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Car rental in Lafayette - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Lafayette

Lafayette

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Lafayette

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Lafayette

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Lafayette

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days

Why Rent a Car in Lafayette?

Lafayette is a vibrant city known for its unique Cajun and Creole culture, lively music scene, and delicious cuisine. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore all that Lafayette and the surrounding areas have to offer. From historical sites to natural attractions, a car provides convenient access to the best destinations.

Explore Cajun Country. Lafayette is the heart of Cajun Country, and a rental car allows you to easily visit nearby towns and attractions such as Avery Island, home of the Tabasco factory, and Vermilionville, a living history museum.

Attend Festivals and Events. Lafayette hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, and having a car makes it easy to travel between venues and enjoy the local culture.

Discover Natural Beauty. With a rental car, you can explore the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest swamp in the United States, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Lafayette

Before booking a rental car in Lafayette, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions. Key aspects include age requirements, driver's license regulations, insurance coverage, and fuel policies. Being aware of these details will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.

Area

27.16 square miles (70.35 square kilometers)

Population

Approximately 126,000 residents

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) - GMT-6 (CST) / GMT-5 (CDT)

Ideal for

Exploring Cajun Country

Rush Hours

Weekdays 7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 6 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Lafayette require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, renters under 25 may be subject to additional fees.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.

3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals typically include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter's credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, so it's important to understand the requirements for returning the car with the correct fuel level.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional add-ons like GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.

Car Rental Prices in Lafayette – How Much Does It Cost?

Car rental prices in Lafayette can vary depending on the season, vehicle type, and rental company. Generally, economy-class cars have an average daily rate.

Business:

from £38 / $48 / €45 per day

Electric:

from £20 / $25 / €24 per day

Classic:

from £10 / $13 / €12 per day

Executive:

from £30 / $38 / €36 per day

7 Seater:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Automatic:

from £20 / $25 / €24 per day

SUV:

from £12 / $15 / €14 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (March to May): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to festivals and events.

Low season (June to August): Often comes with discounts due to the hot and humid weather.

Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Lafayette?

Booking a car in Lafayette involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and satisfactory rental experience. From comparing prices to understanding rental terms, careful planning can help you find the best deal and vehicle for your needs.

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for details on mileage limits, insurance coverage, and other important conditions.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking your car rental well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.

General Information About Lafayette

Lafayette, Louisiana, is a city rich in Cajun and Creole culture. Known for its vibrant music scene, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, Lafayette offers a unique blend of history and modern attractions. Renting a car is ideal for exploring the city and the surrounding areas.

As the heart of Cajun Country, Lafayette is a hub of cultural and historical significance. However, driving in Lafayette requires some awareness of local traffic conditions and regulations. Understanding parking options, gas station locations, and rush hour patterns can enhance your driving experience.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Vermilionville

    A living history museum showcasing Cajun, Creole, and Native American cultures from the 1765-1890 period.

  • Avery Island

    Home of the Tabasco factory, offering tours and tastings.

  • Acadiana Center for the Arts

    A cultural hub featuring art exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Downtown Lafayette offers several public parking garages for convenient parking.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered on-street parking is available throughout the city, with varying time limits and rates.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride facilities for easier access to downtown areas.

Gas Stations in Lafayette

  • Major Brands

    Find gas stations from major brands like Shell, Chevron, and ExxonMobil throughout Lafayette.

  • Convenience Stores

    Many convenience stores also offer fuel, providing additional options for refueling.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Use navigation apps like Google Maps to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Lafayette

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Be aware of rush hour traffic, particularly during weekdays.

  • Stay Hydrated

    Bring water, especially during warmer months

  • Check Local Events

    Check the event calendar for local festivals and music performances.

Key Transportation Hubs in Lafayette

Major Bus Stations

Lafayette Transit System (LTS)

The city's public transportation system, providing bus services throughout Lafayette.

Railway Stations

Amtrak Station

Offers limited passenger rail services to and from Lafayette.

Airports

Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT)

Located near the city center, providing domestic flights to major cities.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Lafayette?

Renting a car in Lafayette is a straightforward process, but it’s important to have the necessary documents and meet the basic requirements. Here’s what you'll typically need.

  • A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.

  • A credit or debit card in the driver's name is required for the security deposit and rental payment.

  • A passport or other government-issued photo ID may be required, especially for international renters.

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Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

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This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Lafayette as

4.9

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Lafayette was fantastic! Exploring with the family was so easy with our rental car. Great food, beautiful scenery.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 07.04.2025

Pretty chill, really.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 29.05.2025

So glad I returned! Lafayette's charm is even better now.

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 04.06.2025

Family vacation in Lafayette was perfect! Exploring the city with our car was so convenient and fun.

EG

Evelyn Garcia

Reviewed: 01.02.2025

Quick weekend trip, but perfect! Getting around was a breeze, and Lafayette's charm is undeniable. Highly recommend!

MR

Maya Rodriguez

Reviewed: 17.02.2025

Pretty relaxed, overall.

OW

Olivia Wilson

Reviewed: 07.07.2025

Having a car made seeing my friends in Lafayette so easy! We zipped around, explored the Vermilion River, and enjoyed some amazing Cajun food. A perfect short trip.

JB

Jessica Brown

Reviewed: 09.08.2025

Charming city, easy to navigate. Loved it!

KW

Katherine Wilson

Reviewed: 30.08.2024

Summer in Lafayette was delightful! Exploring by car was a breeze, so much to see.

IT

Isabelle Thompson

Reviewed: 01.09.2024

Low-key pleasant.

AL

Ava Lee

Reviewed: 23.03.2025

Pretty laid-back, really.

JH

Jenna Hernandez

Reviewed: 22.11.2024

First-time visit, loved Lafayette's charm!

AM

Ava Martinez

Reviewed: 20.02.2025

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