Rental Cars.

Question

We will be arriving in New Orleans 9 th April from Australia. , staying at Hampton Inn FQ for 3 nights then planning on road trip for a week then returning Easter Saturday, for cruise on 20/4/25 Accommodation booked

I’m wondering if it’s advised to return to airport and collect a hire car from there and return to there, avoiding hassle of getting around NO to find a car rental company and then driving through traffic in / out . Particularly as we are returning Easter Saturday. Appreciate some guidance please? Thanks so much.

Answer

It sounds like you're trying to make your trip as smooth as possible, and your plan to avoid the hassle of getting around New Orleans to pick up a rental car is a smart one. Here are some key points to consider to help you decide whether to pick up and return the rental car at the airport or to rent a car within the city:

Convenience of Picking Up the Car at the Airport: Renting a car directly from the airport is often the most convenient option, especially if you’re arriving from an international flight. The airport is located about 15-20 minutes from the French Quarter, so while there’s a bit of travel involved, it's often easier to navigate the airport than to drive through city traffic. You also avoid the potential stress of driving around New Orleans to find a rental location, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the city.
Avoiding City Traffic: New Orleans can have heavy traffic, especially around the French Quarter and in the area near Canal Street. By picking up your rental car at the airport, you can avoid the need to drive through crowded streets. This is especially helpful if you're not comfortable with city driving or navigating one-way streets. After picking up your car, you can easily access the highways and head out of the city for your road trip.
Returning the Car: Since you're planning a road trip and returning on Easter Saturday, it’s worth considering that the airport rental car return is typically straightforward and well-signposted. Returning the car at the airport rather than in the city can save you time, as you won’t have to navigate New Orleans traffic again. Keep in mind that many rental car companies offer convenient airport return procedures, and if you’re in a rush, you can often drop off the car and catch a shuttle directly to your cruise terminal.
Availability of Rental Cars: Since you're traveling over a busy period, including Easter, it’s a good idea to book your car in advance. Rental car availability can be limited, especially during holidays, and booking early ensures you get the type of car you want at the best price.

In summary, picking up and returning the rental car at the airport seems like the best option for your trip. It minimizes the stress of navigating city traffic, and you'll have an easier time getting to and from the airport, especially with your cruise plans coming up. If you're looking for a hassle-free experience, it’s worth the slight extra travel time to avoid the complexities of renting from a city location.