$39 Car Rental Lafayette, LA

These Lafayette insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 19, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Lafayette

Renting a car in Lafayette offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly appealing for families and those looking for sports and entertainment experiences. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Acadian Village, a historic site perfect for cultural experiences, and the Cathedral of St John, another cultural landmark. For sports enthusiasts, Cajun Field provides an engaging experience right in Lafayette.

Additionally, having a rental car allows for convenient day trips to nearby cities. Broussard, located just 6 miles away, features the Broussard Sports Complex and Youngsville Sports Complex, perfect for sports lovers. Breaux Bridge, 8 miles from Lafayette, offers attractions like Vermilionville Historic Village, while Scott, only 5 miles away, is home to Acadian Village. Renting a car simplifies luggage management and supports flexible travel plans, making it an ideal choice for tourists seeking to make the most of their visit to Lafayette and its surrounding areas.

Most popular car rentals in Lafayette

• Luxury SUV: This car option accommodates up to 5 travelers and can hold up to 4 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. Renting a Luxury SUV in Lafayette allows you to travel in style and comfort while having ample space for luggage and passengers, which is particularly beneficial if you plan to explore the area with multiple bags.
• Economy: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families, the Economy car option accommodates up to 5 travelers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This choice is perfect for those looking to navigate Lafayette efficiently while keeping rental costs lower. The Economy car offers a balance of affordability and functionality, making it a popular choice among tourists.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is well-suited for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases. This option provides a good mix of space and comfort, allowing you to enjoy your travels around Lafayette without feeling cramped. With enough room for your belongings, a Midsize SUV is a versatile choice for various travel needs.

Top rated car suppliers in Lafayette

• Budget: Budget has 1 rental location in Lafayette, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Known for its flexibility, this supplier offers a range of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs being the most booked. Budget is an excellent option for those looking to explore Lafayette at their own pace while managing their luggage easily.
• Hertz: With 3 rental locations in the Lafayette area, Hertz provides extensive options for travelers. This supplier is popular for its Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, catering to various needs and preferences. Travelers appreciate the accessibility and variety offered by Hertz, ensuring a smooth rental experience while discovering the attractions of Lafayette.
• Dollar Rent A Car: Dollar Rent A Car operates 2 locations within Lafayette, making it a convenient choice for car rentals. This supplier is favored for its Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, providing reliable options for families and groups. With a strong presence in the area, Dollar Rent A Car makes it easy for travelers to embark on their adventures around Lafayette with comfort and ease.

Where to stay around Lafayette

• Breaux Bridge: Located 8 miles away from Lafayette, Breaux Bridge is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery. This city offers various attractions, including the historic Vermilionville and the Cathedral of St John, making it suitable for culture enthusiasts. Enjoy recreational areas, parks, and a national state park while sampling local cuisine at nearby restaurants and wineries.
• Broussard: Situated 6 miles from Lafayette, Broussard is an ideal destination for sports lovers and families. The Broussard Sports Complex at Saint Julien Park and Cajun Field provide excellent venues for various sports activities. Additionally, you can relax at local parks or visit nearby breweries and restaurants, all while enjoying the family-friendly atmosphere.
• Scott: Only 5 miles away from Lafayette, Scott is known for its family-friendly experiences and entertainment. Key attractions include Acadian Village and Cajun Field, both offering a glimpse into the area's rich culture. Scott features recreational areas and local eateries where you can indulge in sweet treats, making it a delightful stop for families and culture seekers alike.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Lafayette

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car to save money, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your travel dates. By booking in advance, you're more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during busy seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles tend to be more affordable to rent and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There’s often an additional fee for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Lafayette

The best value period to rent a car in Lafayette is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. Following these months, March and April offer average pricing and demand, making them decent options as well. However, June through August see prices and demand rising, with June being the most expensive month of the year. July, in particular, tends to be the busiest month for rentals, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	75.2°F (24.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
June	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	81.7°F (27.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	81.9°F (27.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	77.9°F (25.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	70.3°F (21.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	60.1°F (15.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	55.4°F (13.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Car rental prices in Lafayette

Lafayette, LA is a surprisingly affordable city – and the same goes for its car rental prices: the rates for car rentals in Lafayette start from just $39* so you can save more of your hard-earned cash for the city's delicious Cajun soul food. Lafayette car rental deals can be found in the winter when there are fewer tourists and lower prices – and you won't miss out on anything thanks to Louisiana's mild winters.

Finding some of the best deals for cheap car rentals in Lafayette

To find the best car rental deals in Lafayette, think about the type of vehicle you're going for. Smaller vehicles, like a mini, will tend to give you some of the best Expedia car rental deals, as opposed to larger or luxury vehicle classes, for instance. And whether you're based in Lafayette itself for your whole stay or planning on visiting nearby Baton Rouge, Lafayette is primarily a place for city driving. So, by opting for a smaller, compact car you'll make street parking a breeze and help you maximize that all-important fuel efficiency.

Best car rental companies in Lafayette

You've got so many choices when it comes to finding some of the best car rental companies in Lafayette. International company Avis comes highly recommended by travelers – and with a counter right at Lafayette Regional Airport, you can hop into your car as soon as you get off the plane. If you're heading downtown, Enterprise car rentals have no fewer than three branches across the city to give you maximum flexibility. These are just two of Expedia's partners: the best car rental company in Lafayette for you depends on your specific needs. And don't forget to search using your specific dates to see other rental car companies in Lafayette.

Best places to rent a car in Lafayette

If you're flying into Lafayette Regional Airport, your best bet is to hire a car directly at the airport itself and make the most of the airport car rental deals. Public transportation from the airport to downtown is somewhat patchy, so you might find a car handy for getting to your accommodation. If you're coming into the city by Amtrak train, you might prefer to have your car hire in Lafayette's downtown or near the University of Louisiana at Lafayette so it's ready and waiting when you step onto the platform.

Types of Lafayette car rentals

While most travelers will opt for a standard compact or economy car rental in Lafayette, many other options are available. If you want to stand out, a sports car rental in Lafayette will take you to the bayou and back in style. An SUV rental is great for those who need more space – families and over-packers will appreciate it. And for those down south who want to celebrate a special day, a luxury car would be a great option for your Lafayette wedding car rental.

Advice on car rental in Lafayette as an American

To rent a car in Lafayette, you'll need a valid US driver's license – your rental car company will help you with an international permit if you need one. Besides this, many rental car companies have age thresholds for car rental and charge an extra fee for drivers under the age of 25. Finally, you'll often need a credit card to cover your deposit: make sure to check the specific T&Cs of your chosen provider, as some companies let you rent a car with a debit card, too.

Benefits of booking a car rental in Lafayette with Expedia

With Expedia, finding a cheap rental car in Lafayette is a breeze – just enter your dates and pick-up time to see all the options available to you – and voilà, cheap rental cars in Lafayette. Once you've got your list of available cars, use the "Total Price" option to make sure your discount car rental in Lafayette isn't going to break the bank. Pssst: use the "Great deals" checkbox at the top to see some of the very best Expedia car rental deals for the day. Sometimes things crop up last-minute and your plans go awry – we get it. That's why the bulk of Lafayette car rental deals on Expedia comes with free cancelation. Make sure to carefully check the terms and conditions before booking.