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Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 538914

Monroe offers several car rental pickup options to suit different travel needs.

Location Pros Cons
Monroe Regional Airport (MLU)
  • Rental counters in terminal
  • Located across from baggage claim
  • No shuttle needed (walk to cars)
  • Hours aligned to flight schedules
  • Airport fees increase rates
  • Limited after-hours service unless arranged
  • Smaller selection than major airports
City/Neighborhood Locations
  • Often lower rates than airport
  • Some offer pickup service
  • Convenient if already in Monroe
  • Limited hours (usually 8AM-6PM weekdays)
  • Restricted weekend hours or closed Sundays
  • Need transportation to reach office

MLU Airport Rental Notes:

  • Major companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz and National/Enterprise
  • Rental counters located across from baggage claim
  • Vehicles parked just outside the terminal, in walking distance

City Location Notes:

  • Enterprise has city locations in Monroe
  • Useful if arriving by bus or after you've settled in town
  • May offer pickup service from local hotels or businesses
  • Advance reservations recommended for specific vehicle types

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Monroe?

On average, car rentals in Monroe cost around $64 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $44 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • Compare airport vs. city pickup: Monroe Regional Airport adds roughly 10-15 % in fees. A quick rideshare to a neighborhood branch can offset that and still save you money.

  • Mind local events: ULM homecoming, Christmas on the River and October's Celtic Festival push demand up. Lock in a rate 2-3 weeks out for those weekends, but feel free to monitor and rebook if prices dip during quieter weeks.

  • Play with dates and times: Shifting pick-up or drop-off by even a few hours (e.g., after 10 a.m.) can trigger lower price tiers in Monroe's smaller market.

  • Check weekly vs. daily pricing: A 5-day rental often costs more than the weekly rate—run both options in your comparison search.

  • Right-size the car: Economy models handle Monroe's streets and I-20 just fine. Only pay for a bigger ride if you truly need the space for a crew or gear on trips to Black Bayou or Poverty Point.

Local Parking and Driving

Finding a place to park in Monroe is usually easy, and rates are reasonable.

Area Parking Options Tips
Downtown Monroe
  • Street parking (some metered)
  • Public lots
  • Private lots
  • Many free spots available
  • Meters usually enforced weekdays only
  • Downtown rarely faces shortages
Pecanland Mall Area
  • Free surface parking
  • Plenty of spaces available
  • No time restrictions
West Monroe/Antique Alley
  • Street parking
  • Public lots
  • Free throughout the district
  • Can fill up during special events
ULM Campus
  • Permit parking
  • Visitor areas
  • Watch for permit-only areas
  • Visitor parking near main buildings

Local Driving Regulations:

  • Speed limits: 25-35 mph on city streets, 45-55 mph on major arteries, 70 mph on interstates
  • School zones: 25 mph when in effect (usually 7-9AM and 2-4PM on school days)
  • Right turns on red allowed after complete stop (unless signed otherwise)
  • Seat belts required for all occupants
  • Headlights required when using windshield wipers

Traffic Enforcement:

  • Moderate police presence on major roads
  • School zones strictly enforced during active hours
  • DUI checkpoints occasionally set up, especially during holidays and weekends
Why rent a car in Monroe

Book a rental to see:

  • West Monroe – Duck Commander Warehouse, Antique Alley

  • Poverty Point World Heritage Site – earthworks, UNESCO site

  • Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge – boardwalks, wildlife refuge

  • Vicksburg, Mississippi – National Military Park, casinos

  • Shreveport – casinos, museums

Driving Distances from Monroe

FAQs

How far is Monroe Regional Airport from downtown?

Monroe Regional Airport is about 5 miles (8 km) from downtown. The drive on US-165 takes about 10-15 minutes.

Are there any tolls in the Monroe area?

No, there are no toll roads in Monroe or northeast Louisiana.

What documents do I need to rent a car in Monroe?

You'll need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. If you plan to decline the rental company's optional coverage, bring proof of your personal auto insurance. International visitors should have an International Driving Permit if their license isn't in English.

Is Monroe a good base for exploring northern Louisiana?

Yes, Monroe is a great base for exploring northeast Louisiana as well as parts of southern Arkansas and western Mississippi. You can reach most regional attractions in a 1-2 hour drive.

What's the best vehicle type if I plan to visit outdoor attractions like Black Bayou Lake?

You can reach most visitor areas at wildlife refuges in a standard car. An SUV might be more comfortable on some of the rural roads. Any car is fine for the main visitor centers.

Where can I find the cheapest gas in Monroe?

You can often find cheaper gas at stations near Walmart and along Louisville Avenue. Gas prices in Monroe are usually lower than the national average.

Is it easy to navigate between Monroe and West Monroe?

Yes, several bridges connect the two cities across the Ouachita River, including I-20, Louisville Avenue and the Endom Bridge. Driving between the cities usually takes only 5-10 minutes.

What's the minimum age to rent a car in Monroe?

Most companies rent to drivers 21 and older, but if you're under 25 you will pay a young-driver fee of about $25-30 per day.