Car Rental Baton Rouge, LA

FAQs

How bad is traffic in Baton Rouge? Baton Rouge is known for having some of the worst traffic for a mid-sized city in the United States. The I-10 Mississippi River Bridge gets very backed up during rush hours. You should plan for extra time when traveling during peak hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM) and try to use other routes when you can.

Is it easy to park near the State Capitol and government buildings? Yes. You can find metered street spots and public parking garages near the State Capitol. The River Center parking garage is a good spot for Capitol visitors, and most government buildings have their own parking for visitors.

How far is Baton Rouge from New Orleans? Baton Rouge is about 80 miles (129 km) from New Orleans. The drive on I-10 usually takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. However, heavy traffic can make the trip 2 hours or longer during busy times or major events.

Are there any tolls in the Baton Rouge area? No. You won't find any toll roads in Baton Rouge or on the main highways right around the city. The closest one is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway near Mandeville, about 60 miles (97 km) to the east.

What documents do I need to rent a car in Baton Rouge? You'll need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. Some rental companies also accept a debit card. You don't always need to show proof of your own car insurance, but it can be helpful. Otherwise, you can buy coverage from the rental company. If you're visiting from another country and your license isn't in English, you should also carry an International Driving Permit.

How is parking during LSU football games? It's very hard to find parking during home football games. To park in campus lots, you need a special permit or a premium parking pass. Many nearby businesses sell parking spots for $10 to $40, depending on how close they are to the stadium. You can also park farther away and use a shuttle service on game days.

Where can I find the cheapest gas in Baton Rouge? You can often find the lowest gas prices at stations near Costco and Sam's Club or along Airline Highway and Siegen Lane. Gas prices in Baton Rouge are usually below the national average.

What's the minimum age to rent a car in Baton Rouge? Most companies will rent a car to drivers 21 and older, but they charge an extra "young driver" fee of about $25 to $30 per day for anyone under 25. Some places might rent to drivers between 18 and 20, but there are usually special rules for that.

Is it worth having a car if I'm just staying downtown or near LSU? You can walk around downtown and the LSU campus easily enough, but Baton Rouge is a very spread-out city and its public transportation is limited. You'll probably want a rental car to get to restaurants, shopping and attractions outside your immediate area.