Avis Car Hire
New Orleans

Once you collect your luggage at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, follow the prominent signs to the Rental Car Facility. All car hire companies, including Avis, are located in a separate, consolidated building away from the main terminal. You will take a short, convenient shuttle bus directly from the terminal's transport centre to the facility. The system is designed to be very straightforward, keeping you out of the complex airport road loops until you are ready to depart in your vehicle.

Arriving during a major New Orleans event such as Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest or a large convention will likely mean increased demand and potentially longer wait times at the rental counter. To streamline your experience, have your driving licence and reservation details readily accessible at the counter. Booking your vehicle well in advance is strongly recommended as it helps staff prepare for your arrival. While peak periods can be busy, the consolidated facility is designed to cope with high volumes of travellers.

An efficient approach is for the first person or group to arrive and handle baggage claim for everyone. The designated driver can then proceed alone via the shuttle to the Rental Car Facility to complete the paperwork and pick up the vehicle. Once the car is ready, they can drive it from the rental garage to the passenger pickup area at the main terminal. This allows the remainder of the group to wait comfortably with the luggage until the car arrives, minimising hassle for everyone.

The best place to do this is inside the rental car garage itself, immediately after you have picked up your vehicle. Before exiting the garage and entering traffic, find an open parking space on one of the levels. This gives you a safe, out-of-the-way spot to load luggage properly, adjust mirrors and seats, and programme your destination into your satnav. Taking a few minutes to get organised here will make your departure from the airport much smoother and less stressful.

For a less stressful drive, a good option is to take the I‑10 East from the airport towards the New Orleans Business District. Instead of taking one of the more complex downtown exits, continue to the Poydras Street exit. This exit ramp is relatively long and leads onto a wide, multi‑lane street that runs directly toward the river and the edge of the French Quarter. It's well signed and more manageable for first‑time visitors compared with some of the tighter, faster interchanges.

The key is to use a reliable GPS with lane‑guidance and pay close attention to overhead signs well in advance of your exit. On I‑10 East towards downtown, it's generally best to stay in the centre or second‑from‑right lane. This position gives you more time to react and avoids the right‑hand lanes that can suddenly become exit‑only for other highways or bridges, such as the Crescent City Connection. Trust your navigation app and prepare for your exit a mile or two before you reach it.

The most effective method is to have a plan before you arrive. Pull up as close to your hotel entrance as possible and switch on your hazard lights. One person from your party should quickly take the luggage into the lobby while the driver stays with the vehicle. This allows you to unload efficiently and be ready to move if required. After unloading, the driver can then proceed directly to a pre‑identified car park without needing to circle the narrow, congested streets.

If your hotel lacks parking, your most reliable options are the numerous public car parks located in the Central Business District (CBD), which borders the French Quarter. These facilities are typically well lit and often have onsite staff or security monitoring. Many hotels without their own parking have arrangements with a nearby car park, so it's always a good idea to ask the front desk for their recommendation. Avoid leaving valuables or luggage visible in your car, regardless of where you park.

Vehicle access on Bourbon Street itself is heavily restricted and often closed to traffic, especially in the evenings and at weekends. For a quick drop‑off, your best strategy is to use one of the cross‑streets, such as Canal, Conti or Toulouse. Arrange to meet your party on a corner a block or two away from Bourbon Street. This provides a safe, legal place to pull over briefly without getting caught in pedestrian‑only zones or heavy traffic.

The most important rule is to never drive on the streetcar tracks, which are located in the wide median known locally as the neutral ground. These lanes are exclusively for the streetcars. When you need to make a left turn across the tracks, only do so at designated signalised intersections. Always look both ways for an approaching streetcar before crossing, as they have the right of way. Paying extra attention on Canal Street will help you avoid any issues.

A straightforward route that bypasses the busiest downtown spaghetti junctions is to take I‑10 East from the airport and merge onto US‑90 Business West toward the Westbank/Crescent City Connection. From US‑90 Business, take the St Charles Avenue exit. This will place you directly onto the iconic avenue that runs through the heart of the Garden District. It's a scenic and direct path that helps you avoid the more complex parts of the I‑10 and Pontchartrain Expressway interchange.

For the most direct access, use the main entrance to City Park off Lelong Drive. Once inside the park, follow the signs for the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), which has a large dedicated car park directly in front of it. This area offers ample free parking and is the most convenient spot for visiting the museum, the adjacent sculpture garden and other nearby park attractions. It’s well signed and easy to navigate for those unfamiliar with the park layout.

The key to a stress‑free visit to Audubon Zoo at the weekend is to arrive early, ideally right at opening time. This gives you the best chance of securing a space in the primary car park located directly off Magazine Street. If you arrive later, you may be directed to overflow parking which can involve a bit of a walk. Planning to be an early bird is the most effective strategy to minimise parking hassles and enjoy your day at the zoo.

