$48 Car Rental Ames, IA

These Ames insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 22, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Ames

Renting a car in Ames, Iowa, offers the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit attractions such as the Main Street Cultural District, Reiman Gardens, and the Farm House Museum, all located within Ames. This flexibility is especially beneficial for families, allowing you to manage luggage and travel plans without the constraints of public transportation. Additionally, nearby cities like Kelley and Gilbert, both just 6 miles away, feature similar attractions and are easily accessible by car. You can also venture to Nevada, located 8 miles from Ames, where you can explore Meadow Lane Park and Hertz Family Woods and Nature Preserve. Whether you are interested in cultural experiences or looking for family-friendly outdoor activities, having a rental car enhances your experience by making it easier to reach various destinations and attractions. Overall, renting a car in and around Ames streamlines your travel plans and provides the convenience needed to fully enjoy your visit.

Most popular car rentals in Ames

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice among travelers in Ames, accommodating up to 5 people and providing space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for families, couples, or small groups who appreciate the extra room for both passengers and luggage. Its versatility makes it ideal for exploring the attractions in and around Ames at your own pace, allowing for comfortable travel without the hassle of tight spaces.
• Economy: The Economy car is another highly booked option in Ames, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type is particularly suited for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing comfort. Its smaller size makes it easier to navigate city streets and park, ensuring a hassle-free experience while you discover all that Ames has to offer.

Top rated car suppliers in Ames

• Enterprise: With one rental location in Ames, Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers seeking flexibility and friendly service. Known for its reliable Midsize and Fullsize vehicles, this supplier allows you to explore the attractions in and around Ames at your own pace. Enjoy a hassle-free experience with convenient vehicle options tailored to your needs.

Where to stay around Ames

• Kelley: Located 6 miles from Ames, Kelley offers a delightful city-themed experience perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Visitors can explore attractions like the urban park, Reiman Gardens, ideal for a family outing, or the historic Farm House Museum for a taste of local culture. The scenic Main Street Cultural District provides a charming neighborhood vibe, while the nearby national state park and lake enhance the outdoor adventure opportunities. Spring and summer are particularly enjoyable times to visit for those looking to savor the scenery.
• Gilbert: Also situated 6 miles from Ames, Gilbert is a vibrant city known for its cultural and family-friendly atmosphere. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local arts scene at the Main Street Cultural District or visit the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum for a unique historical experience. The Reiman Gardens serves as a beautiful urban park, perfect for families and casual strolls. With various shopping areas and theaters, Gilbert is an excellent choice for visitors seeking both entertainment and culture.
• Nevada: Located 8 miles from Ames, Nevada is a charming city that combines outdoor activities with romantic options. Nature lovers can enjoy the serene environment at parks like Meadow Lane Park and Hertz Family Woods and Nature Preserve, both suited for family outings. The city also features dining and winery options for a delightful culinary escape. With its picturesque landscapes, Nevada is especially appealing in spring and summer when the parks are vibrant and welcoming.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Ames

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the best options for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, so it’s advisable to book your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By reserving early, you are more likely to secure lower rates and benefit from greater availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just remember to return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 a quieter experience with average prices. Moving into spring, April sees slightly low demand but average prices, making it another good option. However, May and June are the busiest times, with high demand and slightly high prices, making rentals more expensive during those months. July generally returns to average prices with high demand, while August and September show slightly low demand with average pricing.

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	Average	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	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	73.8°F (23.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	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	Average	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 $48.

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