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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Lafayette, Louisiana. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Simple. Browse low rates from Avis, Budget, Enterprise and other trusted brands at Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) or downtown pickup points, all on one screen. A rental car lets you zip between downtown zydeco venues, Breaux Bridge crawfish shacks and the Tabasco factory on Avery Island without relying on limited public transit.
Lafayette provides several car rental options to suit different travel needs.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) |
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LFT Airport Rental Notes:
City Location Notes:
On average, car rentals in Lafayette (LA) cost around $78 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Compare airport vs city rates: city branches in Lafayette are often 10-15% cheaper. The airport is only 2 miles (3 km) from downtown, so a quick rideshare can offset those savings.
Time your booking around festivals: Festival International (April), Festivals Acadiens (October) and Mardi Gras week send rates sky-high. Lock in a car 2-3 weeks out for those dates; otherwise last-minute deals are common in slower months.
Run the math on weekly pricing: in Lafayette a 5-7-day "weekly" rate can beat paying daily for just 4-5 days. Always toggle both options when you compare.
Mind branch hours: neighborhood locations usually close by 6 PM and have limited Saturday hours. If your flight lands late, the 24-hour airport desk may be cheaper than paying an after-hours fee.
Getting around Lafayette is generally convenient with plenty of options and reasonable rates.
| Area | Parking Options | Tips |
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| Downtown Lafayette |
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| University Area (UL) |
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| Shopping Centers |
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| Festivals/Events |
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Local Driving Regulations:
Traffic Enforcement:
Rent a car so you can see:
Avery Island – Tabasco Factory, Jungle Gardens
Breaux Bridge – Cajun restaurants, Bayou Teche
St. Martinville – Acadian heritage sites, Evangeline Oak
Lake Martin – rookery, swamp boardwalk
How far is Lafayette Regional Airport from downtown?
Lafayette Regional Airport is about 2 miles (3 km) from downtown. You can drive there in about 10 minutes using Surrey Street or University Avenue.
Are there any tolls in the Lafayette area?
No, you won't find any toll roads in Lafayette or the nearby parishes.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Lafayette?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name and proof of your own insurance if you decline the rental company's coverage. If you're visiting from another country, you should have an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
What's the best route for exploring Cajun country?
A popular drive is the "Cajun Corridor". You can take Highway 90 from Lafayette through New Iberia, then use state highways to visit St. Martinville, Breaux Bridge and head back to Lafayette. This loop takes you through the center of historic Acadian towns and great places to eat.
Is it easy to navigate to Avery Island (Tabasco Factory)?
Yes. You can get to Avery Island in about 30 minutes by driving south of Lafayette on US-90 and LA-329. You will see clear signs showing you the way to the Tabasco Factory and Jungle Gardens.
Where can I find the cheapest gas in Lafayette?
You can often find cheaper gas at stations near a Walmart or along Ambassador Caffery Parkway. Gas prices in Lafayette are usually lower than the national average.
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Lafayette?
Most companies will rent you a car if you're 21 or older. But if you're under 25, you will pay an extra fee of about $25 to $30 per day.
How is parking during Festival International?
It's hard to find parking during Festival International, which happens in downtown Lafayette each April. Public garages fill up fast and there isn't much street parking. You should think about using the festival's shuttle service from special parking lots, or get there very early to find a spot.
Is it worth having a car if I'm just staying downtown?
You can walk around some parts of downtown Lafayette, but many of the area's popular spots (like Vermilionville, Avery Island and Breaux Bridge) are outside of downtown. We strongly suggest renting a car so you can see all that Cajun country has to offer.
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