How to find a cheap car hire deal in Lake Charles
Pick up a cheap rental car in Lake Charles for an average of R 2,394 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top rental companies, making booking quick and easy.
R 661 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Lake Charles.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from R 3,417 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Book early to snag the best price for a Lake Charles car hire. In addition to lower rates, you can actually get the car you wanted, not just what's left.
Green Motion and Hertz are top-rated providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
Whether you book with Green Motion or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Lake Charles car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Lake Charles.
Avoid those steep refueling fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Want to explore freely without worrying about how many miles you rack up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming out on top for value is this company, with prices averaging R 1,966 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 1,891, [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/budget/686)) comes in next.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly R 1,995 a day for one of their rentals.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Compact rental category is the go-to choice for travellers visiting Lake Charles.
Flying to Lake Charles? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Lake Charles, get going faster by booking a car hire at Lake Charles Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 11 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Lake Charles
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Lake Charles makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are ideal for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Lake Charles car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Lake Charles that can handle the big jobs. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Lake Charles car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These add-ons can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Lake Charles.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is typically 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always double-check your rental company's policy to see what applies to you.
Add a car seat to your Lake Charles car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Guidelines vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest choice.
You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Driving in the United States can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Keep in mind traffic flows on the right side of the road.
Keep within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. As well as your credit and debit cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Lake Charles for drivers
Offering parking, Horseshoe Lake Charles - A Caesars Rewards Destination takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is around 3 kilometres from central Lake Charles and also comes with express check-out and Wi-Fi.
Alternatively, make use of the parking at The Mulberry Hotel. The city centre is roughly 5 kilometres from this stay, which also features a lounge and air conditioning.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Lake Charles and choose the stay that suits your travel style. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Lake Charles and the right hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to explore first. Get things started with must-see attractions like Kershaw's Cajun Village, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Grey Plantation.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Lake Charles
Shift gears and take off to Beaumont. Around 88 kilometres west of central Lake Charles, you'll find must-sees like Saint Anthony Cathedral Basilica and BAPS Shri Swaminaryan Mandir.
You'll be well taken care of at Sonesta Essential Beaumont and Mcm Eleganté Hotel & Conference Centre, two accommodation options with parking in Beaumont.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Lake Charles and then take off to Port Arthur. About 80 kilometres southwest of Lake Charles, Rose Hill Manor and Museum of the Gulf Coast are standout attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Port Arthur and Super 8 by Wyndham Port Arthur/Nederland Area are comfortable places to stay in Port Arthur if you're hanging out for a while. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Ready to go the extra mile? Shreveport is a top road trip destination that's around 257 kilometres north of Lake Charles. Plan to make a few pit stops at Adventure Fun Park and Elvis Presley Statue.
Check out the room availability at Holiday Inn Shreveport Downtown by IHG or Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, Shreveport. They make it a breeze to experience everything Shreveport has to offer. They also have parking available.
