Car Rental - Lafayette

 

Rent a car in Lafayette, southern Louisiana’s melting pot of Arcadian and Creole heritage. This city is famed for its vibrant food scene, nearby swampland and for hosting the Festival International de Louisiane each spring.

It’s easy to pick up a rental car in Lafayette – we have locations at Lafayette Regional Airport, in West Lafayette and at Johnston Street just south of the city.

Car rental in Lafayette opens up a world of travel on the Gulf of Mexico – it’s just over two hours to New Orleans, but Texas and Mississippi are also fertile ground for road trips.

Take to the road in a robust SUV to explore the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge or reserve a vacation-ready coupe to glide along the Cajun Riviera.

Reserve your Lafayette rental car online for a swift collection, then prepare to treat your ears, eyes and tastebuds with the riches of Cajun country.

Lafayette Locations

A Quick Guide to Lafayette

aerial view lafayette

LARC’s Acadian Village

200 Greenleaf Drive, LA, 70506

This private cultural park is one of the best places to get acquainted with Lafayette’s unique heritage, since it transports visitors back to the early 1800s via tours of settlers’ houses.

The oldest structure is Bernard House, built at the turn of the 19th century. Via paintings, exhibits and 150-year-old artifacts, it’s possible to learn about a simple way of life and rich, distinctive culture.

Cathedral of St John the Evangelist lafayette

Cathedral of St John the Evangelist

515 Cathedral Street, LA, 70501

Exceptional architecture is on show at this pinnacle of the Lafayette skyline, built a century ago.

Reserve your place on a tour to truly appreciate the detail of the Dutch-Romanesque style interior, which has earned the structure a place on the National Register of Historic Properties. Afterwards, head to the adjacent museum to see parish exhibits.

Lake Martin

Lake Martin

Rookery Road, LA, 70517

No trip to Lafayette is complete without exploring the distinctive landscapes of Louisiana. Lake Martin on the Cypress Island Preserve is a great place to do just this – the swamp ecosystem glows golden-green and nurtures species such as great blue herons, alligators and turtles. If you’re travelling by rental car from Lafayette, don’t fret – there’s parking available nearby.

Louisiana Cajun Mansion Bed and Breakfast

4304 Decon Road, LA, 70592

A four-star hotel set in Youngsville’s lush surrounds, Louisiana Cajun Mansion offers culture, comfort and tranquility just 20 minutes south of Lafayette.

There are suites, glamping tents and lashings of hospitality – join the Cajun Grilling Dinner for seven-course delights and traditional music out on the patio.

The Carriage House Hotel

603 Silverstone Road, LA, 70508

Palm tree elegance and exclusivity set the tone at The Carriage Horse Hotel, a place which prides itself on offering a quiet environment and attentive, personal service.

The luxe granite bathrooms, in-suite utility rooms and 24-hour security create a select atmosphere. You’ll also get full privileges within City Club at River Ranch during your stay. If you’re using a rental car in Lafayette don’t worry – the Carriage House Hotel has free parking onsite.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott

321 Settlers Trace Boulevard, LA, 70508

This three-star hotel is set in Lafayette’s leafy River Ranch district. Here, zydeco music brings local culture to life, but you’ll also find handy amenities such as smart TVs, flexible meeting spaces and high-speed internet.

There’s an outdoor swimming pool to help you cool off in the summer, plus a fitness center.

Sushi Masa

3920 Ambassador Caffery Parkkwya, LA 70503

If fresh seafood and Japanese hospitality take your fancy, Sushi Masa won’t disappoint. Sample the freshest beautifully hand rolled sushi, delicate and nourishing soups and straight-up sashimi – all you can eat style. The impressively presented colorful dishes are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. 

Scratch Farm Kitchen

406 Garfield Street, LA, 70501

A wholesome farm environment defines this casual eatery, where burgers and brunch are the stars of the show.

Dive into a plate of greens, enjoy a veggie burger or try a ranch pocket stacked with farm-grown vegetables, chicken and bacon. This place is known for having an atmosphere as warm as its comfort bowls.

Louisiana Crawfish Time

2019 Verot School Road, LA, 70508

Some of Lafayette’s most authentic Cajun and Creole seafood is served at Louisiana Crawfish Time, a place to delve into raw oysters or catfish po-boys and finish up with a New Orleans-style bread pudding.

Driving In and Around Lafayette

  • Parc Auto Du Centre-Ville (70501) is a Downtown garage located close to Parc de Lafayette, Lafayette Science Museum and Children’s Museum of Acadiana.
  • Lafayette Regional Airport (70508) has short-term parking available. This is near to Acadian Cultural Center, Vermilionville Historic Village and Vermilion Conference Center.
  • UL Parking, Semester Parking (70503) is ideal for parking up your Lafayette car rental to visit Foster Hall, Hilliard Art Museum and the University of Louisiana.

 

  • Interstate 10 (I-10) crosses the Atchafalaya Basin from Lafayette to Baton Rouge before skirting south towards New Orleans. Further east, it passes Jacksonville, Florida. Out west, I-10 connects Lafayette to Lake Charles and Houston, Texas.
  • US Route 90 (US 90) is a commuter route which leads south from Lafayette to Broussard, Billeaud and Attakapas Island Wildlife Management Area.
  • Interstate 49 (I-49) starts in Lafayette’s north and heads towards Thistlewaite State Wildlife Management Area, Chicot State Park and Alexandria.

 

How to Get From Lafayette to New Orleans by Rental Car

It takes just over two hours to drive the 137 miles from Lafayette to New Orleans in your rental car:

  1. Leave the car rental parking lot at Lafayette Regional Airport and follow Grissom Drive towards the exit.
  2. Turn left on to Surrey Street, then take a right to join US 90 (Evangeline Throughway).
  3. Keep right again to take the ramp on to I-10.
  4. After a couple of hours, use Exit 234B to enter downtown New Orleans.

 

How to Get From Lafayette to Baton Rouge by Rental Car

Baton Rouge is just a one hour or so drive from Lafayette in your rental car. Just get on the Evangeline Throughway to join I-10 E. Cross the Mississippi River, then take Exit 155B to join I110 before using Exit 1B to enter the one-way system at Baton Rouge.

 

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