Car Rentals in Des Moines, Iowa

Are you looking for cheap car rental deals in Des Moines, Iowa? Search right here!

Des Moines, IA
Sep 28 — Oct 5
Same drop-off
Des Moines, IA
Thu 9/28
Noon
Thu 10/5
Noon

Deals from rental companies in 70,000+ locations.

Rental cars insight and trends in Des Moines

Useful insights to help you book the perfect rental car in Des Moines

What is the cheapest rental car agency in Des Moines?

The cheapest rental cars in Des Moines are generally found through Dollar. When booking with Dollar, you may be able to find rental car prices for as low as $23/day. The average price to rent a car in Des Moines is $51/day.

What car rental company in Des Moines has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car has the most locations of any rental car company in Des Moines, with 3 locations.

What car do most people rent in Des Moines?

When renting a car in Des Moines, most of our users will opt for the Nissan Versa at $76/day on average. The second most popular is the Kia Rio car rental for an average of $73/day. Our users have found Nissan Versa rentals in Des Moines for as low as $34/day and Kia Rio rentals for as low as $33/day.

Best deals found for Des Moines, Iowa car rentals

Find great deals below on a variety of popular rental car types in Des Moines, Iowa
Economy$31/day
Compact$32/day
Intermediate$32/day
Standard$35/day
Full-size$35/day
Minivan$51/day
Full-size SUV$51/day
Luxury$51/day
Standard SUV$35/day
Intermediate SUV$43/day
Best rates found by momondo users in the past 48 hours.

Important information about Des Moines car rentals

Des Moines is the largest city in Iowa as well as its capital. When visiting, a car will come in handy getting to and from all the sights on your to-do list. You can go from visiting the State Capitol, to the Science Center of Iowa and over to John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines. Then, hop in your rental car in Des Moines and see the open-air Living History Farms museum, located around 15 minutes outside of the city. Des Moines is a growing city but getting around downtown and parking is easier than you may think. There are various parking structures as well as metered on-street parking. Car rentals in Des Moines have agencies scattered around the city, making the process accessible and straightforward. There is a total of about 30 car rental locations in Des Moines. However, it may be a bit challenging to find cheap car rentals in Des Moines.

Is it worthwhile to rent a car while visiting Des Moines?

Iowa is known for its scenic routes and beautiful rolling landscapes. You can get an economy car rental and be on your way. The closest scenic drive to Des Moines, the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, is less than a one-hour drive away. On your way, make sure to stop at the charming midwestern town of Winterset, the birthplace of the iconic John Wayne. If you don’t mind driving your Des Moines car rental a bit further, but still under two hours, you’ll reach the Historic Hills Byway known for the numerous Amish and Mennonite folk in the area. Parking in Des Moines is free after hours and all day on the weekends. The main interstate through downtown Des Moines is I-235, so you’ll want to avoid it during rush hours.

What Des Moines driving laws should I keep in mind?

Iowa tends to get some snowfall in the winter. If you plan on getting a car rental in Des Moines during that period, you should remember to take the necessary precautions and drive safely. You should always make sure to clear any snow from the top of your vehicle, the windshield and headlights. Iowa state law permits right turns on red as long as you yield to any right-of-way pedestrians and traffic before turning. If you plan on having a drink during your stay in the city, we recommend you don’t drink and drive, and you leave your Des Moines car rental behind. In Iowa, it’s illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08% or higher.

Do I need a special permit to drive a rental car in Des Moines if I’m coming from another country?

To be able to pick up your car rental in Des Moines, you have to be 21 years old or older and have a valid driver’s license. You don’t need to present any special permit, like an International Driver’s Permit, when renting a car in Iowa and visiting from out of the country. We do recommend you have one on hand, especially when your country’s document is not in the Latin alphabet.


