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Find competitive rental car prices in Metairie, Louisiana with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Local agencies along Veterans Memorial Boulevard are only 15 minutes from MSY and are often 10 to 20 percent cheaper than airport counters, giving you quick access to I-10 and downtown New Orleans. Reserve early for Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest when demand surges.
Metairie provides several car rental options due to its proximity to New Orleans and the airport.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Metairie Local Offices | • Lower rates than airport locations • Convenient for suburban stays • Often offer pick-up service • Less waiting time |
• Limited hours (most open 8AM-6PM weekdays, shorter hours Saturday) • Some locations closed Sunday • Smaller vehicle selection • May require advance reservation |
| New Orleans Airport (MSY) | • 15 miles (24 km) from Metairie • All major rental companies • Extended hours and 24-hour returns • Wider vehicle selection |
• Higher rates due to airport fees • Potential lines after flight arrivals • Airport access can be congested • Extra time needed for shuttle/counter process |
| New Orleans Downtown | • Alternative to Metairie and airport • Major companies represented • Convenient for French Quarter stays |
• Higher rates in tourist areas • Downtown traffic and parking challenges • Distance from Metairie accommodations |
Service Notes:
On average, car rentals in Metairie cost around $75 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $34 per day.
Neighborhood branches beat the airport. Metairie storefronts along Veterans Blvd usually run 10-20 % cheaper than MSY because they skip airport concession fees. Just plan around shorter office hours.
Watch the event calendar. Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and Saints home games push prices way up—book months ahead. For steamy July–August, you can often wait and snag last-minute deals.
Run daily vs. weekly quotes. A 7-day rate in Metairie can cost less than 4 separate days. Check both options in our comparison tool.
Smaller car, smaller bill. Economy models rent cheaper, sip less gas and fit New Orleans' tight parking spots. Upgrade only if you really need the cargo room.
Finding a spot in Metairie is generally easier than in New Orleans, and most businesses offer free lots.
| Location | Details | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Shopping Centers | Free parking lots | • Abundant at all major retail centers • Well-lit and spacious • No special restrictions |
| Business Districts | Mix of free and time-limited | • Some areas have 2-hour limits • Office buildings may require validation • Enforcement during business hours |
| Residential Areas | Street parking but some restrictions | • Avoid blocking driveways • Some neighborhoods have permit requirements • Be respectful of residential areas |
| New Orleans Visits | Paid parking essential | • Street parking limited and regulated • Garages charge variable rates depending on events • Consider park-and-ride options during major events |
Local Driving Rules:
Book a rental so you can easily:
New Orleans – French Quarter, Canal Street
Metairie – Lakeside Shopping Center, Lafreniere Park
Lake Pontchartrain North Shore – Mandeville, Covington
Baton Rouge – Louisiana State Capitol, museum district
Is it better to rent a car at the airport or in Metairie? If you're staying in Metairie, renting in town can save you about 10-20% compared to airport prices. But renting at the airport is more convenient, as the rental places stay open longer and have more cars to choose from. Think about when you arrive and how you'll get around to make your choice.
Do I need a car if I'm staying in Metairie? Yes, we highly recommend getting a car. While Jefferson Transit has some bus service, their routes don't cover a lot of ground and public transportation isn't very convenient for most visitors. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore Metairie and the New Orleans area.
How is parking in New Orleans if I drive from Metairie? Finding a parking spot in New Orleans is harder and costs more than in Metairie. There isn't a lot of street parking and the city regulates it heavily. Parking garages charge about $15-30 a day, depending on where they are and what's going on. You should plan where to park before you head into the city, especially if there's a big event.
Are there any driving restrictions during Mardi Gras? Yes, during Mardi Gras the city closes many streets and has driving restrictions, especially around the parade routes. They might close the French Quarter to cars completely. You should plan to park in a designated spot and then walk or use public transportation to get around the city.
How is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway to drive? The Causeway is a 24-mile (39 km) bridge that goes across Lake Pontchartrain. Most drivers find it's an easy drive when the weather is good. When it's foggy or stormy, it can be harder to see, which makes driving more difficult. You pay a $6 toll to drive south (back to Metairie) and the northbound trip is free.
What's the best route from Metairie to the French Quarter? Taking I-10 East to the Canal Street or Poydras Street exits is usually the fastest way. When there's heavy traffic, you can take Airline Highway (US 61) instead. The drive takes about 20-30 minutes in normal traffic but can be longer during rush hour or special events.
Should I be concerned about flooding when driving in Metairie? Metairie's drainage system usually works well, but heavy thunderstorms can cause streets to flood for a little while. You should never drive through water if you don't know how deep it is. If it's raining hard, you should slow down and think about waiting to drive until things clear up.
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