$58 Car Rental Iowa City, IA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Iowa City

Renting a car in Iowa City grants you the freedom to explore this vibrant area at your own pace. Whether you're a road trip enthusiast, a countryside explorer, or a family traveler, having a rental car enhances your experience by allowing easy luggage management and flexible travel plans. You can conveniently visit key attractions such as the University of Iowa and the Carver-Hawkeye Arena, both situated within Iowa City, or immerse yourself in culture at the Iowa City Public Library. With a rental car, short trips to nearby destinations become effortless; Coralville, just 3 miles away, offers the Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse, while North Liberty, 7 miles away, features Swan Lake and Quail Ridge Park. For those seeking a neighborhood experience, Mann showcases the Old Capitol Museum and is home to the University of Iowa. Renting a car is the perfect solution for cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and family outings, ensuring you can explore everything Iowa City and its surroundings have to offer without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Iowa City

• Midsize: This car option fits 5 travelers comfortably and accommodates up to 3 large suitcases. It's an excellent choice for couples and families who want to explore Iowa City and the surrounding areas while enjoying a spacious interior. Midsize vehicles provide a balance of comfort and practicality, making them ideal for both short trips and longer journeys.
• Fullsize: Designed to comfortably fit 5 travelers, this option allows for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. The fullsize car is perfect for families and groups needing extra space for luggage. With its roomy interior, it ensures that everyone can travel together without feeling cramped, making it a favorite among those planning a trip around Iowa City.
• Economy: The economy car option is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families, fitting up to 5 travelers and accommodating up to 2 medium suitcases. This choice is great for those looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing comfort. The economy car allows for easy maneuverability in the city while providing essential space for your luggage, making it a practical selection for any trip in Iowa City.

Top rated car suppliers in Iowa City

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers in Iowa City, known for its friendly service and helpful staff. With one rental location in the area, Enterprise makes it easy for you to pick up your vehicle and hit the road. The most booked cars with this supplier include Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs, offering a comfortable experience for both families and solo travelers. Many customers appreciate the efficient service and well-maintained vehicles, making it a reliable option for your car rental needs.
• Hertz: Hertz also has a rental location in Iowa City, providing travelers with a variety of vehicle options. This supplier is particularly favored for its Midsize and Fullsize cars, which cater to different travel preferences and group sizes. Customers often highlight the ease of the rental process and the quality of the cars, ensuring a smooth driving experience. Hertz's commitment to customer satisfaction makes it a solid choice for those exploring Iowa City and its surroundings.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental is another excellent option available in Iowa City. With a focus on providing great value, Thrifty offers Midsize and Fullsize vehicles that are perfect for various travel needs. Their single rental location ensures convenience for customers looking to embark on their adventures without delay. Travelers frequently commend Thrifty for its straightforward rental process and well-kept cars, positioning it as a trustworthy supplier to enhance your trip in and around Iowa City.

Where to go in and around Iowa City

• Coralville: Located 3 miles from Iowa City, Coralville offers a blend of city, family, and business experiences. Visitors can explore the modern University of Iowa, enjoy entertainment at the Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse, and discover educational opportunities at the University of Iowa - Oakdale Campus. The peak travel months are April, July, and September, making it an ideal time to experience the local attractions and cultural village.
• North Liberty: Situated 7 miles from Iowa City, North Liberty is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views. Highlights include Swan Lake, ideal for romantic outings and outdoor activities, and Quail Ridge Park, which is excellent for family-friendly excursions. Educational experiences are available at the University of Iowa - Oakdale Campus. The best visiting months are April, July, and September, providing ample opportunities to enjoy the area's recreational activities.
• Mann: This neighborhood surrounds Iowa City and is rich in cultural and sports experiences. Key attractions include the University of Iowa and the Carver-Hawkeye Arena, both suited for family outings and entertainment. The Old Capitol Museum offers a glimpse into local history. Notably, visitor numbers peak in July and September to October, making these months ideal for exploring the vibrant community and its various facilities.

10 tips to save on your Iowa City car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary with 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 better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles tend to be less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and some vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Certain rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra fees. This is typically the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worth the added convenience.
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 unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind if something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is simple.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for 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 Iowa City

The best value period to rent a car in Iowa City is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This is followed by October and November, which also show lower prices with steady demand. March and April offer average prices and slightly low demand, making them decent options as well. However, May is the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand, while June through August experience high demand and rental costs.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	21.6°F (-5.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
February	24.3°F (-4.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	39.0°F (3.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	61.5°F (16.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	74.5°F (23.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	73.2°F (22.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	40.1°F (4.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	29.5°F (-1.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Iowa City

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Iowa City

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

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.

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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