






Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR). Compare prices and make bookings in one place. All the major brands such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National have on-site counters, so you can walk from baggage claim to your car in minutes. Book early for LSU football and festival weekends to lock in low Baton Rouge airport car rental rates.
BTR offers a traveler-friendly rental car experience:
| Location Details | |
|---|---|
| Facility Type | On-site rental counters next to the garage |
| Counter Location | Right past baggage claim in terminal |
| Car Location | Short walk to dedicated rental car garage |
| Major Companies | Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National |
| Operating Hours | Aligned with flight schedules (early morning through late evening) |
| After-Hours Service | Key drop boxes available for returns; limited after-hours pickups |
| Process Time | Quick process; 5-15 minutes from counter to car |
Pickup Process: 1. After collecting baggage, walk to rental counters past baggage claim 2. Complete paperwork at rental company counter 3. Walk a short distance to the dedicated rental car garage 4. No shuttle buses needed – cars are parked in walking distance
Return Process: 1. Follow signs to car rental return at same garage 2. Park in the designated area for your rental company 3. Return keys at counter (or use drop box if after hours) 4. Walk back to terminal (very short distance)
On average, car rentals at Baton Rouge Airport cost around $102 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickups: BTR's on-site counters are handy but city locations skip the 10% airport fee. If you're already downtown, price both before booking.
Dodge event surges: Rates spike during LSU football games, graduations and big conferences. Shifting your pickup a day earlier/later can cut costs.
Book, then keep stalking prices: Reserve a free-cancellation deal 2-3 weeks out and recheck weekly. Baton Rouge prices bounce, so a quick re-book can score a lower rate.
Test weekly vs daily pricing: At BTR a 7-day "weekly" rate is often cheaper than five individual days. Run the numbers even for shorter trips.
Airport Parking Options (if returning before flying):
Local Driving Regulations:
Traffic Enforcement:
Book a rental to get to:
Downtown Baton Rouge – Louisiana State Capitol, riverfront museums
Louisiana State University – Tiger Stadium, Rural Life Museum
River Road Plantations – Houmas House, Oak Alley
Mall of Louisiana and Perkins Rowe – shopping, dining
New Orleans – French Quarter, Garden District
Lafayette and Cajun Country – Acadian Village, Vermilionville

How long does it take to reach downtown Baton Rouge from the airport? The drive from Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport to downtown is about 7 miles (11 km). It takes around 15-20 minutes in normal traffic.
Can I return my rental car outside of business hours? Yes, most rental companies at BTR let you return cars after hours. Just park in the marked area in the rental car garage and put the keys in the secure drop box.
Are there any tolls I should be aware of when driving from the airport? No, you won't find any toll roads in Baton Rouge or the areas right around it.
How early should I arrive to return my rental car before my flight? BTR is a smaller, efficient airport, but you should still allow at least 60-90 minutes before your flight leaves to return the car, check in with the airline and clear security.
Is premium fuel required for rental cars? Most rental cars at BTR only need regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane), unless the rental agent says otherwise or it's noted on the fuel cap.
What's the minimum age to rent a car at BTR? Most companies rent to drivers 21 and older, but they charge a young-driver fee of about $25-30 per day for drivers under 25.
Can I pick up at BTR and return in New Orleans? Yes, you can do a one-way rental between BTR and New Orleans, but most companies add a one-way fee. The fee can be anywhere from $50 to $100, depending on the company.
Where can I find the cheapest gas before returning to BTR? You'll usually find the best prices at gas stations on Plank Road, which is only 5-10 minutes from the airport. You have several choices between Harding Boulevard and the airport terminal.
Is it difficult to navigate from the airport to main attractions? No, it's easy to find your way from BTR. The airport connects right to Plank Road, which leads to I-110. From I-110, you can get on I-10 and reach most big attractions in Baton Rouge. The exits are clearly marked.