Des Moines car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in Des Moines
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Des Moines
- The capital city of Iowa is only waiting to be explored by travelers, and what easier and more convenient way is there to do it than with your own four wheels? Rent a car for your time in Des Moines and discover everything from city attractions to more remote places outside the city, such as the Saylorville Lake, which is about half an hour away by car.
- When flying into the International Airport of Des Moines, pick up a car from their on-site car hire center to be in the city in less than 15 minutes via Fleur Drive. Located inside the terminal close to the Baggage Claim area, travelers will find various agencies available, such as Avis, Alamo, or National, which offer vehicles in all shapes and sizes.
- If you’re visiting Iowa during the winter, you may have to prepare for slick and slippery roads due to snow and ice. But good preparation is everything, and driving in the winter is no problem when the hire car has winter tires fixed and even snow chains in the trunk (you may have to rent them separately from the agency). When driving in snow, refrain from braking or accelerating too fast, and bring blankets and warm drinks with you, if possible, in case you get stuck. Also bear in mind that the roads will most likely be narrower due to snow piled up on the sides.
- Don’t drink and drive during your time in Des Moines. Iowa has very strict drinking laws and hefty fines are enforced if a driver is found behind the wheel with more than 0.08% of alcohol in the blood (BAC). Also try to avoid driving in the daily peak times when traffic is heaviest, usually between 7-9am and 4:30-6pm, as roads can be congested and waiting times will occur.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Des Moines for 450 ﷼ or less
- Book your rental car in Des Moines at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Mini rental cars in Des Moines are around 47% cheaper than other car types, on average
Des Moines car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about renting a car in Des Moines
What type of car is recommended for driving in Des Moines?
A 4-wheel-drive car is definitely a wise choice to make when renting a vehicle for Des Moines, especially in the winter. When venturing out of the city, a 4-wheel-drive will give drivers the essential traction for icy roads or dirt tracks. Talk to your agency about insurance and what is covered, and always check your car beforehand for scratches you did not cause.
What’s the speed limit in Des Moines?
In residential areas, 25 mph is permitted and up to 65 mph on rural roads. On highways, the state of Iowa allows drivers to speed up to 70 mph, but remember to always take the weather and street conditions into account and slow down when necessary.
Where are the best places to park in Des Moines?
There is on-street parking available all throughout Des Moines, with charges around $0.25 to $1.25 per hour, depending on how close to the center you are parked. Fees usually apply Monday to Saturday between 9am and 9pm, and parking is free on Sundays. Parking garages are another alternative, and there are seven garages in and around Downtown, charging an approximate daily limit of $10 or around $1 per hour.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Des Moines?
On average a rental car in Des Moines costs 471 ﷼ per day.
What is the best rental car company in Des Moines?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental company in Des Moines is Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.0, 51 reviews).
How much is gas price in Des Moines?
The average gas price in Des Moines is 13.06 ﷼ per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between 157 ﷼ and 209 ﷼, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Des Moines?
Mini (Fiat 500 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Des Moines.
Which car rental companies are at Des Moines airport (DSM)?
The only car rental company onsite at Des Moines airport is Budget.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Des Moines airport (DSM)?
The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Des Moines airport to off-airport locations is Budget.
How can I find car rentals near me in Des Moines?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Des Moines?
A Mini car rental in Des Moines costs 139 ﷼ per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Des Moines?
An Intermediate car rental in Des Moines costs 146 ﷼ per day, on average.
How much does a Special car rental cost in Des Moines?
A Special car rental in Des Moines costs 165 ﷼ per day, on average.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Des Moines?
On average a rental car in Des Moines costs 3,298 ﷼ per week (471 ﷼ per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Des Moines?
On average a rental car in Des Moines costs 14,135 ﷼ per month (471 ﷼ per day).
