Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Beaumont, Texas. Compare prices and make reservations in one place. Simple. Pick up a ride downtown or at Jack Brooks Regional Airport and be on I-10 in minutes, set for day trips to Houston, Lake Charles or the Big Thicket National Preserve. We pull live deals from brands like Enterprise, Hertz and Budget so you can choose the right car and keep costs low.
Beaumont offers several car rental locations, each suited to different travel needs.
Location | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Jack Brooks Regional Airport | • All major rental brands available • Easy pick-up after flights • Extended hours for late arrivals |
• Higher airport fees (10-15%) • Limited selection during peak periods • Distance from downtown (around 10 miles/16 km) |
Downtown Locations | • Lower rates • Convenient for business travelers • Walking distance from hotels |
• Limited operating hours (usually 8AM-6PM) • Often closed on Sundays • Smaller vehicle selection |
Hotels and Off-Airport Sites | • Convenient pick-up • Some offer courtesy shuttles • May negotiate corporate rates |
• Restricted vehicle options • Advance reservation highly recommended • Limited staff availability |
Additional notes:
On average, car rentals in Beaumont cost around $85 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $44 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickups — skipping Jack Brooks Airport counters can dodge the 10-15 % surcharge, and downtown is only a quick rideshare away.
Book by the week for 5-plus days — weekly pricing in Beaumont often beats the sum of daily rates, even if you return early.
Mind the calendar spikes — rates shoot up for Mardi Gras (Feb-Mar) and any hurricane evacuation; off-peak winter weeks usually have bargain last-minute deals.
Choose fuel-sippers for city + I-10 trips — economy/compact cars pull 30 + mpg and Beaumont gas is cheaper than Houston, so pump savings add up fast.
Understanding Beaumont's parking options and local driving rules will make your rental experience better.
Area | Parking Options | Local Driving Tips |
---|---|---|
Downtown Beaumont | • Free street parking in most areas • Public lots available • Free parking at Beaumont Civic Center |
• One-way streets in downtown grid • Watch for pedestrians near courthouse • Avoid train crossings during shift changes |
Parkdale Mall Area | • Free parking at mall and surrounding businesses • Plenty of spaces even during peak times |
• Heavy retail traffic on weekends • Mall ring road speed limit 20 mph • Multiple entrances and exits available |
College/University Areas | • Limited visitor parking • Permit requirements during weekdays |
• Reduced speed zones • Watch for pedestrians crossing |
Riverfront/Event Center | • Free lots offering plenty of capacity • Street parking nearby |
• One-way traffic flow during large events • Police-directed traffic possible |
Important Local Regulations:
Book a rental to drive to:
Big Thicket National Preserve – trails, wildlife
Houston – museums, dining
Galveston – Gulf beaches, Pleasure Pier
Lake Charles, Louisiana – casinos, dining
Village Creek State Park – forest, river access
Port Arthur – seafood, museum
Is a car necessary to get around Beaumont?
Yes, we highly recommend renting a car. Beaumont's attractions are spread out and public transportation mainly serves commuters. You will need your own car to get to major sites like the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, Big Thicket National Preserve and many restaurants and shopping areas.
Can I rent a car in Beaumont and return it in Houston?
Yes, most major rental companies offer one-way rentals between Beaumont and Houston. They usually charge a one-way drop fee of about $50–75. However, the company might waive this fee during a promotion or for some loyalty program members.
What's the best vehicle type for exploring the Big Thicket area?
You can use any type of car for the main visitor areas and paved roads in Big Thicket. However, if you plan to explore more remote areas or visit when it's rainy, we recommend an SUV that sits higher off the ground because some unpaved roads can get muddy.
Are there any toll roads around Beaumont?
You won't find any toll roads right around Beaumont. However, if you plan to drive to Houston, you should know that Houston has several toll roads. Most rental companies offer toll packages or you can set your navigation to avoid toll routes.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Beaumont?
You will need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. If you are visiting from another country, bring your passport. You may also need an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English. It's a good idea to have proof of insurance, but the rental company can sell you coverage if your own policy doesn't work.
What should I do if I encounter severe weather while driving in Beaumont?
If you run into severe weather, slow down, leave more space between you and other cars and turn on your headlights. If thunderstorms might cause flooding, stay away from low areas and never drive through standing water. If you get a tornado warning, leave your car and find shelter in a solid building. For hurricane warnings, you should follow the evacuation orders and routes from local officials.