$52 Car Rental Des Moines, IA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Des Moines

Renting a car in Des Moines offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans. This is particularly appealing for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and business travelers alike. You can visit key attractions such as the Iowa State Fairgrounds, which is perfect for family and outdoor experiences, or the historic Iowa State Capitol Building, which provides a glimpse into the region's culture. For those seeking adventure, Adventureland amusement park is also nearby. Additionally, a rental car allows you to explore surrounding cities like West Des Moines, featuring the West Glen Town Center and The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, or Ankeny, where you can enjoy Prairie Ridge Sports Complex and Saylorville Lake. Altoona is another great option, with attractions including Adventureland and the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Having a car ensures you can effortlessly navigate between these destinations, making your trip more convenient and enjoyable.

Most popular car rentals in Des Moines

• Midsize: This car type accommodates 5 travelers and provides space for up to 3 large suitcases. Midsize cars are ideal for couples or families looking to explore Des Moines comfortably. Their balance between size and fuel efficiency makes them a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the freedom of the open road while managing luggage with ease.
• Standard: Also suitable for 5 travelers and capable of holding up to 3 large suitcases, standard cars offer a similar capacity to midsize options. They are perfect for couples and families wanting a bit more room and comfort while navigating the attractions in and around Des Moines. These vehicles ensure a smooth driving experience with ample space for your belongings.
• Fullsize: This option accommodates 5 travelers with the capability of carrying either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. Fullsize cars are particularly well-suited for families or groups who need extra space for both passengers and luggage. Rent a fullsize car to enjoy the flexibility and comfort you need for your travels around Des Moines, ensuring everyone has enough room to enjoy the journey.

Top rated car suppliers in Des Moines

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice for travelers in Des Moines, known for its friendly service and efficient operations. With 1 rental location in the area, Alamo boasts an overall rating of 7 out of 10. Customers appreciate the short wait times and the clean, well-maintained vehicles. The most booked options include Midsize and Premium SUVs, making it a solid choice for those seeking comfort and reliability during their travels.
• Enterprise: With over 5 rental locations in Des Moines, Enterprise stands out for its exceptional customer service and wide selection of vehicles. Travelers frequently highlight the friendly staff and smooth check-in process, making it an excellent choice for both leisure and business needs. The most popular vehicles rented from Enterprise include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, ensuring a comfortable driving experience as you explore the area.
• Hertz: Hertz operates 5 rental locations throughout Des Moines and is well-regarded for its convenient service and vehicle options. Most travelers opt for Midsize and Fullsize cars, which cater to various needs and preferences. Customers appreciate the ease of the rental process and the quality of the vehicles, making Hertz a reliable and efficient choice for your car rental needs in Des Moines.

Where to stay in Des Moines

• West Des Moines: A vibrant city perfect for family, business, and city-themed experiences. Visitors can explore popular venues like the West Glen Town Center and Valley Junction, both offering unique shopping and dining options. For outdoor activities, the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex provides ample civic facilities. The proximity to local landmarks, including lakes and event conference venues, enhances the appeal for travelers seeking a comprehensive urban experience.
• Ankeny: Ideal for families and adventure seekers, Ankeny is home to attractions such as the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex and Adventureland amusement park, making it a fantastic choice for outdoor adventures. Saylorville Lake offers beautiful scenery, perfect for romantic outings or family picnics. The city also boasts a variety of dining options, including local wineries, ensuring a delightful stay for visitors looking to enjoy both adventure and relaxation.
• Altoona: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor adventures, Altoona features the renowned Adventureland amusement park and the Iowa State Fairgrounds, making it a hotspot for summer fun. The Iowa State Capitol Building offers a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture. With plenty of restaurants and wineries nearby, Altoona is a great choice for travelers looking to combine adventure with culinary delights.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Des Moines

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to keep costs low, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
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 early, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars typically have lower rental rates and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and some vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
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 typically the best option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the vehicle with an empty tank in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may be worth the cost.
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 provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add this coverage when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Des Moines

The best value period to rent a car in and around Des Moines is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. March and April also offer average pricing with lower demand, making them decent options as well. However, June through August see a rise in prices and demand, with June being the most expensive month. July stands out as the peak demand month, leading to higher rental costs during this time.

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 $52.

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