation schedules or have to worry about finding a ride to more remote areas of the city. Additionally, New Orleans is a sprawling city with several distinct neighborhoods, and a rental car can allow you to explore them more easily.
Renting a car also allows you to take day trips to nearby attractions, such as the beautiful plantations along the Mississippi River or the swamps surrounding the city. If you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage, a rental car can be more comfortable and convenient than public transportation.
Bottom line: Renting a car in New Orleans provides flexibility, allows you to explore outside the city, and can be more comfortable for groups and those with a lot of luggage.
The Cons of Renting a Car in New Orleans
While there are benefits to renting a car in New Orleans, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the biggest disadvantages is the cost. New Orleans has some of the highest car rental rates in the country, and you may also have to pay for parking at your hotel or other attractions.
New Orleans is also known for its traffic congestion, especially during rush hour. If you’re not used to driving in heavy traffic, it can be stressful and time-consuming. Additionally, parking can be a challenge in the city, especially in the French Quarter.
Bottom line: Renting a car in New Orleans can be expensive, and traffic and parking can be challenging, especially in the French Quarter.
Is it Better to Rent a Car at New Orleans Airport?
Yes, renting a car at the airport can be more convenient, as you won’t have to worry about finding transportation to your hotel. Additionally, you may be able to get better rates at the airport.
However, renting a car at the airport can also be more expensive, as you’ll have to pay additional fees and taxes. If you’re staying in the downtown area and won’t be taking day trips, it may be more cost-effective to rent a car in the city.
Bottom line: Renting a car at the New Orleans airport can be more convenient, but it may also be more expensive due to additional fees and taxes. If you’re staying in the downtown area and won’t be taking day trips, renting a car in the city may be more cost-effective.
The Cheapest Way to Rent A Car in New Orleans
If you’re planning to rent a car in New Orleans, you may be looking for ways to save money. Here are some tips for finding the cheapest way to rent a car in New Orleans:
- Compare prices: Before booking a rental car, compare prices from different rental companies. Websites like Kayak and Expedia allow you to compare rates from multiple companies at once.
- Book in advance: Booking your rental car in advance can often save you money, as rates can be higher if you wait until the last minute.
- Consider renting from a location outside of downtown: Renting a car from outside of the downtown area can often be cheaper than renting in the city center. However, make sure to factor in transportation costs to get to the rental location.
- Use discount codes: Check for discount codes online, which can save you a percentage off the rental price.
- Avoid add-ons: Rental companies may try to upsell you on additional features like GPS or insurance. Consider whether you really need these extras before agreeing to them.
Bottom line: To find the cheapest way to rent a car in New Orleans, compare prices, book in advance, consider renting from outside of downtown, use discount codes, and avoid add-ons that you don’t really need.
Rent A Car In New Orleans
If you’ve decided to rent a car in New Orleans, here are some rental car companies to consider:
- Alamo: starts at $62 per day
- Avis: starts at $70 per day
- Budget: starts at $53 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $66 per day
- Hertz: starts at $70 per day
- Thrifty: starts at $39 per day
- Dollar: starts at $51 per day
Gas prices in New Orleans are relatively lower than in Seattle, with an average of around $2.75 per gallon. A standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas would cost around $41 for a full tank.
Bottom line: It’s important to note that rental rates and gas prices can vary depending on factors such as time of year, demand, and location. It’s always a good idea to compare prices from multiple companies and to book in advance to get the best deal.
Tips for Renting a Car in New Orleans
If you’ve decided to rent a car in New Orleans, here are some tips to help you make the most of your rental:
- Compare rates from different rental companies to find the best deal.
- Check the terms and conditions carefully, especially regarding insurance coverage and additional fees.
- Consider renting a smaller car, as parking can be tight in the city.
- Use a GPS or map to navigate, as some areas of the city can be confusing for drivers.
- Avoid driving during rush hour if possible, as traffic can be heavy and slow-moving.
Bottom line: To make the most of your car rental in New Orleans, compare rates, check the terms and conditions, consider renting a smaller car, use a GPS or map, and avoid driving during rush hour.
Rental Car Tips For New Orleans
If you’re planning to rent a car in New Orleans, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Check the traffic: New Orleans is known for its traffic congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons or during events. Plan your route ahead of time and consider avoiding busy areas during rush hour.
- Be aware of parking: Parking in New Orleans can be limited and expensive, especially in the French Quarter. Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services instead of renting a car if you plan to stay in the downtown area.
- Factor in gas prices: Gas prices in New Orleans can also be higher than in other parts of the country, so factor this into your budget when renting a car.
- Inspect the car: Before driving off the rental lot, inspect the car for any existing damage and make sure to report it to the rental company to avoid being charged for it later.
Bottom line: To have a smooth rental car experience in New Orleans, be aware of the traffic and parking situation, factor in gas prices, and inspect the car before driving off.”
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, whether or not you should rent a car in New Orleans depends on your itinerary and the type of experience you want to have. Renting a car can provide flexibility and allow you to explore outside of the city, but it can also be expensive and challenging in terms of traffic and parking. By considering the pros and cons and following the tips provided, you can make the best decision for your New Orleans trip.
