EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car at New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers in Louisiana with no booking fees. Hop on the free shuttle to the consolidated rental center and you'll be on I-10 toward the French Quarter in about 20 minutes.
The MSY car rental experience involves a short shuttle ride to a dedicated facility:
| Location Details | |
|---|---|
| Facility Type | Consolidated Rental Car Center |
| Distance from Terminal | Short shuttle ride (around 15-20 minutes) |
| Shuttle | Free buses run every 5 minutes from Level 1 Baggage Claim |
| Major Companies | Enterprise/National, Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty, Avis/Budget and Alamo |
| Operating Hours | Most counters open 24 hours or close to it |
| After-Hours Returns | Available at first floor of garage along with drop box for keys |
| Process Time | Budget 30-45 minutes from landing to completing paperwork |
Pickup Process: 1. After collecting baggage, follow signs to "Rental Car Shuttle" 2. Board shuttle outside Level 1 Baggage Claim 3. Ride to the Consolidated Rental Car Center 4. Complete paperwork at rental company counter 5. Pick up vehicle from designated area
Return Process: 1. Follow signs to Rental Return 2. Park on first floor of garage 3. Return keys at counter (or use drop box if after hours) 4. Take shuttle bus back to the terminal
On average, car rentals at New Orleans Airport cost around $80 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $19 per day.
Play the calendar: Rates spike for Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, so lock something in early for those weeks. Traveling June–September? It's off-peak in New Orleans and prices drop about 35 percent, so last-minute deals can pop up.
Compare "airport vs downtown" totals: If you're spending a couple of days in the French Quarter first, check downtown pickup prices. Skipping the MSY airport fees can beat the cost of a rideshare from the terminal.
Mid-week pickups = cheaper: Starting your rental Monday–Wednesday often trims a few bucks per day compared with weekend collections.
Watch for weekly pricing quirks: A 5-day rental can cost more than a 7-day "weekly" rate. Run both options in the search box and grab the lower total.
Book, then stalk the price: Most reservations are free to cancel. Lock the best deal you see, set a fare alert, and rebook if the rate drops.
Refuel smart: Top off on Airline Highway (US-61) a few miles from MSY to dodge the painful per-gallon charge back at the lot.
Airport Parking Options (if returning before flying):
Local Driving Regulations:
Traffic Enforcement:
Book a car rental so you can see:
French Quarter – music venues, cuisine
Garden District – architecture, cemeteries
River Road Plantations – Oak Alley, Laura, Whitney
Jean Lafitte Barataria Preserve – swamp tours, wildlife
How long does the walk or shuttle take from the terminal to the car rental center?
The new terminal has a covered walkway that connects to the car rental center. It's an easy 3-5 minute walk. If you have trouble walking, courtesy shuttles can take you there in about 5 minutes.
Can I return my rental car outside of business hours?
Yes, most rental companies at MSY let you return cars after hours. Just park in the marked area and put the keys and the completed contract in the secure drop box.
Are there any tolls I should be aware of when driving from the airport?
You won't pay any tolls when you drive between MSY and New Orleans. If you drive to the Northshore using the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, you will pay a $5 toll when you are coming back toward New Orleans.
How early should I arrive to return my rental car before my flight?
You should plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before your check-in time. It takes about 15-20 minutes to park and return the car and another 5-10 minutes to walk back to the terminal or take the shuttle.
Is premium fuel required for rental cars?
Most rental cars at MSY just need regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Use premium fuel only if the rental agent tells you to or if you see a note on the gas cap.
What's the minimum age to rent a car at MSY?
Most companies rent to drivers who are 21 and older. If you are under 25, the company will add a 'young driver' fee of about $25–$30 per day.
Can I pick up at MSY and return downtown (or vice versa)?
Yes, you can often rent a car one-way between MSY and downtown. Since it's all in the same city, you will probably pay little or no extra fee for dropping it off at a different place.
Where can I find the cheapest gas before returning to MSY?
You can usually find some of the lowest gas prices at stations on Airline Highway (US-61). They are just 5–10 minutes from the airport.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support