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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find lower car rental prices at Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) with Road Genius. Compare rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and reserve with no booking fees. Pick up your keys in the terminal or check downtown Lafayette for extra savings, with deals from Avis, Budget, Enterprise and more in one search. Unlimited mileage, flexible pickup hours and free cancellation on most cars make exploring Cajun Country, New Orleans or Baton Rouge easy.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| LFT Airport | • Immediate availability after flights • Several major brands on-site • Easy comparison shopping • Extended hours matching flight schedule |
• Higher rates due to airport fees • Limited selection possible during events • Possible wait times after multiple flight arrivals |
| Downtown Lafayette | • Lower rates possible • Convenient for business district • Close to hotels and University |
• Transport needed from airport • Limited weekend/evening hours • May require advance booking for pick-up service |
| Johnston Street/Ambassador | • Close to shopping and restaurants • Alternative if airport rentals unavailable • May offer competitive rates |
• Distance from airport • Requires transportation from airport • Business hours only |
Service Notes:
On average, car rentals at Lafayette Airport cost around $95 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.
Compare LFT Airport vs downtown pickups – airport counters are super convenient but add extra fees. A short rideshare to a downtown branch can shave off 10-15 percent if your schedule allows.
Watch festival and oil-boom weeks – prices jump up to 25 percent during Festival International, Mardi Gras or sudden industry conferences. Booking 2-3 weeks ahead for those dates really does lock in cheaper rates.
Stick with economy or compact cars – Lafayette streets are wide, parking is easy and most rentals include unlimited mileage across Louisiana, so skip the bigger (pricier) vehicles unless you truly need the space.
Check weekly rates even for a 4-5 day trip – in Lafayette a seven-day booking often costs the same or less than five individual days.
Finding a spot in Lafayette varies by location, with a mix of free and paid options.
| Location | Details | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Lafayette | Metered street spaces and public garages | • Meters enforced Mon-Fri 8 AM-6 PM • Some areas have extended enforcement hours • Free on weekends |
| University Area | Zoned spaces requiring permits | • Campus lots require permits on weekdays • Visitor zones available with time limits • Street spaces available with restrictions |
| Shopping Centers | Free lots | • Plenty at all major retail centers • Well-lit and spacious • No special restrictions |
| Festival Grounds | Temporary paid lots during events | • Changes by event with special arrangements • Street closures common during festivals • Follow posted signs and attendants |
Local Driving Rules:
A car lets you reach Cajun Country sites and neighboring cities with ease.
Vermilionville – museum
Avery Island – Tabasco Factory, Jungle Gardens
Lake Martin – wildlife refuge, boardwalks
Breaux Bridge & St. Martinville – bayou towns, music venues
Atchafalaya Basin – waterways, wildlife drives
New Orleans – French Quarter
What car rental companies are at Lafayette Airport?
Major brands including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National have counters at LFT Airport in the main terminal.
Do I need an SUV in Lafayette?
For city driving and paved roads, a standard car works just fine. You might want an SUV if you plan to explore rural areas, wildlife refuges or during periods of heavy rain when a higher car can be useful.
What is the best time to visit Lafayette?
Spring (March–May) has pleasant weather and major festivals like Festival International. Fall (September–November) has milder temperatures and several food festivals. Think about what kind of events you like, since each season offers different cultural experiences.
Are there any toll roads around Lafayette?
No, there are no toll roads in the Lafayette area or along the major highways in Louisiana.
How is parking in downtown Lafayette?
Downtown Lafayette has both metered street parking and public garages. You usually need to pay meters Monday–Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM, but some areas now have 24-hour enforcement. Parking is generally easier than in larger cities and rates are reasonable (about $2/hour).
Can I drive to New Orleans for a day trip?
Yes, New Orleans is about 135 miles (217 km) (a 2–2.5 hour drive) from Lafayette on I-10, making it a good day trip. We suggest you start early and return before late evening to avoid driving while tired.
What should I do if there's severe weather?
During severe thunderstorms, slow down and increase the distance between you and other cars. For flash flood warnings, stay away from low-lying areas and roads covered in water. For tornado warnings, get to a sturdy shelter immediately. Do not stay in your vehicle. During hurricane threats, follow evacuation orders and return the rental if you're evacuating without the car.
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