$51 Car Rental Johnston, IA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Johnston

Renting a car in Johnston, Iowa, offers travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit attractions like Walnut Ridge Recreation Area, which is perfect for outdoor family experiences, or Saylorville Lake, located just 4 miles away, ideal for enjoying scenic views and romantic outings. Living History Farms, located 5 miles from Johnston, provides an engaging glimpse into Iowa's agricultural heritage. Beyond Johnston, a rental car allows you to venture into nearby cities such as Des Moines, where you can check out the Iowa State Fairgrounds and the Iowa State Capitol Building. West Des Moines, just 6 miles away, offers shopping and dining at West Glen Town Center, while Urbandale, only 3 miles from Johnston, features additional attractions like the Des Moines Civic Center. For families, having a rental car makes it easy to manage luggage and travel plans, ensuring a convenient experience while exploring city and outdoor-themed destinations. Embrace the convenience of a rental car for a memorable trip in and around Johnston.

Most popular car rental in Johnston

• Midsize: The most booked car option in Johnston, the midsize car accommodates up to 5 travelers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it an ideal choice for couples and families, providing the flexibility to explore the area at your own pace while managing luggage with ease.

Top rated car suppliers in Johnston

• Budget: With one rental location in the area of Johnston, Budget is a popular choice for travelers seeking flexibility and value. They offer a range of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars being the most booked options. Budget ensures a straightforward rental experience, making it easy to explore Johnston and its surrounding attractions at your own pace.
• Enterprise: Known for its customer service and convenience, Enterprise also has one rental location in Johnston. This supplier is favored by travelers for their wide selection of vehicles, with Midsize and Fullsize cars being the top choices. Enterprise provides a reliable option for those looking to navigate the local area comfortably and efficiently.
• Hertz: Hertz offers a rental location in Johnston, making it accessible for tourists. Their most popular vehicle is the Mini, which is perfect for those looking for a compact and easy-to-maneuver option. Hertz is a great choice for travelers who want to enjoy the sights of Johnston without the hassle of a larger vehicle.

Where to stay around Johnston

• Johnston: Nestled within Des Moines, Johnston offers a blend of family-friendly activities and business conveniences. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Iowa State Fairgrounds, perfect for outdoor fun and family experiences. With access to a variety of restaurants and wineries in Des Moines, Johnston serves as a convenient base for travelers looking to enjoy both nature and urban amenities.
• Grimes: Located 5 miles from Johnston, Grimes is ideal for families and business travelers alike. The area features key attractions such as Living History Farms and Saylorville Lake, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy picturesque scenery. With a selection of local wineries and distilleries, Grimes also offers delightful dining options, making it a great choice for those seeking a city-themed experience close to Johnston.
• West Des Moines: Situated 6 miles away from Johnston, West Des Moines boasts a vibrant city atmosphere suitable for families and business travelers. The West Glen Town Center and Valley Junction are popular spots for shopping and dining. Outdoor lovers can appreciate the nearby lakes and event venues, while local wineries and restaurants provide a variety of food and drink options, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Johnston

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it’s wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. Booking early often secures you lower rates and ensures a wider selection, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically 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 the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements 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 may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just remember to return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worth it for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides added peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra costs.
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 Johnston

The best value period to rent a car in and around Johnston is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. April can also offer a decent value with average pricing and moderately low demand. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and demand peaking during the summer. June through August also see higher demand and similar pricing trends, making them some of the busiest months for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	21.4°F (-5.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	23.7°F (-4.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	39.2°F (4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	74.7°F (23.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	73.2°F (22.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
September	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	40.3°F (4.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	28.9°F (-1.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Johnston

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Johnston

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $51.

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