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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Finding a rental car in Las Cruces is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands across New Mexico with no reservation fees. Lock in a cheap Las Cruces car rental downtown before you arrive or check rates for a quick pickup at El Paso International Airport. Most deals include free cancellation and unlimited mileage so you can roam to White Sands National Park, Old Mesilla and the Organ Mountains without worry.
Since Las Cruces has no regular commercial flights, visitors arrive via other transportation methods and rent locally or arrive from nearby airports.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Las Cruces City Locations | • Generally lower rates than airport rentals • Multiple agencies (Enterprise, Budget, Hertz) |
• Limited hours (often close 5-6pm) • Reduced Sunday operations • Smaller fleet selection |
| El Paso Airport (1 hour drive) | • Larger selection of vehicles • More competitive pricing • Extended hours |
• 1-hour drive to Las Cruces • International border proximity • Airport fees added to rates |
| Albuquerque Airport (3.5 hours) | • All major rental companies • Wider vehicle selection • 24/7 operation |
• 3.5-hour drive to Las Cruces • Highway driving required • Higher one-way fees if applicable |
Most rental agencies in Las Cruces are located along main commercial corridors, primarily on or near East Lohman Avenue and South Valley Drive.
For those flying into El Paso, shuttle services are available to Las Cruces. Consider comparing the cost of a shuttle plus local rental versus renting directly from El Paso International Airport.
On average, car rentals in Las Cruces cost around $71 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
Pick up in town, not at the airport. Las Cruces city counters skip airport taxes and usually beat El Paso and Albuquerque rates if you can work within their 5-6 pm hours.
Compare "shuttle + local rental" vs "airport rental." Flying into El Paso? A shuttle to Las Cruces plus a local car can cost less than paying airport surcharges for multi-day trips.
Toggle the "weekly" option. On our site a 7-day booking often drops the daily rate below a 5-day rental in southern New Mexico.
Time your booking to demand. Spring break and summer fill up fast—lock in 1-2 weeks early. Fall and winter (non-holiday) are quieter, so last-minute deals are common.
Choose the smallest car that fits your crew. Compact or mid-size models sip less gas on those 90-minute dashes to White Sands and usually sit at the top of the results for lowest price.
Fill up in Las Cruces city. Gas stations on US-70 and I-25 are cheaper than remote desert stops, saving you extra bucks on every day trip.
Downtown Las Cruces:
Mesilla (Historic District):
White Sands National Park:
Local Driving Regulations:
Get a car rental so you can visit:
White Sands National Park – dune fields
Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument – trailheads
Historic Old Mesilla – plaza shops and restaurants
El Paso, Texas – museums, dining, border culture
Is there a shuttle service between El Paso Airport and Las Cruces? Yes, several companies run shuttle services between El Paso International Airport and Las Cruces. We recommend booking your spot in advance.
Can I visit White Sands National Park with a regular rental car? Yes, any car can handle the roads in White Sands National Park. The roads are paved or made of hard-packed sand, so you don't need a special vehicle.
What should I know about the Border Patrol checkpoints? These are standard checkpoints you'll find on highways. When you drive up to one, slow down and follow the officer's instructions. Make sure you have your ID ready. If your papers are in order, the check usually takes less than a minute.
Are there any toll roads around Las Cruces? No, New Mexico doesn't have any toll roads. You can use all highways and roads for free.
How is the parking situation in downtown Las Cruces? You can find plenty of free parking downtown in public lots and on the streets. It's usually easy to find a spot, even during events.
What's the best way to get to White Sands National Park? Take US-70 East from Las Cruces over the Organ Mountains. You'll pass through a military checkpoint, so have your ID ready. The park entrance is just after that. The drive takes about an hour.
Can I take my rental car to Mexico for a day trip? Most major U.S. rental companies don't let you drive their cars into Mexico. To do so, you must buy special Mexican auto insurance and get the company's written permission beforehand. If they don't allow the trip, you can park on the U.S. side and walk across or use public transportation.
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