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Hammond has limited but functional rental car options for visitors.
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Hammond Rental Notes:
Nearby Airport Options:
On average, car rentals in Hammond (LA) cost around $82 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
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.
Finding a spot in Hammond is usually easy and often free compared to larger cities.
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Local Driving Regulations:
Traffic Enforcement:
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

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.