Des Moines Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Des Moines

Renting a car in and around Des Moines offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This metropolis is home to numerous attractions, and having a rental car makes it easy to manage your luggage while creating a travel plan that suits your needs. Families will appreciate the convenience of visiting places like the Iowa State Fairgrounds, perfect for outdoor experiences, or Adventureland, which caters to adventure seekers. Culture enthusiasts can explore the historic Iowa State Capitol Building without worrying about public transport schedules.

Additionally, a rental car allows you to easily venture into nearby cities such as West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Altoona, where you can visit popular destinations like West Glen Town Center and Saylorville Lake. Whether you are travelling for family outings, business meetings, or outdoor adventures, having your own vehicle enhances your experience, ensuring that you can visit multiple attractions in one day. With many key sites within a short drive, a rental car is a practical choice for making the most of your time in Des Moines.

Most popular car rentals in Des Moines

• Midsize: This car option accommodates up to 5 travellers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for couples or families. The midsize car strikes a balance between comfort and fuel efficiency, allowing you to explore Des Moines and its attractions at your own pace while comfortably managing your luggage.
• Standard: Similar to the midsize option, the standard car also accommodates 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for couples and families looking for a reliable vehicle that combines space with comfort. With a standard car, you can navigate the city and surrounding areas without sacrificing convenience.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car is designed for larger groups or families, accommodating 5 travellers along with either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option provides ample space for both passengers and luggage, ensuring everyone travels comfortably. If you plan to travel with more gear or enjoy extra room during your journey, the fullsize car is an excellent choice for exploring Des Moines.

Top rated car suppliers in Des Moines

• Hertz: Hertz is a top choice for travellers in Des Moines, boasting 2 rental locations in the area. Known for its extensive range of vehicles, the most booked options include Midsize and Standard SUV AWD, perfect for those looking to explore the region comfortably. Customers appreciate the seamless rental process and the quality of the vehicles, making Hertz a reliable option for your travel needs.
• Alamo Rent A Car: With 1 conveniently located rental site in Des Moines, Alamo Rent A Car offers a solid choice for visitors. Popular vehicle selections include Midsize SUVs and Compacts, catering to various travel preferences. Alamo is recognized for its efficient service and well-maintained vehicles, ensuring a pleasant rental experience for those looking to navigate the city and its surroundings.
• Enterprise: Enterprise stands out with 4 rental locations in Des Moines, providing travellers with ample options. The most frequently chosen vehicles are Midsize SUVs and Compacts, making it easy for groups and solo travellers alike to find their ideal ride. Customers value Enterprise for its exceptional customer service and friendly staff, enhancing the overall rental experience in the area.

Where to stay in Des Moines

• West Des Moines: A vibrant city offering a blend of family and business-themed experiences, West Des Moines is home to shopping venues like the West Glen Town Center and Valley Junction. Enjoy local attractions such as the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex and various nearby restaurants and wineries. This area is ideal for those exploring city life and offers easy access to event conference venues and scenic lakes.
• Ankeny: Known for its outdoor and adventure activities, Ankeny features attractions like the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex and Adventureland amusement park. Saylorville Lake provides a picturesque spot for beach outings and scenic views. With a variety of restaurants and wineries in the vicinity, Ankeny is perfect for families looking to combine fun with nature.
• Altoona: An outdoor enthusiast's paradise, Altoona is home to Adventureland amusement park and the Iowa State Fairgrounds, making it a great choice for family adventures. The Iowa State Capitol Building offers a glimpse into local culture. With numerous dining options and wineries nearby, Altoona caters to those seeking both excitement and relaxation.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, filters on Expedia can assist you in finding the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to secure lower prices and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically 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 fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might be unavailable. This also applies to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most economical option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can be acceptable too. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Renting a car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily 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 when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional costs.
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 Des Moines

The best time to rent a car in and around Des Moines is December, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. This period offers great value for those looking to explore the area. January and April also provide slightly low prices with average demand, making them solid options for rentals. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand, often making it less ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
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	Average	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	Moderately Low	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low