Cheap Budget Car Hire in New Orleans

Knowing local laws helps prevent fines and makes your driving experience smoother.

When hiring a car, especially if you’re arriving in New Orleans by flight, plan for extra time at pickup to accommodate any potential delays. Suppliers like Budget typically offer a grace period of 30-60 minutes. Providing your flight number can be helpful, but if you’re running late, be sure to call the supplier to inform them.

Select a pickup location that is convenient for you. Some rental companies offer locations within the airport for quick access, while others may require shuttle transportation.

Choose car hire suppliers with high ratings, as these often indicate better service, newer cars, and more convenient pickup locations. For New Orleans, we have car hire deals from 13 suppliers. Among them, Budget has a rating of 4.5, Payless has a rating of 4.6, Alamo has a rating of 4.6 and Greenmotion has a rating of 4.6.

Some zones may have driving limitations; make sure you’re aware of them.

When renting a car, understand the fuel policy. A 'Full-to-Full' policy means you return the car with a full tank, while 'Same-to-Same' means you return it with the same level of fuel. Full-to-Full is often more cost-effective.

Most rental companies will require a credit card for the deposit, which is typically frozen in your account. Make sure to inquire about the specific deposit amount and the policy for releasing the freeze.

Before booking, check for any promotional offers or discounts that may be available. Many rental companies provide seasonal deals or discounts for early bookings.