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Alexandria provides several options for renting a vehicle, each offering distinct advantages depending on your travel plans.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Alexandria International Airport (AEX) |
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| Downtown/City Locations |
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AEX Airport Rental Notes:
Downtown Rental Notes:
On average, car rentals in Alexandria (LA) cost around $66 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $17 per day.
Price-check airport vs downtown pickups – AEX is super handy but usually runs 10-15 % higher. If you're already in town, a short rideshare to a city branch can pay for itself.
Watch Fort Polk graduations & Mardi Gras dates – those spike demand more than typical "summer season" here. Shift your pickup by a day or two if you can.
Aim for 5-7-day bookings – in Alexandria weekly rates often undercut 4 separate daily rates, even on shorter trips.
Use the comparison filters – sort by mileage limits, fuel rules and young-driver fees; the cheapest headline rate sometimes hides extras.
Finding a place to park in Alexandria is usually easy, and rates are reasonable.
| Area | Options | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Alexandria |
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| Alexandria Mall Area |
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| Hotels |
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| Attractions/Parks |
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Local Driving Regulations:
Traffic Enforcement:
Book a car rental so you can see:
Kisatchie National Forest – trails, campgrounds
Natchitoches historic district – shops, architecture
Baton Rouge – capitol, museums
Lafayette – cuisine, music
Shreveport – casinos, boardwalk
Red River plantations – tours, gardens

How far is Alexandria International Airport from downtown?
It takes about 15 minutes to drive the 7 miles (11 km) from Alexandria International Airport to downtown in normal traffic.
Are there any tolls in the Alexandria area?
No, you won't find any toll roads in Alexandria or central Louisiana.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Alexandria?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name and proof of insurance. If you're visiting from another country and your license is not in English, you should also have an International Driving Permit.
Is Alexandria a good base for exploring Louisiana?
Yes, Alexandria is in the middle of the state, so it's a great place to start exploring northern and southern Louisiana. You can drive to most major cities in 2 to 3 hours, making day trips easy.
What's the best vehicle type if I plan to visit Kisatchie National Forest?
You can drive on most paved roads in Kisatchie in any car, but an SUV will give you more room to clear some of the scenic forest roads. Standard cars are fine for the main visitor areas.
Where can I find the cheapest gas in Alexandria?
You can often find lower prices at gas stations on MacArthur Drive and near any Walmart. Gas in Alexandria is usually cheaper than the national average.
Is it easy to navigate between Alexandria and Pineville?
Yes, you can easily get between the two cities. Several bridges cross the Red River, including the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge on US-165/US-71. The drive usually takes only 5 to 10 minutes.
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Alexandria?
Most companies rent to drivers who are 21 and older, but they charge an extra fee of about $25–$30 per day for drivers under 25.