$40 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 travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at their own pace. Whether you are a business traveler, a family on vacation, or an outdoor enthusiast, having a rental car makes it easy to manage luggage and create flexible travel plans. You can conveniently visit key attractions such as Drake University, located 6 miles away, for a modern city experience, or explore Living History Farms, just 2 miles from West Des Moines, for a glimpse into Iowa’s agricultural past. Additionally, the West Glen Town Center, situated within West Des Moines, provides ample opportunities for shopping and dining.

A rental car also allows you to venture beyond West Des Moines to nearby destinations like Des Moines, where you can discover Casey's Center, Iowa State Fairgrounds, and Adventureland. Cities like Waukee, located 6 miles away, and Grimes, 7 miles away, also offer attractions such as Saylorville Lake and Walnut Creek Hills Park. With a rental car, you can easily navigate these areas without the constraints of public transportation, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

Most popular car rentals in West Des Moines

• Fullsize: The fullsize car option is a popular choice for travelers in West Des Moines, accommodating up to 5 passengers with space for 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for families and groups seeking comfort and convenience while exploring the area. With ample room for both passengers and luggage, you can enjoy your journey without feeling cramped, making it a great fit for business and leisure trips alike.
• Mini Van: For larger groups or families, the mini van is an excellent option, fitting up to 8 travelers and allowing for 6 large suitcases. This vehicle is particularly suitable for family travel, offering generous space for both passengers and their belongings. The mini van ensures that everyone can travel together comfortably, making it a favored choice for those looking to explore West Des Moines and its surroundings with ease.
• Midsize SUV: The midsize SUV is a versatile choice for travelers in West Des Moines, fitting 5 travelers and accommodating up to 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for families, couples, or small groups who desire a balance of space and maneuverability. With the ability to tackle various terrains, the midsize SUV provides a comfortable and stylish way to experience the freedom of the open road while exploring the attractions in and around the city.

Top rated car suppliers in West Des Moines

• Enterprise: Enterprise is the most popular car rental supplier in West Des Moines, featuring one convenient location. Travelers appreciate the flexibility and variety of vehicles available, particularly the Midsize SUV and Fullsize options. Known for its excellent customer service, Enterprise allows you to explore attractions at your own pace while managing your luggage with ease. This supplier is ideal for both leisure and business travelers seeking a reliable and comfortable rental experience.

Where to go in West Des Moines

• West Des Moines: This vibrant area within the Des Moines metropolis offers a range of family-friendly attractions. Notable highlights include Casey's Center, an arena suited for entertainment, and the Iowa State Fairgrounds, ideal for outdoor activities. Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby shopping malls and centres, making West Des Moines a convenient base for exploring the region.
• Waukee: Located 6 miles away from West Des Moines, Waukee is a charming city known for its family-oriented experiences. Key attractions include Living History Farms, where visitors can learn about rural life, and West Glen Town Center, a lively neighbourhood perfect for city exploration. Waukee sees peak visitor numbers in April and June to July, making it a great time to visit.
• Grimes: Situated 7 miles from West Des Moines, Grimes is another family-friendly city that offers a mix of attractions. Saylorville Lake is a picturesque spot for outdoor activities, while Walnut Creek Hills Park provides urban park amenities for a relaxing day out. Grimes attracts visitors particularly in April and June to July, making these months ideal for enjoying its scenic offerings.

10 tips to save on your West Des Moines car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it's advisable to make your reservation well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically cost less to rent and are easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might 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 usually the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can be acceptable as well. Just remember to return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but this added convenience might be worth the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most 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. It’s easy to add rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is required to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around West Des Moines

The best value period to rent a car in and around West Des Moines is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. September and October also offer slightly low prices with average demand, making them good shoulder months. However, May is typically the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately low demand. June and July follow closely, as they see slightly high prices and moderately high demand during the summer months.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately 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	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	Moderately Low	Slightly High
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately 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 $40.

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