Rent a car in Lake Charles to discover the vast and balmy great outdoors of Louisiana and explore the deep south at your leisure. Lake Charles isn’t just close to its namesake, it’s also surrounded by other lakes, as well as a plethora of wildlife refuges and swamplands.

We have a handful of pick-up locations across the city, including at Lake Charles Regional Airport. Browse our available rental cars online and then choose the perfect vehicle for your Louisiana adventure. Large SUVs will comfortably fit the whole family, while spacious sedans allow you to drive in style.

In the south of the state and close to the Texas state line, it’s easy to explore more of the southern US with car rental from Lake Charles. Exciting New Orleans is only three hours away to the east via the I-10, while the state capitol Baton Rouge is less than two hours from the city. Take the US 165 North and you can reach Alexandria in as little as an hour-and-a-half.

Reserve your Lake Charles rental car online with Hertz today. 

Lake Charles Locations

A Quick Guide to Lake Charles

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Sam Houston Jones State Park

107 Sutherland Road, LA, 70611

Begin your exploration of the city’s great outdoors at this glorious preservation area. Saunter among more than 1,000 acres of hardwood pine trees, past pleasant lakes and rushing rivers. There are plenty of hiking trails and perfect picnic spots where

you’ll likely be greeted by the local geese. Driving your car rental all day in Lake Charles can be tiring, park up and enjoy a picnic in this natural haven. 

Creole Nature Trail All-American Road

Creole Nature Trail All-American Road

1205 N Lakeshore Drive, LA, 70601

Use your Lake Charles rental car to take a scenic drive through Louisiana’s Outback. Starting from the Adventure Point on Lakeshore Drive, you’ll head south through balmy swamplands where alligators dwell. The trail is 180 miles, with more than

26 miles skating the Gulf Coast, so you’re guaranteed spectacular views for the whole journey.

Millennium Park Playground

Millennium Park

900 Lakeshore Drive, LA, 70601

Nestled along the banks of the lake that gave the city its name, Millennium Park is the perfect place in the city to spend a sunny afternoon. There are several playgrounds where kids can go wild. There’s also a rock-climbing wall, splash pad area and plenty of interactive activities, such as kayaking on the lake. Renting a car in Lake Charles means you can save on having to pay for public transport everywhere. 

Courtyard by Marriott Lake Charles

2995 L’Auberge Boulevard, LA, 70601

Reserve a spacious suite at this Marriott hotel, just 15 minutes from the airport with your Lake Charles car rental. Guests can enjoy the 24-hour fitness center and heated outdoor pool. Grab breakfast and a Starbucks coffee at The Bistro then return for classic comfort food at night.

Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino

2550 Golden Nugget Boulevard, LA, 70601

Indulge in the luxury and glamor of this casino hotel sat smack on the waterfront. The hotel features more than 1,000 stylish suites offering spectacular views across the lake. As well as having a go on the slots and roulette tables at the casino, guests can relax at the spa or by the pool bar. There’s also plenty of free parking for your Lake Charles rental car.

Della Belle Bed & Breakfast

1301 Shell Beach Drive, LA, 70601

Enjoy a romantic excursion at this intimate B&B by Contraband Bayou Golf Club. Each of the five suites is uniquely designed with comfort in mind, featuring plush furnishings and cozy décor. Play a hand of cards in the garden parlor, swim in the pool or take a stroll through the lovely grounds.

La Truffe Sauvage

815 W Bayou Pine Drive, LA, 70601

This elegant restaurant boasts a welcoming atmosphere and serves French cuisine with an intriguing Louisiana twist. Try the crispy duck leg confit, on creamy risotto, or the jumbo lump crabmeat Mary Louise in puff pastry. Business meetings will look cooler in a sleek car rental from our Lake Charles location. 

The Villa Harlequin

324 Pujo Street, LA, 70601

Authentic Italian fare is the focus at this restaurant, which is housed in a historic building in Lake Charles. Try the deep-dish lasagna, which is topped with rich mozzarella and parmesan cheeses and cooked to perfection before being served with garlic bread and salad. For dessert, the tiramisu is the must-try staple on the menu or opt for a refreshing scoop of lemon sorbet.

Pat’s of Henderson

1500 Siebarth Drive, LA, 70615

Visit Pat’s to feast on classic southern comforts and some of the best Cajun food in this part of Louisiana. Order the fettuccine with shrimp, crawfish, chicken or seafood mix or go for the classic shrimp gumbo with a side of cream corn. It’s just 15 minutes from our Lake Charles Airport car rental location. And once you arrive, you won’t leave hungry.

Driving In and Around Lake Charles

  • 127 W Broad Street Parking (70601) is off Broad Street and Lakeshore Drive. Park your Lake Charles car rental here for easy access to the popular restaurants along the waterfront.
  • McNeese Parking Garage (70607) is in the student district in the south of the city. Leave your Lake Charles car rental here and take a stroll along Bayou Contraband river.
  • On-street parking meters for your car rental in Lake Charles are available on the main streets surrounding the lake.
  • Interstate 10 (I-10) is a major east-west highway in Louisiana that passes through Lake Charles, connecting the city with Houston in the west and New Orleans in the east. Renting a car makes it easier to venture out to these other areas.
  • Interstate 210 (I-210) is known as the Lake Charles Bypass, which loops the southern part of the city and continues to Sulphur.
  • U.S. Highway 90 (US 90) runs parallel to the I-10 and travels west from the city to Iowa before finishing at the Mississippi state line.

How to Get From Lake Charles Regional Airport to Lakeshore Drive

It takes around 15 minutes with your holiday or business car rental to drive from the airport to the shores of Lake Charles:
 

  1. From the Lake Charles car rental lot, head west on Chennault Parkway.
  2. Turn right on to Merganser Street.
  3. Take a left on to Legion Street.
  4. Make a right on to Gerstner Memorial Drive.
  5. Turn left on to Broad Street and continue for half a mile.
  6. Turn left again on to Hodges Street.
  7. Make a final right turn at the two cross street on to Kirby Street and continue on to Lakeshore Drive.

 

How to Get From Lake Charles to New Orleans

It only takes around three hours to drive from Lake Charles to New Orleans with your car rental. Get on to the I-10 from Bilbo Street and continue east for just over 200 miles. Use the left lane to take Exit 234B and follow Poydras Street into the city.