Ames car rentals from $43/day
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in Ames with a pick-up date of 5/1 and drop-off date of 5/8. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Ames car rental information
| Pick-up location | Ames |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Minivan, Pickup truck, Premium, Premium SUV, Standard, Standard SUV |
| Rental locations | 2 |
| Airport locations | 0 |
| Popular agencies | Turo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car |
Cheap car rentals in Ames
| Compact | $50/day |
| Intermediate | $48/day |
| Standard | $50/day |
| Full-size | $50/day |
| Minivan | $60/day |
| Full-size SUV | $53/day |
| Premium | $43/day |
| Luxury | $56/day |
| Pickup truck | $51/day |
| Premium SUV | $72/day |
| Standard SUV | $48/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $57/day |
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Ames
- Renting a car from a car rental in Ames is a wise idea if you want to explore the city actively. This is because, with a rental car, you can travel from one attraction to another without relying on the city's slow bus travel. Within Ames, some of the attractions you can easily get to include Reiman Gardens, a botanical garden, and a butterfly pavilion; Brunnier Art Museum, a decorative art museum at a campus auditorium; Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake, a well-maintained park suitable for fishing; and Veenker Memorial Golf Course, a top-notch golf course. On the other hand, outside Ames, you can enjoy short road trips to Sakatah Lake State Park, Whitewater State Park, Backbone State Park, and Nelson Dewey State Park.
- Des Moines Airport (DSM) is the main airport that serves Ames. If you'd like to rent a car once you land at this airport, you're in luck, as it features counters for Ames car rentals such as Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. These car rental agencies are located in the baggage claim area of the airport's mid-size terminal. Thus, you can simply walk to the counter of your preferred car rental.
- Ames boasts wide roads with proper road signs and demarcated paths for cyclists and pedestrians. However, when driving your car rental in Ames, it's in your best interest to always keep an eye on your surroundings, maintain a low speed, cut out distractions, and stay in line behind a slower car instead of abruptly changing lanes. Adopting the noted defensive driving techniques is quite advisable, given that not all Ames motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians keenly follow the traffic rules.
- When driving your car rental in Ames, you'll likely not encounter major traffic, as traffic snarl-ups are not common in this city. However, from 7 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 6 pm, the roads heading to and from this city's center usually have slight traffic. Given that the traffic on these roads is slow-moving, if you intend to drive to the city center during these periods, you need not worry about getting stuck in traffic for too long. However, leaving a bit earlier than necessary will accord you adequate time to get to your destination in time. Other than slight traffic, Ames experiences significant snowfall from November to March. If you plan to drive in Ames this season, you should have your rental car equipped with winter tires. As all car rentals in Ames offer winter tires, you won't have to walk from office to office.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Ames for $48 or less
- Book your rental car in Ames at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Compact rental cars in Ames are around -94% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Ames
How much does it cost to rent a car in Ames?
On average a rental car in Ames costs $64 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Ames found in the last 2 weeks is $39.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Ames?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($48/day).
How much is gas price in Ames?
The average gas price in Ames is $3.89 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $62, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Ames?
Compact (Ford Edge or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Ames.
How can I find car rentals near me in Ames?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Ames?
A Compact car rental in Ames costs $108 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Ames?
An Economy car rental in Ames costs $80 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Ames?
A Mini car rental in Ames costs $34 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Ames?
In Ames, cars are most frequently rented at Enterprise Rent-A-Car 1817 E Lincoln Way (2 miles from city center).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Ames?
On average a rental car in Ames costs $446 per week ($64 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Ames?
On average a rental car in Ames costs $1,912 per month ($64 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Ames?
Most car rental providers in Ames offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Ames, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Ames?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 2 car rental agencies in Ames.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Ames?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Ames?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Ames so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
What type of car is recommended for driving in Ames?
In Ames, there are several types of car rentals you can hire. They include economy rentals, luxury rentals, SUVs of various sizes, intermediate rentals, and compact rentals. The car rental in Ames you settle on should be determined by the number of individuals you plan on traveling with. If you intend to travel by yourself or with other companion, you should consider renting an economy rental. On the other hand, if you plan on traveling with four other individuals, you should rent a minivan.
What is the speed limit in Ames?
Different roads in Ames feature different speed limits. If you're on a road in a school zone, a construction zone, or a residential area, you're expected to maintain a speed of 25 mph. On the other hand, if you're on one of the highways leading into and out of the city, you can maintain a speed of up to 65 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Ames?
Finding a spot to park your car rental in Ames is quite easy, given that this city boasts several parking spots. The said parking lots are available at 500 Kellog Avenue, 340 Main Street, 615 5th Street, 526 Main Street, and 617 Douglas Avenue.
