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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Covington, Louisiana. Compare prices and book in one place. Browse live rates from downtown Covington offices, nearby Slidell branches and Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport to find the car that fits your plans and budget. Most deals include unlimited miles and free cancellation, so you can roam the North Shore or zip across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway into New Orleans.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Covington Local Offices | • No airport fees • Enterprise offers pick-up service • Convenient for north shore exploration • Personal service | • Limited business hours (often 8AM-6PM weekdays, shorter hours Saturday) • Closed on Sundays • Smaller vehicle selection • No after-hours return at some locations |
| New Orleans Airport (MSY) | • 45 miles (72 km) from Covington • All major rental companies • Extended hours • Larger selection of vehicles | • Higher rates due to airport fees • Need to cross Lake Pontchartrain • Distance and traffic to consider |
| Slidell Area | • 20 miles (32 km) from Covington • Alternative if Covington rentals unavailable • Several major brands | • Requires transportation to/from Slidell • Limited hours similar to Covington |
Service Notes
- Enterprise's Covington location is a frequent choice for local rentals
- Reservation strongly recommended, especially for weekend pickups
Car Rental Prices
How to save?
- Compare Covington vs. airport pricing: neighborhood desks skip airport surcharges and can be 10-20 % cheaper—worth it if their 8 AM-6 PM hours fit your plan
- Play with dates & rental length: toggling to a weekly rate (5+ days) or shifting pick-up to mid-week often slashes the per-day cost
- Peek at nearby Slidell inventory: just 20 mi (32 km) away and sometimes the last-minute bargain spot when Covington is sold out or pricey
- Bundle Causeway crossings: the $6 toll is southbound only, so combine New Orleans errands into one round trip instead of paying multiple times
- Use free local pick-up services: several Covington counters will collect you from hotel or home—saves a $25 ride-share before you even start the car
- Refuel on the north shore: gas is typically cheaper than in New Orleans or at MSY, so fill up before crossing the lake or returning the car
Car rental prices in Covington, LA 2025/2026
Parking and Local Driving
Finding a place to park in Covington is generally easy and often free compared to larger cities.
| Location | Details | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Covington | Free street spots and public lots | • 2-hour limits in some areas during business hours • No meters • Business lots may restrict to customers only |
| Shopping Centers | Free lots | • Plenty of space at all major retail centers • Well-lit and spacious • No special restrictions |
| Parks and Trailheads | Designated free areas | • Limited spaces at some Tammany Trace access points • Fontainebleau State Park has an entrance fee • No overnight stays at most trailheads |
Local Driving Rules
- Speed limits: 70 mph on I-12, 45-55 mph on major roads, 25 mph in residential areas and downtown
- School zones: 15-20 mph during posted hours, strictly enforced
- Lake Pontchartrain Causeway: 65 mph, reduced to 55 mph during fog or bad weather
- Causeway toll is collected southbound only (northbound is free)
- Strict enforcement of traffic laws, especially in school zones and on the Causeway
- Seatbelts are required for all passengers
- Move over law requires switching lanes for emergency vehicles
Why rent a car in Covington
Get a car so you can see:
- Historic Downtown Covington – shops, restaurants
- Abita Springs – brewery, Abita Mystery House
- Tammany Trace – trail access points
- Fontainebleau State Park – beach, ruins
- Lake Pontchartrain Causeway to New Orleans – French Quarter, museums
- Global Wildlife Center – safari preserve
Local Rental Locations
- Alexandria, LA
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Bossier City, LA
- Car Rental Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR)
- Car Rental Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT)
- Car Rental Lafayette, LA
- Car Rental Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
- Car Rental Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV)
- French Quarter
- Hammond, LA
- Lake Charles, LA
- LCH Airport
- Louisiana
- Metairie, LA
- Monroe, LA
- Ruston, LA
- Shreveport, LA
- Slidell, LA
FAQs
What vehicle type is best for Covington and the north shore?
If you're just exploring the area and crossing the Causeway, a compact or midsize car works just fine. If you plan to visit country areas or drive when it's raining hard, you might feel more comfortable and secure in an SUV.
How does the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway toll work?
You only pay the toll when you drive south from Covington to Metairie/New Orleans. Right now, it costs $6 in cash or $5 if your car has a Causeway toll tag. Driving north is free. Rental cars usually don't have a Causeway toll tag, so you should be ready to pay using cash or a credit card.
Is it difficult to drive across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway?
Most drivers find the Causeway easy to drive on when the weather is good. The bridge is about 24 miles (39 km) long and has two separate sections for southbound and northbound traffic. When it's foggy or stormy, it can be harder to see, making the drive more challenging. If that happens, you should follow the speed limits, stay farther behind the car in front of you and drive carefully.
What is parking like in downtown Covington?
You can find free parking in downtown Covington pretty easily, either on the street or in public lots. Some spots have a 2-hour limit on business days. Once you park, you'll find the downtown area is small and easy to walk around.
Are there any driving restrictions on the north shore?
You just need to follow the normal traffic laws, as there are no special driving rules. The Causeway does not allow people to walk or ride bicycles on it, but you can ride a motorcycle. During bad weather, officials might close the Causeway for a short time. You should check local traffic reports during storms. They may also have extra rules for very large vehicles when it's windy.
How far is New Orleans from Covington?
New Orleans is about 40 miles (64 km) from Covington if you take the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. The drive usually takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
What should I do if bad weather develops while I'm driving?
If it's raining hard, you should slow down and leave more space between you and the car ahead. For bad thunderstorms, it's best to wait to travel or find a safe place to pull over. You should never try to drive through flooded streets. During hurricane warnings, you must follow the instructions from officials and use the specific evacuation routes they announce, like I-12 or I-59 north.
