$63 Car Rental Des Moines, IA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Des Moines

Renting a car in Des Moines is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the vibrant metropolis and its beautiful surroundings at their own pace. Whether you are a family traveler, a countryside explorer, or a business visitor, having a rental car provides the freedom to visit numerous attractions conveniently. For families, it allows for easy luggage management, making trips to places like Adventureland or the Iowa State Fairgrounds hassle-free. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the flexibility to discover various outdoor experiences in the area.

With a rental car, you can easily access key destinations such as Downtown Des Moines, where you can visit Casey's Center and the Iowa State Capitol Building. West Des Moines offers attractions like Living History Farms and the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, while Ankeny features the Des Moines Area Community College and Prairie Ridge Sports Complex. This convenient mode of transportation enables you to explore these sites without the constraints of public transport, ensuring that your itinerary remains flexible and enjoyable.

Most popular car rentals in Des Moines

• Midsize SUV: The midsize SUV is a favorite among travelers in Des Moines, accommodating up to 5 passengers along with 3 large suitcases. This car type is perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking for a comfortable ride while exploring the scenic countryside or urban attractions. With ample space and versatility, it allows for easy luggage management and the freedom to enjoy your travels at your own pace.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option is another popular choice for those visiting Des Moines. It comfortably fits 5 travelers and can handle up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it ideal for families and groups. This spacious vehicle offers flexibility when it comes to packing and provides a reliable driving experience whether you're heading out for business or leisure adventures.
• Standard SUV: The standard SUV is a great fit for couples, families, or groups of up to 5 travelers, with room for 2 medium suitcases. Its compact yet roomy design strikes a balance between comfort and maneuverability, making it suitable for exploring both the city and the surrounding countryside. This car type offers a practical solution for those seeking an outdoor-related experience while maintaining the convenience of a larger vehicle.

Top rated car suppliers in Des Moines

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo offers a single rental location in Des Moines, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Known for its friendly service and short wait times, Alamo has an overall rating of 7.2 out of 10. The most popular vehicles booked from Alamo include Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs, perfect for those looking for comfort and space during their travels.
• Enterprise: With over 5 rental locations in the Des Moines area, Enterprise provides maximum convenience for car rental needs. This supplier is celebrated for its friendly service and ensures that customers have a pleasant experience. The most frequently booked vehicles from Enterprise are Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, offering a great balance of comfort and practicality for exploring the region.
• Hertz: Hertz operates 4 rental locations in Des Moines, providing travelers with a variety of options for car rental. Known for reliability, Hertz offers Midsize and Fullsize vehicles that cater to different travel needs. Renting from Hertz ensures you have a dependable vehicle to explore the attractions of Des Moines at your own pace.

Where to go in Des Moines

• Downtown Des Moines: This vibrant neighborhood is a hub for family, business, and entertainment experiences. Popular attractions include Casey's Center, an arena entertainment facility perfect for family outings, and the Iowa Events Center, an ideal venue for business conferences. The historic Iowa State Capitol Building offers a glimpse into local culture. Downtown sees peak visitor numbers from March to April and July, making it a lively spot during these months.
• West Des Moines: As a bustling city, West Des Moines caters to families, city explorers, and business travelers. Key highlights include the West Glen Town Center, which is a charming town neighborhood, and Living History Farms, providing a unique outdoor experience. The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex serves as a civic space for various events. The best times to visit are in April and June to July, when the area is particularly lively.
• Ankeny: Known for its family and outdoor activities, Ankeny is a great destination for adventure seekers. Attractions like Adventureland amusement park and the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex offer fun for all ages. The Des Moines Area Community College adds an educational aspect to the visit. Peak travel times in Ankeny occur in April and June to July, making these months ideal for outdoor and family adventures.

10 tips to save on your Des Moines car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV to accommodate extra passengers, a convertible for enjoyable summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to find the best option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to secure lower rates and have access to a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Typically, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium options—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can also be convenient. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport typically incurs a surcharge, but it might be worth it for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected costs and provide peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Des Moines

The best time to rent a car in and around Des Moines is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This period offers great value for travelers. March through May sees average prices and demand, making it a reasonable choice as well. However, June through August are the most expensive months, with high demand and slightly high prices. This busy season can make rentals less accessible for those looking for budget-friendly options.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Des Moines

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Des Moines into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Des Moines and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Des Moines

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Des Moines. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Des Moines

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $63.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals