$45 Car Rental West Des Moines, IA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around West Des Moines

Renting a car in West Des Moines offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. This option is particularly appealing for families, business travelers, or those looking for city-themed experiences. With a rental car, you can easily visit local attractions such as the West Glen Town Center, which is ideal for city experiences, or the historic Jordan House, perfect for culture enthusiasts. The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex provides civic engagement opportunities, making it another worthwhile stop.

Additionally, West Des Moines serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby destinations. The city of Clive, just 1 mile away, features Wildwood Park and Living History Farms, while Urbandale, located 4 miles away, offers its own cultural highlights, including the Iowa State Capitol Building and Des Moines Civic Center. With a rental car, managing luggage is effortless, allowing for easy trips to the Iowa State Fairgrounds and Adventureland in Des Moines. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, renting a car in West Des Moines enhances your travel experience by providing convenience and ease of access to a variety of attractions.

Most popular car rentals in West Des Moines

• Premium Pickup: This car option is a favorite among adventure travelers, families, and small groups. With the capacity to accommodate 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases, the Premium Pickup is perfect for those seeking to explore West Des Moines with ample space for luggage. Its versatility makes it ideal for road trips and outdoor adventures, allowing you to manage your belongings easily while enjoying the freedom to roam.
• Premium: The Premium car option is a top choice for business travelers and couples, accommodating up to 5 travelers with room for 4 large suitcases. This option provides a comfortable and spacious ride, making it suitable for those who value both style and practicality during their stay in West Des Moines. Whether you have meetings to attend or wish to explore the area with ease, the Premium car ensures a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers in West Des Moines

• Enterprise: Enterprise is the most popular car rental supplier in West Des Moines, known for its excellent customer service and flexible rental options. With one rental location in the area, travelers appreciate the ease of accessing their vehicles. The Midsize and Mini Van options are particularly favored, making this supplier a great choice for families or groups. Customers often highlight the helpful staff and smooth check-in process, ensuring a pleasant rental experience.

Where to stay around West Des Moines

• West Des Moines: A vibrant area within the Des Moines metropolis, West Des Moines offers a mix of family-friendly attractions and business amenities. Enjoy proximity to the Iowa State Fairgrounds, perfect for family and outdoor experiences. The area also features various shopping centers and a range of dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a great base for exploring local culture and cuisine.
• Waukee: Located 6 miles from West Des Moines, Waukee is an ideal spot for family and city-themed vacations. This city features popular urban parks like Warrior Park and Alice Nizzi Park, perfect for outdoor activities. Visitors can also enjoy shopping at the local centers and have meals at nearby restaurants and breweries, providing a charming suburban experience close to the metropolis.
• Grimes: Situated 7 miles away from West Des Moines, Grimes is another appealing option for travelers seeking family and city experiences. Highlights include the Living History Farms and Saylorville Lake, which offer scenic views and outdoor adventures. With multiple shopping venues and food options, including wineries and distilleries, Grimes presents a blend of recreational and cultural activities.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and specific features you need. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to save money, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect option 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 likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy a greater selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and can be easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars offer a nice 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 premium models—might not be available. This age-related policy can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means 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 choices, which are acceptable as well; just remember to return the vehicle empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may incur a surcharge when picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might justify the extra cost.
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 unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, look for rental options that include unlimited mileage to prevent 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 West Des Moines

The best time to rent a car in and around West Des Moines is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is also low. This quiet period sets the stage for a good value, with February and March offering average prices and low demand as well. As spring approaches, prices can begin to rise slightly during May. However, June through August see the highest demand and slightly high prices, making it the most expensive period to rent a car.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	29.1°F (-1.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in West Des Moines

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter West 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 West Des Moines and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in West 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 West 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 West 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 $45.

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