Des Moines car rental reviews and directory All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.0
Very good
Read 31 reviewsCleanliness
8.2
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.7
3 locations in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
1545 E Euclid Ave
+1 515 262 2222
200 Se 6th St
+1 515 282 8000
5800 Fleur Dr
+1 844 996 0646
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Standard SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Standard
2.0 Poor
Jamey, Apr 2024
Supplier choice
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Passenger van
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2021
Cons:
Everything can't be rated because I got a phone call from Enterprise telling me that they had overbooked and that I would be on a wait list for a car. That was the last I heard from them.10.0 Wonderful
Alan, May 2021
Pros:
Jack at the counter is a wonderful asset to the company. He did a,great job getting us into the vehicle that we wanted.Hertz
7.6
Good
Read 22 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
7.4
2 locations in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive
+1 515 256 5848
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Compact
10.0 Wonderful
Susan, Nov 2023
Standard
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Compact
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, May 2021
Cons:
The vehicle we had reserved had been "given away". We were given an upgrade; however it was not very comfortable. We had reserved a vehicle we knew we would be comfortable in for the long drive. Vehicle was dirty inside - used our own wipes to sanitize. Windshield wipers did not work properly. Was stressful on day 2 of the drive in the rain.6.0 Okay
Doug, Feb 2021
Pros:
The staff was incredibly helpful and friendly, at the airport.Cons:
The person I spoke to on the phone, after my initial flight was canceled, could not have been less helpful, or more condescending.2.0 Poor
Kyle, Jan 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
They were not open when I arrived and I had to spend 3x as much getting a car from another companyBudget
6.6
Okay
Read 29 reviewsCleanliness
6.7
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
6.6
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive
+1 515 287 2612
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Michael, Oct 2024
Standard SUV
2.0 Poor
Jill, Sep 2024
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
Staff was friendly and helpfulCons:
Late fees and charges are outrageous as is charges for gas8.0 Very good
Alexander, Mar 2021
Cons:
Car had been smoked in.6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Cons:
The budget customer service staff needs to work on their customer service experience. Their behavior is what drives this poor review. If you book a car through any of the travel apps they are not inclined to offer you any information Other than what you received while pre-booking.National
9.6
Wonderful
Cleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
8.0
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Dr
+1 844 816 4384
Filters
No reviews available
Alamo
8.6
Very good
Read 8 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
8.3
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Dr
+1 844 816 4385
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Minivan
10.0 Wonderful
Babatunde, Jun 2024
Pickup truck
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Pros:
Staff was very helpful picking up and returning. Very convenient location in the airport and the cars are right outside the door in the baggage claim area6.0 Okay
CT, Aug 2020
Pros:
Nice sized suvCons:
The gas gauge was way off. No horse power.9.6 Wonderful
Ryan, Jan 2020
Pros:
Staff was super helpful. Class of vehicle rented wasn't available so they provided an upgrade and reduced the price for the trouble. Would highly recommend!2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2023
Intermediate SUV
Dollar
6.9
Okay
Cleanliness
7.5
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
7.5
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
Lc Pending Close Dec 1st
+1 866 434 2226
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive
+1 877 283 0898
Lc Pending Close Dec 1st
+1 877 283 0898
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Jul 2020
Pros:
staff was very friendly. Drop off was confusing as it was no longer Thrifty but Hertz9.6 Wonderful
Dave, Mar 2020
Pros:
The entire experience could not have been easier and more convenient.2.8 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2019
Cons:
My car stopped working. Had to get an uber to get where I needed to go. The lyft they got me didnt even bring me to the right place to pick up my car at first. I had an extremely disappointing experience.One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive
+1 515 256 5228
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Show reviews that mention
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Jerry, Oct 2023
Compact
10.0 Wonderful
Renota, Dec 2020
Cons:
Thanks y’all are great7.2 Good
Tax, Sep 2020
Cons:
Way too long of a line to pick up the car4.4 Mediocre
Anonymous, Feb 2020
Cons:
Will never use them again. Insane after-the-fact price hijacking and terrible service. I have been renting cars several times a year for years. I had never used Payless before but needed to book something about a week in advance of the date. It was about $300 to book for 3 days which was already expensive but when I picked up the car they tacked on another full day because they charge by the “24 hours” not by the day, which was already absurd. They would not budge on the cost, which was a surprise upon pickup. When I picked up the car the total came to over $600! For 3 days with a car! They wouldn’t explain the Huge increase except that it was a high demand time and that’s just the cost of the car. Awful experience. Will stick with the better name brands that are fair and honest about pricing.2.0 Poor
Cheryl, Aug 2023
Full-size
6.0 Okay
Tyler, Jun 2023
Standard SUV
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive
+1 515 256 5623
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Full-size
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Apr 2021
Pros:
The service was good. I really liked the car, clean and nearly new. Good experience and better rates than other rental companies.Cons:
Tried to call the rental location several times and never got someone to answer. Customer service these days is the way to stay ahead of the rest.6.0 Okay
Ben, Sep 2023
Intermediate
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Sep 2022
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2022
1.9 Poor
Andrew, Aug 2021
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Rd
+1 515 644 5255
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2023
Compact
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2023
Full-size
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Feb 2023
Compact
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2023
Compact
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2022
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2022
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
4410 Merle Hay Road
+1 877 826 4680
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near Des Moines
Good to know
Most popular agency | Budget |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Mini |
Average price | 471 ﷼/day |
Good deal | 450 ﷼/day |
When to book a rental car in Des Moines
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Des Moines
Car rental at airports serving Des Moines
Des Moines car rental information
| Pick-up location | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Rental locations | 17 |
| Airport locations | 14 |