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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Gulfport, Mississippi. Compare prices and book in one place. Pick up a car at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport for instant beach access or choose a downtown office for lower fees and quick city pickup. With your own wheels you can cruise US-90, hop between Biloxi casinos or day-trip to New Orleans and Mobile without relying on slow public transport.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 534824

Gulfport offers several car rental locations, mainly at the airport and in the city.

Location Pros Cons
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT)
  • Immediate access upon arrival
  • All major rental companies on-site
  • Easy walk to cars (no shuttle needed)
  • Extended operating hours
  • Higher rates due to airport fees (10-15%)
  • Potential lines during peak arrival times
  • Higher demand during tourist season
City/Off-Airport Locations
  • Lower rates (no airport surcharges)
  • Local agencies like Nifty Car Rental available
  • Possibly better selection during peak periods
  • Limited operating hours (many close by 5-6pm)
  • Transportation needed from airport
  • Advance reservations highly recommended

Available Rental Companies:

  • Major providers at GPT Airport: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National
  • Off-airport providers include local companies plus major brand neighborhood locations

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Gulfport?

On average, car rentals in Gulfport cost around $73 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $34 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Skip the airport fees: Compare rates at city pick-up spots in Gulfport or Biloxi. Off-airport quotes often run 10-15 % cheaper and a quick ride-share from GPT still costs less than the airport surcharge.

  • Peak events = lock it in early: Summer beach crowds and Cruisin' The Coast (early Oct) send prices soaring. Reserve a free-cancellation deal now, then re-check a week out in case rates dip.

  • Play with pickup/return days: Shifting your rental to start on a Tuesday or Wednesday can dodge weekend surcharges and sometimes triggers a lower weekly rate even for a 5-6-day trip.

  • Compare classes, not just companies: In Gulfport convertibles and SUVs jump in price during beach season. A midsize with unlimited miles usually covers coastal drives to Biloxi, New Orleans, or Mobile for less.

  • Watch mileage rules: Most Gulfport deals are unlimited miles. If you spot a cap, switch brands or locations instead of paying overage fees on those I-10 day trips.

Parking and Local Driving

Parking in Gulfport/Biloxi Area:

  • Most casinos offer free parking in their garages for visitors
  • Beach access points along US-90 have free or low-cost parking areas
  • Downtown Gulfport and Bay St. Louis have street parking, often free for 1-2 hours
  • During events like Cruisin' The Coast, finding a spot becomes limited and may require walking several blocks
  • Casino hotel guests usually receive complimentary parking for the duration of their stay

Local Driving Rules:

  • Speed limits: 70 mph (113 km) on interstates, 65 mph (105 km) on four-lane highways, 35-45 mph (56-72 km) on Beach Blvd (US-90)
  • No toll roads in Mississippi
  • Right turn on red allowed after a complete stop (unless signed otherwise)
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all front-seat passengers
  • Texting while driving is prohibited
  • Beach driving is generally not permitted and would violate rental agreements
Why rent a car in Gulfport

Book a rental so you can get to:

  • Biloxi – casinos, Mississippi Aquarium

  • Bay St. Louis – harbor, galleries

  • De Soto National Forest – trails, campgrounds

  • New Orleans – French Quarter, museums

  • Gulf Islands National Seashore – ferry terminals, nature trails

Driving Distances from Gulfport

FAQs

What type of car is best for exploring the Gulf Coast? Most visitors find a standard or mid-size car works just fine. Many people rent convertibles to enjoy the coastal views, while SUVs give you more room for beach equipment and luggage.

How does hurricane season affect car rentals in Gulfport? Hurricane season runs from June to November and can sometimes disrupt travel plans. This happens especially when big storms threaten the coast and force people to evacuate. Most rental companies have flexible policies for bad weather. They will help you change or cancel your booking for free during these events. You should always watch the weather forecast and sign up for local alerts if you visit during this time.

Can I drive my rental car to New Orleans or Mobile for day trips? Yes. Most rental companies let you drive to nearby states, and there are no border checkpoints between Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. People often take day trips from Gulfport on I-10 to New Orleans (about 80 miles (129 km) west) and Mobile (about 70–75 miles (113–121 km) east). Check with the rental company about any out-of-state rules before you leave.

Are there any special parking considerations during Cruisin' The Coast or other major events? During Cruisin' The Coast in early October, traffic gets much heavier and it's harder to find parking everywhere. Casino garages often fill up early and street parking gets hard to find. You should plan to arrive early, think about parking farther from the events and use shuttle services or rideshares if they are available.

Is it worth renting a car if I'm staying at a casino resort? Yes. Casino resorts have a lot to do right there, but a rental car lets you get to the beaches, restaurants, shopping and other fun spots along the 30-mile (48 km) coast. Some casinos have shuttles that don't run very often, so a car gives you the most freedom to explore the Gulf Coast.