$53 Car Rental Ankeny, IA

These Ankeny insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: September 10, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Ankeny

Renting a car in Ankeny offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily access key attractions like the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex, perfect for family and outdoor experiences, located right in Ankeny. Adventureland, an amusement park ideal for outdoor adventures, is only 8 miles away, making it a convenient day trip for families. Additionally, Saylorville Lake, which is 5 miles from Ankeny, provides scenic views and opportunities for romantic outings and outdoor activities.

A car rental also makes it easy to visit nearby destinations such as Des Moines, where you can explore the Iowa State Fairgrounds and the Iowa State Capitol Building. The neighborhood of Saylorville offers attractions like the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. If you plan to explore the Enterprise neighborhood, you'll find more family-friendly activities at Adventureland and Saylorville Lake. Renting a car ensures you have the convenience to manage luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans, making your trip to Ankeny enjoyable and hassle-free.

Most popular car rental in Ankeny

• Luxury: The most booked car option in Ankeny, the luxury vehicle accommodates up to 5 travelers comfortably while providing space for up to 4 large suitcases. This choice is ideal for business travelers, couples, or small groups seeking a refined experience. Renting a luxury car allows you to explore Ankeny with style and ease, ensuring that you enjoy your trip without compromising on comfort or convenience.

Top rated car suppliers in Ankeny

• Budget: Budget has a rental location in Ankeny, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Known for its affordability, Budget specializes in Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, providing options that offer both space and comfort for your travels. Many customers appreciate the ease of managing their luggage and the flexibility that comes with renting from Budget, allowing you to explore Ankeny and its surroundings at your own pace.
• Enterprise: Enterprise operates a rental location in Ankeny, focusing on customer service and a wide selection of vehicles. With popular choices including Midsize and Fullsize cars, Enterprise caters to a variety of traveler needs. Customers often commend the friendly staff and seamless rental process, making it a reliable option for those looking to navigate Ankeny with convenience and ease.
• Hertz: Hertz also has a rental location in Ankeny, offering competitive choices for drivers. Their Midsize and Fullsize vehicles are frequently booked, appealing to both families and individuals. Hertz is recognized for its well-maintained cars and efficient service, ensuring that your rental experience is smooth from start to finish. This makes Hertz a solid choice for tourists wanting to explore the area comfortably.

Where to stay around Ankeny

• Ankeny: As a vibrant suburb of Des Moines, Ankeny offers a range of accommodations suitable for families and business travelers alike. Enjoy proximity to Des Moines' attractions such as the Iowa State Fairgrounds and Adventureland, both ideal for outdoor and family experiences. You'll find a variety of dining options, including local wineries and restaurants to enhance your stay.
• Des Moines: Located nearby, Des Moines serves as a bustling metropolis with numerous hotels and amenities. Visitors can explore key attractions like the Iowa State Capitol Building and the shopping mall center. With options for family outings, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences, Des Moines ensures a fulfilling stay with various dining establishments close at hand.
• Elkhart: Situated just 6 miles from Ankeny, Elkhart is a charming city that caters to families and business travelers. It features noteworthy attractions such as Prairie Ridge Sports Complex and offers nearby wineries and distilleries. Elkhart's blend of historic places and recreational areas makes it a delightful spot to stay while enjoying the local scenery and culture.
• Alleman: Also 6 miles from Ankeny, Alleman is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities and family-friendly atmosphere. With highlights like Big Creek State Park and urban parks like Georgetown Park, Alleman provides a peaceful retreat. The presence of local wineries and distilleries adds to the area's appeal for those seeking a relaxing getaway.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize Expedia's filters to help you discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so securing your vehicle well ahead of your trip is advisable. By booking in advance, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, 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 luxury models—might not be accessible. 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, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most cost-effective option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but this fee may be justified by the convenience it offers.
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 should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is simple.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek 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 Ankeny

The best value period to rent a car in and around Ankeny is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. January can also be a good option, offering similar characteristics. For a mid-range value, you could consider September, as it features slightly low prices with average demand. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand. June also sees elevated prices and demand, making it a busier time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	21.2°F (-6.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	23.5°F (-4.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	39.2°F (4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
April	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	74.5°F (23.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	40.1°F (4.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	28.8°F (-1.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Ankeny

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Ankeny

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $53.

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