Car Rental at Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) from $81

Reasons to book a car rental at Des Moines International Airport

Renting a car at Des Moines Airport is a popular choice for tourists looking to explore the area with freedom and flexibility. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel plan that suits your schedule. Notably, you can visit key attractions like the Iowa State Fairgrounds, located 7 miles away, and the Iowa State Capitol Building, just 5 miles from the airport. For those interested in culture, the Des Moines Civic Center is a mere 4 miles away. Additionally, the nearby metropolis of Des Moines offers a variety of experiences, including Adventureland and local dining options. Downtown Des Moines, only 4 miles from the airport, features the Iowa State Capitol Building and the Civic Center, making it easily accessible for a day of sightseeing. If you prefer a quick visit, the Watrous South neighborhood, less than 1 mile away, boasts both the Fairgrounds and Capitol Building. Overall, renting a car provides the convenience to explore these attractions and neighborhoods at your own pace, enhancing your travel experience in Des Moines.

Most popular car rentals near Des Moines Airport

• Standard SUV: A popular choice for travelers, the Standard SUV accommodates up to 5 passengers and has space for 2 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for couples, families, or groups looking to explore the area around Des Moines airport with ease. Its spacious interior ensures comfort during your travels, making it perfect for those planning to visit various attractions.
• Compact: The Compact car is another frequently booked option, comfortably seating 5 travelers and allowing for up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, or small families who appreciate efficiency and maneuverability. Whether you need to navigate city streets or enjoy a weekend getaway, the Compact car provides a great balance of space and convenience.
• Midsize SUV: For those needing a bit more room, the Midsize SUV is a top pick, accommodating 5 travelers and offering space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want the flexibility to transport more luggage without sacrificing comfort. With a Midsize SUV, you can enjoy your travels around Des Moines airport while having ample space for your belongings.

Top rated car suppliers near Des Moines International Airport

• Alamo Rent A Car: Located less than 1 mile from Des Moines airport, Alamo is known for its friendly service and short wait times. With an overall rating of 7 out of 10, travelers appreciate the hassle-free experience. The most booked vehicles with Alamo include Midsize and Premium SUVs, making it a great choice for those seeking comfort and space during their travels.
• Enterprise: Also situated less than 1 mile from Des Moines airport, Enterprise stands out for its friendly service and efficient check-in process. Travelers often choose this supplier for its reliable service, and it is popular for offering Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles. This makes it an excellent option for families or those needing extra room for luggage.
• Budget: With a rental location less than 1 mile from Des Moines airport, Budget is a convenient choice for travelers. Known for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, Budget provides rental options that cater to a variety of needs. It appeals to those looking for practical and spacious vehicles while enjoying the flexibility that comes with renting a car.

Where to stay near Des Moines International Airport

• Greater South Side: Located only 2 miles from Des Moines International Airport, Greater South Side is ideal for travelers seeking family-friendly and city-themed experiences. Here, you can explore the Iowa State Fairgrounds, a popular destination for outdoor activities and family fun. The area also boasts access to local parks, modern college universities, and shopping centers, making it a convenient choice for those looking to enjoy both leisure and business amenities.
• Downtown Des Moines: Just 4 miles away from the airport, Downtown Des Moines offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for family and business activities. This neighborhood features attractions such as the historic Iowa State Capitol Building and the Des Moines Civic Center, which is a hub for arts and culture. With numerous shopping centers and a variety of restaurants nearby, Downtown Des Moines is an excellent base for both exploration and entertainment.
• Des Moines: The city itself is a thriving metropolis located at the airport. Des Moines is known for its family-oriented experiences and outdoor activities, including the famous Iowa State Fairgrounds and Adventureland amusement park. Additionally, visitors will find a range of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a convenient location for those wanting to immerse themselves in local culture while staying close to the airport.

9 tips to save on your International Airport car rental near Des Moines

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for extra luggage, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your trip.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: It's usually best to reserve your DSM car rental as early as possible to secure lower rates and a wider selection. Ideally, make your booking 1-3 months in advance, particularly before peak seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may have limited availability. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your booking.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles, like economy or compact cars, are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is usually the most advantageous. Others might provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also work; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental companies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Debit cards may not always be accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and offers peace of mind if anything unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance while booking with Expedia.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you'll be spending a significant amount of time on the road, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra costs on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car from Des Moines Airport

The best time to rent a car from Des Moines Airport for value is December, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. January and February follow closely, offering moderately low demand and similar pricing. March to May sees average prices and demand, making them decent shoulder months for rentals. However, June through August tend to be slightly high in both price and demand, with August being the most expensive month for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately 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	Average	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	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately 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	Moderately Low	Average
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low