Des Moines, Iowa car rental deals found on momondo

Find the rental car in Des Moines that's right for you

Small Cars

$52 - $88

All Car Types

$73 - $104

The average price of a Small rental in Des Moines, the United States is $65. The cheapest time to rent a Small in Des Moines, the United States is in October. The price is 22% lower than the rest of the year at just $52 per day. A Small rental is typically 25% less expensive than the average rental car in Des Moines. The average price of a vehicle rental in Des Moines can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Des Moines Small rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a Medium rental in Des Moines, the United States is $66. The cheapest time to rent a Medium in Des Moines, the United States is in October. The price is 27% lower than the rest of the year at just $49 per day. A Medium rental is typically 23% less expensive than the average rental car in Des Moines. The average price of a vehicle rental in Des Moines can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Des Moines Medium rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a Large rental in Des Moines, the United States is $84. The cheapest time to rent a Large in Des Moines, the United States is in September. The price is 21% lower than the rest of the year at just $67 per day. A Large rental is typically 4% less expensive than the average rental car in Des Moines. The average price of a vehicle rental in Des Moines can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Des Moines Large rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a SUV rental in Des Moines, the United States is $80. The cheapest time to rent a SUV in Des Moines, the United States is in October. The price is 24% lower than the rest of the year at just $62 per day. A SUV rental is typically 7% less expensive than the average rental car in Des Moines. The average price of a vehicle rental in Des Moines can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Des Moines SUV rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a Van rental in Des Moines, the United States is $129. The cheapest time to rent a Van in Des Moines, the United States is in September. The price is 22% lower than the rest of the year at just $102 per day. A Van rental is typically 34% more expensive than the average rental car in Des Moines. The average price of a vehicle rental in Des Moines can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Des Moines Van rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a Luxury rental in Des Moines, the United States is $87. The cheapest time to rent a Luxury in Des Moines, the United States is in September. The price is 25% lower than the rest of the year at just $66 per day. A Luxury rental is typically 0% more expensive than the average rental car in Des Moines. The average price of a vehicle rental in Des Moines can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Des Moines Luxury rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a Convertible rental in Des Moines, the United States is $69. The cheapest time to rent a Convertible in Des Moines, the United States is in January. The price is 18% lower than the rest of the year at just $57 per day. A Convertible rental is typically 21% less expensive than the average rental car in Des Moines. The average price of a vehicle rental in Des Moines can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car.

Ford Fiesta
or similar Economy
Up to 2 passengers

$31/day

10 Oct - 9 Nov
Ford Fiesta
Toyota Yaris
or similar Compact
Up to 4 passengers

$32/day

10 Oct - 9 Nov
Toyota Yaris
Chevrolet Spark
or similar Economy
Up to 2 passengers

$40/day

8 Dec - 10 Dec
Chevrolet Spark

Des Moines car rental directory

All major car rental suppliers in Des Moines, Iowa

Alamo

8.6
Very good
42 reviews•1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

8.6

Overall

8.6

Pick-up/drop-off

8.7

Value

8.6

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.3
Very good
58 reviews•3 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.4

Overall

8.3

Pick-up/drop-off

8.2

Value

7.9

Hertz

7.4
Good
33 reviews•1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

7.8

Overall

7.5

Pick-up/drop-off

7.6

Value

7.2

Budget

6.7
Okay
32 reviews•1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

6.7

Comfort

7.4

Overall

6.6

Pick-up/drop-off

6.9

Value

6.6

National

1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Overall

10.0

Pick-up/drop-off

10.0

Value

8.0

Dollar

6.9
Okay
9 reviews•1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

7.5

Overall

6.0

Pick-up/drop-off

6.0

Value

7.5

Payless

6.7
Okay
24 reviews•1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.3

Overall

6.6

Pick-up/drop-off

6.4

Value

6.5

Thrifty

6.1
Okay
18 reviews•2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

6.4

Overall

5.7

Pick-up/drop-off

6.0

Value

5.5

Quick facts about car rentals in Des Moines

Get the overview on great rental deals, popular car rental companies, and best car types for your visit in Des Moines

Most Popular Agency

Dollar

Popular Car Types

Intermediate, Compact, SUV

Cheapest Rental Car

$32

Most Popular Model

Nissan Sentra
The most popular Des Moines car rental agency found on momondo this month is Dollar. Other top choices for car rental companies are Hertz and Enterprise Rent-A-Car
The following car types were offered at rental car companies in Des Moines in the past 72 hours: Intermediate, Compact, SUV.
The lowest price for a rental car in Des Moines is $32/day. For this area, you can expect average prices starting from $60/day.
The most popular car model to rent in Des Moines in the past 7 days is the Nissan Sentra. Our users also prefer the Fiat 500 as an alternative.

