$58 Car Rental Fort Dodge, IA

These Fort Dodge insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 23, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Fort Dodge

Renting a car in Fort Dodge offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families or travelers with luggage, as managing your belongings becomes much easier. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the Webster County Fairgrounds, Fort Museum, and Blanden Memorial Art Museum, all located in Fort Dodge. Additionally, you can explore nearby cities like Otho, just 6 miles away, and Moorland, 7 miles away, which also feature these attractions. If you're interested in outdoor experiences, head to Badger, 8 miles from Fort Dodge, to visit Frank Gotch State Park and Veterans Memorial Park. Having a rental car allows you to create flexible travel plans, making it easier to enjoy the family-friendly activities and cultural experiences that Fort Dodge and its neighboring areas have to offer. Overall, renting a car enhances your trip by providing the convenience to discover the region thoroughly without the constraints of public transportation.

Top rated car suppliers in Fort Dodge

• Enterprise: Enterprise is the top choice for car rentals in Fort Dodge, offering one convenient location in the area. Travelers appreciate the flexibility and wide selection of vehicles, particularly Midsize and Fullsize options, allowing for a comfortable journey. Customers often highlight the friendly service and smooth rental process, making it easy to explore Fort Dodge and its attractions at your own pace.

Where to stay around Fort Dodge

• Otho: Located 6 miles from Fort Dodge, Otho offers travelers a chance to immerse themselves in outdoor activities and scenic adventures. Popular local attractions include the Webster County Fairgrounds, perfect for family outings, and the Fort Museum, rich in history. For art enthusiasts, the Blanden Memorial Art Museum showcases cultural pieces. Otho is ideal for those looking to explore national parks and recreational areas, especially during the warmer months when the scenery is at its finest.
• Moorland: Situated 7 miles from Fort Dodge, Moorland is a charming city that caters to families and couples seeking outdoor and romantic experiences. The area is home to the Webster County Fairgrounds and the Fort Museum for those interested in family-friendly activities and cultural insights. Additionally, visitors can enjoy local parks and lakes, making it perfect for leisurely strolls. With nearby wineries, Moorland is a delightful spot for a relaxing getaway, particularly in the spring and summer seasons.
• Badger: Just 8 miles from Fort Dodge, Badger presents a blend of family-friendly and city-themed experiences. The Frank Gotch State Park is a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts, while the Veterans Memorial Park offers a serene environment for family activities. Cultural experiences abound at the Fort Museum. Badger also features shopping and dining options, including local wineries. This area is best enjoyed in the warmer months when outdoor activities are plentiful and the parks are vibrant.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Fort Dodge

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you need a spacious SUV, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary depending on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking early often leads to lower prices and improved availability, particularly during busy seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-sized rentals strike a good balance between affordability, 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 can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
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 is generally the best option. Other rentals may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can also be convenient. Just remember to return the car empty 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 justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help protect you from unexpected costs and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's easy to include car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra fees.
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 Fort Dodge

The best time to rent a car in and around Fort Dodge is October, when prices are at their lowest and demand is also very low. The months of February and December also offer slightly lower prices with moderate demand, making them good shoulder periods. However, May tends to be the most expensive month with higher demand, while June through August experience moderately high demand and slightly high prices.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	18.9°F (-7.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
February	20.8°F (-6.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	36.9°F (2.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately High	Average
April	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	65.5°F (18.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
November	38.3°F (3.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	25.9°F (-3.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Fort Dodge

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Fort Dodge

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $58.

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.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

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