While there is some limited on‑street parking, the most reliable options for visiting Frenchmen Street are the paid surface lots along Decatur Street and in the surrounding blocks of the Faubourg Marigny neighbourhood. Parking availability becomes significantly more challenging as the evening progresses, especially after 7 pm on nights with live music. To secure a convenient spot, it’s best to arrive in the late afternoon or early evening before the main crowds gather for the nightly shows.

The best approach is to park once in a central location between the two neighbourhoods. Look for a public car park in the Central Business District (CBD), particularly along Poydras Street or near Canal Street. From a car park in this area, the French Quarter is a short walk in one direction, and the Warehouse District (including the National WWII Museum) is an easy walk in the other. This saves time, money and the frustration of navigating and parking in two different dense areas.

First‑time drivers are often surprised by the number of left‑lane exits, which can be unexpected if you’re not paying close attention to signs. The elevated sections of I‑10 can also feel narrow, with limited hard shoulder space, requiring focused driving. Additionally, exit ramps can be short and appear abruptly, so it’s crucial to use your GPS and know which exit you need well in advance. Staying alert and anticipating your moves are key to navigating this stretch comfortably.

The most reliable and convenient option is to use the museum's official multi‑level car park located on Magazine Street. It’s recommended to enter the garage address directly into your satnav for precise directions. While some on‑street parking may be available in the Warehouse District, it is often limited and subject to time restrictions. Using the dedicated museum car park ensures you have a secure place to leave your vehicle and can focus on enjoying your visit.

Most swamp tour operators are located to the west of the city, making the drive from MSY quite direct. The simplest plan is to get on I‑10 West or US‑61 (Airline Highway) heading away from New Orleans. This route allows you to bypass the downtown area and its potential morning traffic. Heading straight to your destination from the airport ensures a quicker, more relaxed journey, which is especially helpful for an early morning start.

To have the smoothest journey for a plantation tour along the River Road, avoid typical commuter rush hours. Plan to depart the New Orleans metro area on a weekday either before 07:00 or after 09:30. For your return trip, aim to be back in the city before 16:00 or wait until after 18:30. This timing strategy will help you miss the heaviest inbound and outbound traffic on the I‑10 and surrounding highways.

The drive to Baton Rouge is primarily on the I‑10, which sees heavy commuter traffic. To avoid the worst of it, schedule your departure from New Orleans for after 09:00 so the morning rush has cleared. On your return, try to leave Baton Rouge early enough to be back in the New Orleans area before 15:30, or delay your departure until after 18:30. This will help you bypass the significant congestion that builds up during the evening commute.

The drive to Lafayette can take over two hours, so it’s sensible to get an early but relaxed start — perhaps leaving New Orleans around 08:30. This avoids peak morning traffic and sets a comfortable pace. Consider planning a short stop midway, maybe near the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, to stretch your legs. Breaking up the drive, even for 15 minutes, can make a significant difference in your energy level on arrival and help you enjoy your time in Cajun Country.

For a stress‑free start to your road trip, consider staying the first night in a suburb just outside the main city traffic. If you’re heading west, towns like LaPlace or Gonzales are excellent choices as they position you beyond the New Orleans morning commuter belt. If your route takes you east, Slidell is a good option. This strategy allows you to wake up and immediately get on the open road without having to navigate dense city traffic on your departure morning.

For a very early morning flight, it’s crucial to allow ample time. The drive from downtown to MSY can take about 30 minutes with no traffic. You should plan to leave your hotel at least 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight’s departure time. This buffer accounts for driving to the airport, returning the vehicle at the rental facility, taking the shuttle back to the main terminal, checking in luggage and clearing security, which can be unpredictable even at dawn.

The most direct and well signed route is to take a major street like Poydras Street or Canal Street away from the river until you reach the entrance ramps for I‑10 West. Once on I‑10 West, stay in the right lanes and follow the prominent signs for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). This path keeps you on main thoroughfares and minimises complex turns on smaller streets, making for a much simpler and less stressful drive back to the airport.

During heavy rain, the biggest concern in New Orleans is street flooding, particularly under overpasses and in low‑lying neighbourhoods. It’s critical to drive slowly and never attempt to drive through deep standing water. On the interstate, visibility can be severely reduced by spray from other vehicles, so increase your following distance. Major routes like I‑10 and Airline Highway are generally safer bets than smaller surface streets, but caution is essential everywhere during a downpour.

To avoid the immediate airport traffic, look for petrol stations along Veterans Memorial Boulevard or Airline Highway (US‑61). These main roads run parallel to the airport grounds. A good strategy is to exit I‑10 one stop before the main airport exit, such as at Williams Boulevard or Loyola Drive. You’ll find numerous familiar fuel brands there, allowing you to refuel easily and then hop back on the motorway for the short final drive to the rental car return.

The most important thing is to act immediately and do not proceed through airport security. Go straight back to the Avis rental desk within the Rental Car Facility where you just returned the vehicle. Inform staff of the situation, giving them your name and the vehicle you were driving. They can quickly contact their vehicle service team to locate and retrieve your item before the car is moved or cleaned for the next rental.