Find popular attractions close to your rental car pick-up

Visit these must-see attractions near popular rental car locations in Des Moines

Nearby attractions:

Blank Park Zoo2.2 mi
Gray's Lake Park2.4 mi
Salisbury House2.8 mi
Des Moines Art Center3.3 mi
Pappajohn Sculpture Park3.4 mi

Nearby attractions:

Wells Fargo Arena91.4 mi
Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center91.4 mi
Hy Vee Hall91.5 mi
Walnut Street Bridge91.5 mi
Court Avenue Bridge91.5 mi

Nearby attractions:

Des Moines Art Center71.8 mi
Salisbury House72.2 mi
Hoyt Sherman Place72.3 mi
Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center72.3 mi
Wells Fargo Arena72.4 mi

Rent a car near one of these popular hotels in Des Moines

Below are the most popular hotels in Des Moines

Driving with a rental car in Des Moines - FAQs

Learn everything there is to know about renting a car in Des Moines so you can be properly prepared for your next trip

How much will it cost to rent a car in Des Moines, Iowa in October?

To rent a car in Des Moines for a weekend in October, we found prices as low as $35 with an average of $79. For a one-week car rental, Des Moines prices in October average $58 with the best deals starting at $30.

Is there a fee to cancel my Des Moines, Iowa car rental?

Rental cars in Des Moines from popular agencies such as Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Hertz will generally offer free cancellation. While momondo does not have any control over cancellation policies for rental cars in Des Moines, we can help you find the cheapest car to rent for your upcoming trip.

What is the best type of car to rent in Des Moines during October?

A Standard car is the ideal car to rent when visiting Des Moines in October. On average, Des Moines receives 2.2″ of precipitation and temperatures hover around 39.2 °F during the month of October. These conditions are well-suited for a standard, which can easily handle a bit of rain and even hold up well when temperatures fall. Renting a Standard in Des Moines will cost you $63/day on average.

What is the speed limit in Des Moines, Iowa?

Des Moines’s speed limit is 25 mph when you are driving in the city. This speed limit might also apply to surrounding towns and neighborhoods. The suburban speed limit in Des Moines is 75 mph and the speed limit for highways is 75 mph. However, be sure to look for posted signage as these speeds may vary.

What car rental company has the Tesla Model 3 in Des Moines?

What is the weather like in Des Moines, IA in September?

During the month of September the average temperature in Des Moines is 66.2 °F and the expected precipitation is 3.1″. This information is useful for travelers looking for a car rental in Des Moines.

Is the weather in Des Moines similar to the rest of Iowa?

Those looking to rent a car in Des Moines for a road trip to the surrounding areas, please know the weather in Iowa during the month of September usually is around 62.6 °F with 3.1″ of possible rain.

When did momondo last update prices for cars in Des Moines?

Prices for cars in Des Moines are refreshed on a daily basis.

How many operators does momondo search for cars in Des Moines?

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Des Moines?

The minimum age for drivers varies by country, including Des Moines. In many EU countries drivers must be 18 years old. As a rule, you’ll need to be 21 to hire a car abroad, and a young driver surcharge may be applied if you are under 25. We recommend reading through the policy of your chosen rental company before booking.

What documentation or ID do you need to rent a car in Des Moines?

To rent a car in Des Moines, all drivers must present a valid full driving license. If the license is written in a language other than the language of the country of rental, an International Driving Permit may be required to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you're renting a car abroad, you may also need to provide evidence of your return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We always recommend that you verify with the specific rental company you're booking with.


Car rentals at popular airports near Des Moines

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Rental car types that are popular in Des Moines

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Car rentals in neighborhoods of Des Moines

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Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to book a car rental in Des Moines?

You should book a car rental in Des Moines using momondo because it is quick, free and easy to use and could save you money. momondo does the hard work of finding the rental car prices and policies, all you need to do is compare and choose what works best for your trip.

How does momondo help me find the best car rental deal in Des Moines?

Filtering is how momondo helps you find a great rental car in Des Moines. Narrow your search using price and map features as well as filtering by fuel or mileage policies amongst many other filters available.

Does momondo show car rental deals in Des Moines with free cancellation?

Of course! momondo has a dedicated filter for users to specifically look at car rentals in Des Moines which offer free cancellation.

Can I rent a car with a fair fuel policy in Des Moines on momondo?

Yes, fair fuel policies are a specific filter offered on momondo for all car rental locations including Des Moines.

Can I find a car rental in Des Moines which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?

Yes, momondo shows deals with enhanced cleaning services for rental cars in Des Moines.

Can I search for rental cars in Des Moines with unlimited mileage on momondo?

Yes, momondo is capable of showing unlimited mileage car rental options in Des Moines.


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