$47 Car Rental Johnston, IA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Johnston

Renting a car in Johnston, Iowa, offers the freedom and flexibility that enhances your travel experience, whether you're a countryside explorer, family traveler, or business professional. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, allowing you to explore key attractions at your own pace. For family entertainment, visit Casey's Center, located 7 miles away, or for a business experience, the Iowa Events Center, also 7 miles away, is a great choice. If you're interested in city life, Drake University is only 5 miles from Johnston. Beyond these attractions, a rental car makes it convenient to explore nearby destinations like Des Moines, where you can find the Iowa State Fairgrounds and Adventureland. The city of Grimes, just 5 miles away, offers Living History Farms and Saylorville Lake for outdoor adventures. Additionally, Downtown Des Moines is a short 7-mile drive from Johnston, featuring attractions like the Iowa State Capitol Building. With a rental car, you can effortlessly discover the diverse experiences that Johnston and its surroundings have to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Johnston

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle comfortably fits 5 travelers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV offers a balance of space and maneuverability, perfect for navigating both city streets and rural roads around Johnston. Whether you're exploring the countryside or heading to a business meeting, this option provides the flexibility you need.
• Fullsize: Accommodating 5 travelers with the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize car is suited for families and groups traveling together. Its ample space ensures comfort during longer journeys, whether you’re heading out for a day trip or managing business-related travel. The fullsize car allows for easy luggage management, making it a popular choice among those who prioritize both comfort and capacity.
• Standard SUV: This option fits 5 travelers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases, making it a versatile choice for couples, families, or groups. The standard SUV provides a higher driving position and spacious interior, offering comfort and convenience for your travels in and around Johnston. This vehicle is great for those who want a blend of city driving ease and the capability to handle various terrains.

Top rated car suppliers in Johnston

• Budget: Budget is a popular choice for travelers in Johnston, offering a single rental location in the area. Known for its reliable service, Budget provides a solid selection of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars being the most booked options. This supplier is favored for its flexibility and ease of managing luggage, making it a great fit for those wanting to explore Johnston and its surroundings at their own pace.
• Enterprise: Enterprise is another top supplier in Johnston, featuring one rental location in the area. Renowned for its exceptional customer service, Enterprise makes the rental process smooth and efficient. With a focus on customer satisfaction, many travelers choose Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles from this supplier, ensuring a spacious and comfortable ride for various travel needs.
• Avis: Avis also stands out as a leading car rental option in Johnston, with a dedicated rental location nearby. This supplier is recognized for its quality selection of vehicles, particularly Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, which cater to both solo travelers and families. Avis provides a reliable and convenient service, allowing visitors to comfortably navigate Johnston and nearby attractions with ease.

Where to go in Johnston

• Johnston: Located within the vibrant Des Moines area, Johnston offers a blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences. Visitors can easily access nearby attractions such as the Iowa State Fairgrounds, which is perfect for outdoor family outings. The city is also close to modern amenities and shopping centers, making it a convenient base for exploration.
• Grimes: Just 5 miles from Johnston, Grimes is a welcoming city ideal for family and city experiences. Key attractions include Living History Farms, which offers a glimpse into agricultural history, and Saylorville Lake, perfect for romantic getaways or scenic outings. Walnut Creek Hills Park provides a lovely urban park setting for outdoor activities.
• Downtown Des Moines: Approximately 7 miles from Johnston, Downtown Des Moines is a bustling neighborhood renowned for its entertainment and business offerings. It features attractions like Casey's Center, an arena suitable for family entertainment, and the Iowa Events Center, which hosts various conferences. Visitors can also explore the historic Iowa State Capitol Building for a cultural experience.

10 tips to save on your Johnston car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you need an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, filters on Expedia can help you identify the best option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars tend to be more affordable 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 certain 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 before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also work; just make sure 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 the convenience might justify the extra cost.
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 unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, look for rental options that offer 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 Johnston

The best time to rent a car in and around Johnston is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is minimal. April also offers moderate prices with low demand, making it another good option. As summer approaches, prices rise, peaking in July when both prices and demand are high, making it the most expensive month for rentals. June and August continue to see elevated demand, while the fall months of September and October return to average pricing and demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	21.4°F (-5.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	23.7°F (-4.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	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	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	High	Slightly High
July	74.7°F (23.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	73.2°F (22.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	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 $47.

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