$47 Car Rental Ames, IA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Ames

Renting a car in Ames, Iowa, is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the area with freedom and flexibility. Whether you are a countryside explorer, a family traveler, or an outdoor enthusiast, having a rental car allows you to discover attractions at your own pace while managing luggage easily. In Ames, you can visit key sites like Iowa State University, Reiman Gardens, and Stephens Auditorium, all conveniently located within the city. The ability to travel without the constraints of public transportation enhances your experience, especially if you are seeking cultural encounters or family-friendly activities. Beyond Ames, cities like Nevada, just 8 miles away, and Boone, 14 miles away, offer additional attractions such as the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum and Ledges State Park. Gilbert, located 6 miles from Ames, features the Main Street Cultural District, adding to your itinerary options. With a rental car, you can easily navigate these nearby destinations, ensuring a memorable trip filled with diverse experiences and adventures. The convenience of a car makes it easy to explore the beauty of Iowa, from urban parks to scenic countryside views.

Most popular car rentals in Ames

• Fullsize: Ideal for families and groups, fullsize cars accommodate up to 5 travelers with space for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option provides ample room for everyone and their luggage, making it perfect for those exploring the countryside or traveling together. With a fullsize car, you can enjoy the freedom to visit various attractions in and around Ames comfortably.
• Midsize SUV: The midsize SUV is a great choice for families, couples, or small groups, fitting 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle offers higher ground clearance and more cargo space while maintaining a comfortable ride. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy outdoor adventures and want to explore the rugged terrain and scenic views around Ames with ease.
• Compact: Compact cars are excellent for solo travelers, couples, or families. They comfortably fit 5 travelers and allow for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is advantageous for navigating the city streets of Ames and managing parking with ease, while still providing enough space for luggage. Renting a compact car ensures that you can explore the area without hassle, making it a popular choice among visitors.

Top rated car suppliers in Ames

• Enterprise: With a rental location in the heart of Ames, Enterprise is the most popular choice among travelers. Known for its excellent service and wide selection of vehicles, you can expect to find Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars available for rent. This supplier provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore the attractions in and around Ames at your own pace.

Where to go around Ames

• Nevada: Located 8 miles away from Ames, Nevada offers a blend of outdoor, city, and romantic experiences. Visitors can explore the modern Iowa State University, enjoy family time at Meadow Lane Park, or catch a game at Cub Stadium. The peak visitor season runs from June to July and September, making it a great time for travelers seeking vibrant community activities.
• Boone: Situated 14 miles from Ames, Boone is ideal for those interested in outdoor adventures and scenic views. Key attractions include the historic Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum, as well as Ledges State Park, which is perfect for nature lovers. Boone sees its highest visitor numbers from July to September, making this an excellent time for adventure seekers.
• Gilbert: Just 6 miles away from Ames, Gilbert is great for city life, culture, and family experiences. Visitors can explore the educational offerings at Iowa State University, attend events at Stephens Auditorium, or stroll through the Main Street Cultural District for a taste of local charm. Peak visitation occurs from June to August, making summer an ideal time to experience the community's vibrant atmosphere.

10 tips to save on your Ames car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your reservation well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often leads to lower rates and improved availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals 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 models—might be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just remember to return the vehicle empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and offers peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals with unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
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 Ames

The best value period to rent a car in and around Ames is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. January also offers quieter conditions, while March sees average prices but slightly high demand. April continues the trend of average pricing with slightly low demand. However, June stands out as the most expensive month, with high rental rates and average demand, making it a less ideal time for budget-conscious travelers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	20.1°F (-6.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
February	22.5°F (-5.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	38.3°F (3.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
April	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
June	71.1°F (21.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	73.8°F (23.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	72.3°F (22.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	66.2°F (19.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
November	39.4°F (4.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	27.9°F (-2.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Ames

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Ames

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Ames. 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 Ames

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $47.

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