Ames car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.7
Very good
14 reviewsCleanliness
7.5
Comfort
9.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.0
Value for money
9.0
3 locations in Ames
Locations in Ames
1817 E Lincoln Way
+1 515 233 5200
5460 Merle Hay Rd Ste D
+1 515 331 1000
734 S Ankeny Blvd
+1 515 963 9300
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
They allowed me to switch cars after they had completed all the paper work.Cons:
The car could have been cleaner, I found a used mask tucked into the visor.10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2020
Pros:
it was great easy drop off clean vehicleCons:
nothing it was easy as it could be6.0 Okay
Nov 2019
Cons:
The booking system is confusing because everything about the payer's information is on my name, and I only put in another name for the driver because he was supposed to be the one driving. When the staff started looking for a booking under my name they could not find it because it looks like what they could see in their system is only the driver's name and not mine. Also, the policies are weird. They cannot let me rent it because I only have a student permit. I wanted to rent the car for the driver's test. Secondly, the policy would have let us rent the car had I only put in the renter's information under the driver's name and not mine. But of course, I booked it under my name, so they could not let me rent it.8.0 Very good
May 2019
Pros:
Ease of pickup. Employees were very courteous and helpful.Cons:
The building looks like an old jiffy lube oil change place. Getting in and out of the building was a little challenging but that can't be helped.7.6 Good
Apr 2019
Pros:
ease of experience, cleanliness, great gas mileage, helpful person at rental siteCons:
I ordered the wrong size of vehicle so the comfort was an issue.10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2018
Pros:
The folks at Enterprise were nice and willing to go out of their way to help me. They communicated with me several times to make sure everything was fine. They were a great group of people to work with.Cons:
No problems at all.Hertz
No score available yet
3 locations in Ames
Locations in Ames
1101 Se Oralabor Road
+1 515 964 9650
4730 Merle Hay Road
+1 515 276 1177
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2019
Pros:
Staff was great. Truck was a beast. Made my trip much easier.Cons:
The office smelled like mildew. Can't be good for the staff!!!6.4 Okay
Aug 2019
Pros:
The representative that served me was very professional and shared his expertise about the cars, the business, and the company.Cons:
I had to wait about an hour to get out on the road. There was only one person behind the counter. When a second guy showed up, things worked like clockwork.2.0 Poor
Jul 2018
Pros:
Nothing. This is the 2nd time I've rented with Hertz where they've had no cars abs I've had to make other plans. So NOTHING positiveCons:
I made a reservation, had a confirmation email and when I got to the location they said they had 0 cars. The staff blamed just about everything but offered no help, no alternatives, no solutions. They didn't offer to call another location, look up inventory elsewhere or anything. I was provided no future credit, no discounts later or anything, just an I'm sorry. So what's to stop Hertz from doing this all the time?!? In addition, a worker had just pulled in with a vehicle and 1 other was sitting outside I noticed when I left. Worst experience, staff and customer service ever!!!10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2017
Pros:
Quick, easy, hassle free! Professional staff and love the location of pick up!2.0 Poor
Aug 2023
Avis
No score available yet
2 locations in Ames
Locations in Ames
5500 Nw Johnston Drive, Ste C
+1 515 393 5453
637 S Ankeny Blvd
+1 515 207 5404
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2018
Pros:
This is a brand new business. We had a 15 passenger van rented, but it was recalled. So we were given two new Ford Explorers for the same price! Excellent customer service.10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2023
4.0 Mediocre
Feb 2023
4.0 Mediocre
Jul 2021
Cons:
I booked a full size SUV through car rentals.com on May 1 for our trip June 23-July 3. I continued to check with the local Avis because that was my pick up location. I was told that if someone extends their rental I may not have one and pre paid customers are priority. Couple days before the trip Avis told me they had a Ford Explorer for me but my reservation clearly stated full size SUV and had a picture of a full size SUV on the confirmation. I ended up getting a full size SUV through Enterprise but it cost me quite a bit more. I am now working with car rentals.com to get reimbursed for the difference I paid. I most likely won't use Avis again and probably not a third party site. Enterprise was great to work with and put me in what I needed and got me on the road!6.0 Okay
May 2021
Pros:
The staff member was excellent. However, since the rental came from a third party site, he didn’t have the car I reserved. I reserved a small SUV and he only had a Toyota Camry. He cleaned the one that just came in out and I took it as that was the only option. It was smoked in and banged up on the outside. He went above and beyond to get me something. Im glad our 4 suitcases for our 10 day trip fit in the trunk!Cons:
since the rental came from a third party site, he didn’t have the car I reserved. I reserved a small SUV and he only had a Toyota Camry. He cleaned the one that just came in out and I took it as that was the only option. It was smoked in and banged up on the outside. He went above and beyond to get me something. Im glad our 4 suitcases for our 10 day trip fit in the trunk!Budget
No score available yet
2 locations in Ames
Locations in Ames
5500 Nw Johnston Dr, Ste C
+1 515 393 5455
637 S Ankeny Blvd
+1 515 207 6050
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Jul 2018
Cons:
I made a reservation through budget and showed up to the Johnston IA location to pick up the car at the scheduled time. Upon arrival the employee present was not authorized to log into the system to rent me the car. Waiting 45 minutes for the manager to return to the location. Once the manager was present I showed my online reservation through Budget in which the manager respond that they were not yet set up to rent cars through the budget system. The manager switched me over AVIS in which they had a car available. I was on my way 1 hour 15 mins later than my scheduled pick up timeCar rental locations in or near Ames
Good to know
Most popular agency | Enterprise Rent-A-Car |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Compact |
Average price | $64/day |
Good deal | $48/day |