Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in New Orleans

New Orleans rewards a slow, curious traveller, and nothing suits that pace like two wheels and an open throttle. Picture easing along St. Charles Avenue under a canopy of live oaks as the historic streetcar rattles past, then threading into the French Quarter at sunrise, before the crowds arrive on Bourbon and Royal Street. A motorcycle rental in New Orleans puts all of that within reach, on your own schedule, with nowhere to be but the next corner that looks interesting.

This city was practically built for a bike. It's flat, compact, and laced with one-way streets that turn the Quarter into a maze for anyone in a car — a motorcycle slips through easily and never has to hunt for parking. That same freedom scales up nicely: Uptown, Mid-City and the riverfront are all a short ride apart, and once you've explored downtown, the open road out to Lake Pontchartrain or the River Road plantations is just as easy to reach.

Top 10 things to see in New Orleans by motorcycle

1. French Quarter — the historic core, best ridden slowly at first light before Bourbon and Royal Street fill with foot traffic.
2. Garden District — live-oak-lined streets and antebellum mansions along Prytania and Magazine make for an easy cruising loop.
3. St. Charles Avenue — the classic oak-canopied avenue tracing the historic streetcar line from downtown to Uptown.
4. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway — the longest bridge over water in the world, almost 24 miles of open throttle with nothing but lake horizon.
5. City Park — one of the largest urban parks in the country, with quiet roads, moss-draped oaks and the New Orleans Museum of Art.
6. Audubon Park — a relaxed riverside loop opposite Tulane and Loyola, perfect for a short scenic detour Uptown.
7. Jackson Square — the postcard heart of the Quarter, facing St. Louis Cathedral, and a natural stop on any ride through the area.
8. Chalmette Battlefield — site of the Battle of New Orleans, a short, uncrowded ride downriver along the Mississippi.
9. Oak Alley Plantation — about an hour west on the River Road, famous for its quarter-mile oak canopy driveway and a favorite longer day-ride destination.
10. Bayou St. John — a calm waterway route connecting Mid-City to City Park, lined with historic Creole cottages.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in New Orleans?

You'll need a valid motorcycle endorsement or licence added to your driver's licence — every US state requires one, and rental operators typically ask for documented riding experience as well. An International Driving Permit isn't legally required, though it's worth carrying alongside your home licence. Most companies set their own minimum age, commonly 21 and up, with 25+ often needed to avoid a young-rider surcharge. Expect a deposit or credit-card hold at pickup, and a credit card in your own name is normally mandatory.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in New Orleans?

A standard motorcycle runs approximately USD 30-45 per day in low season and approximately USD 60-90 per day in high season. If you'd rather ride a Harley-Davidson or another large touring or cruiser model, budget approximately USD 100-160 per day.

• Prices peak around February, during Mardi Gras, and again in late April to early May for Jazz Fest.
• Rates drop through July and August, when the heat and humidity keep tourist demand low.

When to book a rental motorcycle in New Orleans?

High season runs roughly May through September, so book a few weeks ahead if you're arriving then, and further out still for Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest, when demand and prices both spike. Low season stretches from around November to March outside those festival windows, with softer prices and easier availability. If flexibility matters more than a bargain, April to June and September to October bring pleasant riding weather without the festival crowds.

Local traffic rules in New Orleans

Driving in the US is on the right. Louisiana does not require helmets for riders over 18, though we'd always recommend wearing one regardless of the law. Speed limits generally sit around 25-35 mph on city streets, rising to 55-65 mph on rural highways and 65-75 mph on interstates outside town. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.08%, with zero tolerance under 21, and open containers of alcohol are illegal in the vehicle. Most rentals in New Orleans come with a well-maintained motorcycle, a helmet and friendly local service included. If you're ready to rent a motorcycle in New Orleans, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!