$68 Car Rental Des Moines, IA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Des Moines

Renting a car in Des Moines offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and plan your travel according to your preferences, making it an ideal choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and business travelers alike. You can visit popular attractions such as the Iowa State Fairgrounds, perfect for family and outdoor experiences, and Adventureland, which caters to adventure seekers. The historic Iowa State Capitol Building also provides a cultural experience worth exploring.

Moreover, having a rental car allows you to venture into nearby cities like West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Altoona. In West Des Moines, you can check out the West Glen Town Center and the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, while Ankeny offers spots like Prairie Ridge Sports Complex and Saylorville Lake. Altoona features both Adventureland and the Iowa State Fairgrounds. This convenience ensures you can make the most of your trip in and around Des Moines without relying on public transportation or rideshares.

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: With 1 rental location in the Des Moines area, Alamo Rent A Car is known for its friendly service and quick turnaround times. Travelers appreciate the short wait times when picking up their vehicles. Their most popular rentals include Midsize and Premium SUVs, making them a great choice for families or groups looking for space and comfort while exploring the area.
• Enterprise: Offering over 5 rental locations throughout Des Moines, Enterprise is recognized for its excellent customer service. This supplier is a favorite for travelers who value convenience and accessibility. The Midsize SUV and Fullsize options are the most booked vehicles, providing a balance of comfort and functionality for your travels around the city and beyond.
• Hertz: With 5 rental locations available in Des Moines, Hertz is a reliable choice for those seeking a straightforward rental experience. Their fleet includes popular Midsize and Fullsize vehicles, catering to various traveler needs. Known for their efficient service, Hertz ensures you can get on the road quickly to enjoy all that Des Moines has to offer.

Where to stay in Des Moines

• West Des Moines: A vibrant city ideal for family, city-themed, and business experiences, West Des Moines features attractions like the West Glen Town Center and Valley Junction, perfect for urban exploration. Visitors can enjoy shopping at local malls and nearby restaurants, as well as outdoor spaces by the scenic lake. The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex offers civic engagement opportunities, making it a well-rounded destination.
• Ankeny: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor adventures, Ankeny is home to the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex and Adventureland amusement park, ideal for thrill-seekers. The proximity to Saylorville Lake enhances opportunities for beach outings and romantic scenery. Ankeny’s variety of wineries and restaurants provide excellent dining options after a day of exploration.
• Altoona: A great choice for families seeking adventure and outdoor activities, Altoona boasts the famous Adventureland amusement park and the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Visitors can also explore the historic Iowa State Capitol Building for a cultural experience. Altoona’s nearby water parks and campgrounds make it a perfect spot for summer fun and recreation, complemented by a variety of local dining and winery options.

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 specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking early typically allows you to find lower rates and ensures better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are usually more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a solid balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This policy 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 generally the most favorable option. Other policies may include 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 the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may be worth the 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 if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is simple and straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, search for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra 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 Des Moines

The best time to rent a car in and around Des Moines is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This quiet period offers the best value for renters. March and April follow closely with average prices and demand, making them solid shoulder months. However, June through August see a rise in both pricing and demand, with June being the most expensive month of the year for rentals. July also experiences high demand, which can lead to higher rental costs.

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 $68.

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