$62 Car Rental Drake University, IA

Reasons to book a car rental around Drake University

Renting a car around Drake University offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for your travel plans. Whether you are visiting as a college visitor, a business traveler, or a family explorer, having a rental car allows you to explore the area at your own pace. With easy luggage management, you can conveniently pack for your adventures without the hassle of public transport. Key attractions are just a short drive away; for example, Casey's Center is located 2 miles from the university, perfect for family entertainment experiences. If you're looking for outdoor fun, the Iowa State Fairgrounds, situated 6 miles away, provides an excellent option for family outings. For business needs, the Iowa Events Center is also just 2 miles from Drake University. Furthermore, exploring nearby destinations such as Downtown Des Moines, only 2 miles away, gives you access to numerous attractions like the Iowa State Capitol Building. You can also visit Urbandale, located 3 miles away, with its Living History Farms and other local sites. A rental car truly enhances your journey, making it easy to uncover the rich experiences that Des Moines and its surroundings offer.

Most popular car rentals near Drake University

• Standard SUV: This popular choice fits 5 travelers comfortably and accommodates up to 2 medium suitcases. Standard SUVs are ideal for couples, families, and groups looking for a versatile vehicle that offers both space and convenience. With the ability to navigate various terrains and provide ample room for luggage, this option is perfect for those exploring around Drake University.
• Midsize SUV: Accommodating up to 5 travelers and 3 large suitcases, the midsize SUV is an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. This vehicle combines spaciousness with ease of handling, allowing travelers to enjoy their journey while having enough room for all their belongings. It's particularly suitable for visitors who value comfort without sacrificing maneuverability.
• Fullsize: The fullsize option is designed for larger groups, fitting 5 travelers with the capability to carry either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a fantastic choice for families or groups that need significant cargo space while traveling around Drake University. With its spacious interior, the fullsize car ensures that everyone travels comfortably, making it a top choice for many renters.

Top rated car suppliers near Drake University

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers, boasting 3 rental locations within 3 miles of Drake University. Customers frequently choose Enterprise for its wide selection of vehicles, particularly the Fullsize and Midsize options. Many appreciate the flexibility and convenience that comes with renting from Enterprise, making it a reliable option for those looking to explore the area at their own pace.
• Budget: Budget offers a solid rental experience with 1 location situated 4 miles away from Drake University. Travelers often opt for Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, which are well-suited for groups and families. Budget is known for competitive pricing, allowing visitors to enjoy their trip without breaking the bank. The convenience of its location makes it an appealing choice for travelers.
• Hertz: Hertz also provides a convenient rental option with 1 location located 4 miles from Drake University. Many customers favor Midsize SUVs and Economy vehicles, which offer great versatility for city driving and longer excursions. Hertz is recognized for its reliable service and well-maintained fleet, making it a dependable choice for tourists looking to navigate Des Moines comfortably.

Where to go in Drake University

• Downtown Des Moines: Located 2 miles away from Drake University, Downtown Des Moines is an ideal destination for travelers seeking family, business, and entertainment experiences. Popular venues include the Casey's Center, an arena entertainment facility, and the Iowa Events Center, which serves as an event conference venue. Visitors can also explore the historic Iowa State Capitol Building for a cultural experience. With a peak in traveler arrivals from March to April and July, this neighborhood offers a lively atmosphere year-round.
• Urbandale: Situated 3 miles from Drake University, Urbandale attracts travelers looking for family, city, and business experiences. Key highlights include Casey's Center, an arena entertainment facility, and Living History Farms, a unique farm experience. With visitor numbers peaking in April and June to July, Urbandale provides access to shopping centers and arena entertainment facilities, making it a great area for those seeking a variety of activities.
• Drake: The Drake neighborhood is home to Drake University and is located directly within the university's vicinity. Attracting visitors for city, culture, and family experiences, this area features Casey's Center for entertainment and the Iowa Events Center for business events. With traveler arrivals peaking from June to August, Drake offers a vibrant atmosphere and proximity to educational and recreational facilities, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the university culture.

10 tips to save on your Drake University 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 extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilizing filters on Expedia will help you discover the ideal match for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary with demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and benefit from greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a nice balance between cost, 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 luxury models—might be unavailable. This restriction can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you 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 the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies accept only credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen 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 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 around Drake University

The best value period to rent a car around Drake University is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. January and April also offer similar advantages, making them great months for budget-conscious travelers. As spring approaches, prices begin to rise slightly in May, with demand increasing as well. The summer months of June and July see the highest prices and demand, making them the most expensive times to rent a car in the area.

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 Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
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	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	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average