Before you leave the rental garage, do a quick walk‑around of the vehicle. Visually inspect the tyres to ensure they appear properly inflated and check that your headlights, brake lights and indicators are all functioning. It’s also a good idea to test the windscreen wipers. Taking a moment to confirm these basic safety features are in good working order will give you peace of mind for a longer drive, especially at motorway speeds and when crossing the area’s long bridges.

The best strategy is to select a public car park that is centrally located and leave your car there for the entire day. Look for car parks along Canal Street, Decatur Street or in the Central Business District within a few blocks of the French Quarter. Arriving earlier in the day gives you a better selection of spots. Once parked, you can explore the whole neighbourhood on foot, from Jackson Square to Bourbon Street, without the stress of navigating narrow streets or searching for another parking space.

During Mardi Gras, the key is to park your car and leave it. Choose a hotel or a long‑stay car park that is located well outside the primary parade corridors, such as in the Central Business District or Warehouse District, and confirm you will have in‑and‑out access if needed. To get around the city to see parades, rely on walking, streetcars (on their modified routes) or ride‑sharing services. Trying to drive anywhere near a parade route is nearly impossible and will lead to extreme frustration.

Driving directly to the Fair Grounds during Jazz Fest is not recommended due to severe traffic congestion and extremely limited parking in the surrounding residential streets. A much better plan is to park your car in a garage downtown or in the French Quarter for the day. From there, you can take the official Jazz Fest Express shuttle, which offers direct and convenient transport to and from the festival entrance. This approach is by far the least stressful way to manage your travel.

The least chaotic approach is to avoid driving anywhere near the Superdome on game day. Park your vehicle in a car park in the Central Business District (CBD) that is at least a 10–15 minute walk from the stadium. This allows you to avoid the immediate pre‑game and post‑game gridlock. If you are picking someone up, arrange a meeting point several blocks away from the Superdome, which will be much easier to access once the initial wave of traffic has dispersed.

Use your satnav and set the specific cruise terminal as your destination. As you get close to the riverfront and the convention centre, pay very close attention to the overhead signs for the Port of New Orleans. The lanes can be confusing, so it’s best to get into the designated cruise terminal lane as early as possible. Follow the directions of port staff who will guide you to the correct luggage drop‑off area before you proceed to the long‑term car park.

Staying in these suburbs generally means a 20 to 40 minute drive to downtown New Orleans, depending on your exact location and traffic. The primary route is I‑10 East, which becomes heavily congested during weekday morning and evening commutes. Expect significant delays if you are driving into the city between 07:00 and 09:30, or leaving the city between 16:00 and 18:30. Planning your travel outside these peak hours will result in a much quicker and more pleasant drive.

A common issue for visitors is the complexity of the interchanges where I‑10, US‑90 (Pontchartrain Expressway) and major avenues like Claiborne and Carrollton intersect. Exits can appear suddenly, and lanes may split with little warning. Many drivers make the mistake of being in the wrong lane and having to make an abrupt, stressful manoeuvre. The best way to avoid this is to use a GPS with lane guidance and review your route before you start driving to anticipate these complex junctions.

One of the most straightforward routes is to take West End Boulevard, which runs directly from the Mid‑City area to the lakefront near the marina and popular restaurants. Another easy option is to take Canal Street away from the river until it becomes Canal Boulevard, leading you to the Lake Vista area. Both routes offer access to parks and scenic views, and you will generally find ample free parking available in designated lots and along the lakefront itself.

The most direct route from the French Quarter or downtown is to take North Claiborne Avenue heading east (downriver). This major thoroughfare will lead you directly into the Lower Ninth Ward. It’s highly recommended to use a reliable GPS for your entire visit, as the street grid can be irregular. When visiting, please be respectful of residents and the area's history by driving slowly and staying on the main roads such as Claiborne and St Claude Avenue.

Navigating the historic French Quarter requires some planning. For drop‑offs, target the corners of wider, less congested cross‑streets rather than trying to stop on busy main streets like Bourbon or Royal. Most public car parks in the adjacent Central Business District offer designated accessible parking spaces, which are often the most practical option. It’s also a good idea to call your specific destinations, such as restaurants or hotels, in advance to ask for their advice on the best and safest drop‑off locations.

As in any major tourist destination, it’s essential to be proactive about security. The single most important rule is never to leave luggage, shopping bags, electronics or any valuables visible inside your parked car. Your first stop should always be your hotel to drop off your luggage before you begin sightseeing. When choosing parking, opt for a well lit, attended car park over a dark, isolated on‑street spot, especially for overnight parking. This greatly reduces the risk of your vehicle being targeted.

The best method is to use the airport’s cell phone lot. This is a free waiting area located just a few minutes from the terminal where you can wait until your party is ready. Have the person you are picking up collect their luggage first, then call or text you when they are physically standing outside at the passenger pickup curb. At that point, you can leave the cell phone lot and drive directly to their numbered pickup location, making the entire process smooth and efficient.