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Finding a car rental in Alexandria is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands across Louisiana with no booking fees. Pick up your ride at Alexandria International Airport (AEX) or a downtown branch, then cruise I-49 to Kisatchie National Forest, New Orleans or Shreveport. Reserve early for low prices around Fort Polk graduations and Mardi Gras.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 678446

Alexandria provides several options for renting a vehicle, each offering distinct advantages depending on your travel plans.

Location Pros Cons
Alexandria International Airport (AEX)
  • Immediate access upon arrival
  • Rental counters inside terminal near baggage claim
  • Vehicles parked close by (walking distance)
  • Hours align to flight schedules
  • Slightly higher rates due to airport fees
  • Limited after-hours pickup (unless arranged)
  • Smaller selection than major airports
Downtown/City Locations
  • Often lower rates than airport
  • Convenient for visitors already in town
  • Some offer pickup service
  • Limited hours (usually 8AM-6PM weekdays)
  • Restricted weekend hours or closed Sundays
  • Need transportation to reach office

AEX Airport Rental Notes:

  • Major companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, National/Enterprise
  • Rental counters located inside the terminal
  • Vehicles parked just outside in walking distance

Downtown Rental Notes:

  • Enterprise has locations on MacArthur Drive
  • Useful for those arriving by Amtrak or already in the city
  • May offer hotel pickup in city limits
  • Smaller vehicle selection compared to airport
  • Reservations recommended, especially during Fort Polk events

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Alexandria, LA?

On average, car rentals in Alexandria (LA) cost around $66 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $17 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • 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.

  • Free parking everywhere – most hotels, malls and attractions don't charge, so skip prepaid parking add-ons at checkout.
Car rental prices in Alexandria, LA 2025/2026

Local Parking and Driving

Finding a place to park in Alexandria is usually easy, and rates are reasonable.

Area Options Tips
Downtown Alexandria
  • Street parking (some metered)
  • Public lots
  • Garage parking
  • Many free spots available
  • Meters usually enforced weekdays only
  • Downtown rarely faces shortages
Alexandria Mall Area
  • Free surface parking
  • Plenty of spots available
  • No time limits
Hotels
  • Free self-parking
  • Most hotels in Alexandria offer free parking
  • Some downtown locations may have a small fee
Attractions/Parks
  • Dedicated free lots
  • Zoo, parks and museums usually have free parking

Local Driving Regulations:

  • Speed limits: 25-35 mph on city streets, 65-70 mph on highways
  • School zones: 20 mph when in effect (usually 7-9 AM and 2-4 PM on school days)
  • Right turns on red allowed after a complete stop (unless signed otherwise)
  • Seat belts required for all occupants
  • Headlights required when using windshield wipers

Traffic Enforcement:

  • Moderate police presence on major roads
  • School zones strictly enforced during active hours
  • DUI checkpoints occasionally set up, especially during holidays
Why rent a car in Alexandria

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

Driving Distances from Alexandria

FAQs

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.