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Finding a rental car in Hammond is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands all around Louisiana with no booking fees. Pick up in downtown Hammond or at nearby MSY or BTR airports, then hop on I-12 or I-55 to drive to New Orleans, Baton Rouge or the Northshore and be sure to book early around Southeastern Louisiana University events.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 591514

Hammond has limited but functional rental car options for visitors.

Location Pros Cons
City/Neighborhood Locations
  • Local rental offices in town
  • Some offer pickup service
  • Convenient for train arrivals
  • Limited hours (usually 8AM-6PM weekdays)
  • Restricted weekend hours (limited Saturday, closed Sunday)
  • Smaller fleet selection
Nearby Alternatives
  • Requires transportation to/from Hammond
  • Higher rates due to airport fees
  • Distance adds complexity

Hammond Rental Notes:

  • Enterprise has an office on SW Railroad Avenue
  • Office offers pickup service in the local area
  • Useful for visitors arriving by Amtrak (station in downtown Hammond)
  • Advance reservations strongly recommended for guaranteed availability

Nearby Airport Options:

  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY): 60 minutes south
  • Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR): 45 minutes west
  • Both offer full-service rental facilities including all major companies
  • Consider if you're flying into the region or need a specific vehicle type

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Hammond, LA?

On average, car rentals in Hammond (LA) cost around $82 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.

How to pay less?
  • Compare pickup spots: Hammond's in-town office skips airport concession fees, so even after an Uber from MSY or BTR you can come out ahead. Run the numbers in our search box before defaulting to the airport.

  • Dodge peak dates: Rates climb for SLU graduations, Strawberry Festival in April and big New Orleans weekends (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest). Shifting pickup by a day or starting mid-week often drops the price.

  • Look for "weekly" bargains: A 6-7 day rental in Hammond can cost less than 5 separate daily rates. Keep the car an extra day and still save.

  • Book early, then keep stalking the price: Limited fleet means sell-outs on busy weekends. Grab a free-cancellation reservation 3+ weeks out, set a calendar reminder and re-check; rebook if rates dip.

  • Size down to save on both rate and fuel: Interstates here are smooth and flat. Unless you're hauling a tailgate crew, an economy or compact will do the job and sip that cheaper Louisiana gas.

Parking Tips

Finding a spot in Hammond is usually easy and often free compared to larger cities.

Area Parking Options Tips
Downtown Hammond
  • Street parking
  • Public lots
  • Most street spots are free
  • Time limits may apply in business district
  • Rarely full except during special events
University Area
  • Campus parking lots
  • Street parking
  • Watch for permit-only areas on campus
  • Event parking may require fees
Shopping Centers
  • Free surface parking
  • Hammond Square Mall has plenty of spaces
  • No time restrictions at shopping centers
Hotels
  • Free self-parking
  • Most Hammond hotels offer free parking
  • No fees common in this area

Local Driving Regulations:

  • Speed limits: 25-35 mph on city streets, 45-55 mph on major arteries, 70 mph on interstates
  • School zones: 25 mph when in effect (usually 7-9AM and 2-4PM on school days)
  • Right turns on red allowed after complete stop (unless signed otherwise)
  • Seat belts required for all occupants
  • Headlights required when using windshield wipers

Traffic Enforcement:

  • Moderate police presence on major roads
  • School zones strictly enforced during active hours
  • University area has increased enforcement during term time
  • DUI checkpoints occasionally set up, especially during weekends
Why rent a car in Hammond

A rental car turns Hammond into an easy launchpad for day trips across southeastern Louisiana and nearby Mississippi.

  • New Orleans – French Quarter

  • Baton Rouge – State Capitol

  • Northshore (Covington, Mandeville) – Lake Pontchartrain shores

  • Plantation Country – River Road homes

  • Manchac Swamp & Lake Pontchartrain – swamp tours, seafood restaurants

  • Mississippi Gulf Coast – beaches, casinos

Driving Distances from Hammond

FAQs

Is Hammond a good base for exploring southeastern Louisiana?
Yes, Hammond is right where I-12 and I-55 meet, so it's a great spot for exploring the area. You can easily drive to New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Northshore and the Mississippi Gulf Coast in about an hour.

Are there any tolls in the Hammond area?
No, there are no toll roads in Hammond or right around the city. If you drive to the Northshore and cross Lake Pontchartrain on the Causeway, you will have to pay a toll only when driving south. The toll is $5 if you use a Causeway Toll Tag or $6 if you pay by cash or credit.

What documents do I need to rent a car in Hammond?
You will need a valid driver's license and a major credit card that has your name on it. If you're visiting from another country, you should also bring an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English. Some rental companies may ask for proof that you have your own car insurance or make you buy their coverage, especially if you pay with a debit card.

How does renting in Hammond compare to renting at New Orleans Airport?
In Hammond, you'll find lower rates because there are no airport fees, but the rental places have fewer cars to choose from and are not open as long. The New Orleans airport has all the major rental companies, is open 24/7 and has more types of cars, but the rates are usually higher. You should think about how you're arriving and what kind of car you need when you make your choice.

Is public transportation available in Hammond as an alternative?
Hammond does not have much public transportation. The city does not run a bus system for everyone. However, the Amtrak train stops downtown and the local university runs a shuttle on its campus. Most visitors will find they need to rent a car.

Where can I find the cheapest gas in Hammond?
Gas stations near Walmart and along Morrison Boulevard/US-51 often have the best prices. In general, you'll find gas in Hammond costs less than the national average and is much cheaper than in New Orleans.

What's the minimum age to rent a car in Hammond?
Most companies will rent a car to drivers who are 21 and older. However, if you are under 25, you will usually have to pay an extra fee for young drivers of about $25–$30 per day.

Can I pick up a car in Hammond and return it in another city?
Yes, some companies let you rent a car one-way, but this may be difficult from the Hammond location since it has fewer cars. You should arrange this ahead of time, and the company will likely charge you a one-way fee. You will find it is easier to plan one-way trips if you rent from an airport.

Is Hammond affected by New Orleans festivals and events?
Yes. When big events like Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest happen in New Orleans, many visitors stay in Hammond. This means hotels and rental cars get booked up more quickly. If you plan to visit during a major New Orleans event, you should book everything well ahead of time.