Johnston car rentals from $33/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 Johnston with a pick-up date of 5/24 and drop-off date of 6/1. 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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Cheap car rentals in Johnston

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
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Economy$33/day
Compact$34/day
Intermediate$35/day
Standard$41/day
Full-size$39/day
Minivan$55/day
Full-size SUV$65/day
Premium$50/day
Premium SUV$80/day
Intermediate SUV$40/day
Standard SUV$48/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Johnston

  • Opting for car rentals in Johnston has an edge over solely relying on the available public transportation options. Unlike the public transit options that run on fixed schedules, getting a ride from Johnston car rentals gives you more flexibility when planning your travel. With a rental car, you get to travel at your own pace. Renting a car also allows you to conveniently visit sites and attractions that public options like buses don't cover. Some of the top attractions in Johnston you can easily drive to include Saylorville Lake and Sycamore Trail.
  • Most passengers flying to Johnston usually land at Des Moines International Airport (DSM). You will be happy to learn that you can quickly pick up a rental car at the airport instead of taking the public transportation options to car rentals in Johnston town center. Rental counters are near the baggage claim area in the terminal. If you're a walk-up renter, follow the signs for "Arrivals" or "Baggage Claim" to get to the baggage claim area, where you'll find the rental counters.
  • Knowing the driving culture and the road conditions in Johnston before taking any car from car rentals in Johnston helps ensure a smooth trip. Most drivers in Johnston follow the traffic regulations to the letter, with only a few drivers violating them. As such, we recommend keeping a safe distance from other vehicles and staying alert to reduce accidents. The city's traffic also sees a lot of cycling and pedestrian activities; therefore, be keen when driving to avoid running them over at marked or unmarked crosswalks and intersections.
  • Driving in Johnston during rush hour is usually difficult as the roads experience snarl-ups. The city experiences a morning rush hour between 7 am and 9 am and an evening rush hour from about 4 pm to 6 pm. We recommend planning your trip outside the peak hours or avoiding driving in the routes most affected during rush hours. Most of these routes are usually those running into the city center. The intersection between Northwest 70th Avenue and Northwest 100th Street is one such section that sees a lot of traffic during these hours.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Johnston for $43 or less
  • Book your rental car in Johnston at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price

FAQs about renting a car in Johnston

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Johnston?

    On average a rental car in Johnston costs $51 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 Johnston found in the last 2 weeks is $46.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in Johnston?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($33/day), Budget ($34/day) and Avis ($42/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car 5460 Merle Hay Rd Ste D 50131-1239 (1 miles from city center).

  • How much is gas price in Johnston?

    The average gas price in Johnston 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 Johnston?

    Full-size (Chevrolet Tahoe or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Johnston.

  • Which car rental companies are at Des Moines airport (DSM)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Des Moines airport include Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo, Budget, Payless, Avis and National.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Des Moines airport (DSM)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Des Moines airport to off-airport locations include Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo, Budget, Payless, Avis, and National.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Johnston?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Johnston?

    A Full Size car rental in Johnston costs $80 per day, on average.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Johnston?

    On average a rental car in Johnston costs $354 per week ($51 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Johnston?

    On average a rental car in Johnston costs $1,516 per month ($51 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in Johnston?

    Most car rental providers in Johnston offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Johnston, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

  • How many car agencies are operating in Johnston?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 3 car rental agencies in Johnston.

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Johnston?

    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 Johnston?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Johnston 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 Johnston?

    Car rentals in Johnston have a wide variety of vehicles you can pick when renting a car in the city. While the road conditions in the city help determine the ideal rental car, the one you choose will largely depend on your preferences and personal needs. Most roads in Johnston are usually well-maintained, so a compact rental is ideal for most trips. Consider getting a reliable sedan or a compact SUV if you intend to travel to locations with dirt roads. Such cars offer great traction to handle different road conditions.

  • What’s the speed limit in Johnston?

    You'll notice that the speed limits in Johnston vary from one road type to another. The maximum speed allowed for each road and section is usually posted on the right-hand side of the road. Therefore, watch out for these posted limits to avoid getting a traffic ticket. Keep your vehicle under 15 mph when driving on roads in school zones and under 25 mph when in residential zones unless posted otherwise. The maximum speed limit for county roads and state highways is 55 mph, but this falls to 50 mph for some sections.

  • Where are the best places to park in Johnston?

    Parking in Johnston is usually hassle-free, as they are numerous options. The city offers a mix of on-street parking and public and private lots. If you're in the downtown area, you will find several streets where on-street parking is permitted. Parking Lots like that on 9607 NW Beaver Dr. also offer good parking spaces. Parking in Johnston is generally affordable, as you will pay about $1 to $2 hourly when using these spaces.  

Johnston car rental reviews and directory

Avis

7.3

Best rated

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.3

Value for money

7.3

One location in Johnston

Show locations

Locations in Johnston

5500 Nw Johnston Drive, Ste C

+1 515 393 5453

Monday07:00 - 18:00
Tuesday07:00 - 18:00
Wednesday07:00 - 18:00
Thursday07:00 - 18:00
Friday07:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 13:00
Sunday10:00 - 14:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2018

KAYAK

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

KAYAK
We had a full size Dodge suv and it had plenty of room in it for us and all our luggage. And drove very nicely.

1 out of 1

Airport Van

5.2

Fair

No reviews available

One location in Johnston

Show locations

Locations in Johnston

4410 Merle Hay Road

+1 877 826 4680

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

No score available yet

4 locations in Johnston

Show locations

Locations in Johnston

11010 Douglas Ave

+1 515 252 8800

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday15:00 - 18:00

1545 E Euclid Ave

+1 515 262 2222

Monday08:00 - 13:00
Tuesday08:00 - 13:00
Wednesday08:00 - 13:00
Thursday08:00 - 13:00
Friday08:00 - 13:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

5460 Merle Hay Rd Ste D

+1 515 331 1000

Monday08:00 - 13:00
Tuesday08:00 - 13:00
Wednesday08:00 - 13:00
Thursday08:00 - 13:00
Friday08:00 - 13:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

734 S Ankeny Blvd

+1 515 963 9300

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2024

KAYAK
Very friendly and helpful check in and return.

2.0 Poor

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

I didn’t even have a car when I had placed a reservation well in advance.

Cons:

The pick up time for my car was set for 5pm, the location closed at 5pm. I called first thing the following morning to pick up my rental & they told me they no longer had the vehicle available because I hadn’t showed up to pick up the car at my scheduled appointment time— even though I did, they were just closed by that time. I was told theyd call me later on that same afternoon to give me an update & I never even got a call, no apologies for the inconvenience, nothing. Frustrating to say the least.

8.4 Very good

Mar 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Technology of the car

Cons:

It’s not Comfortable

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

it was great easy drop off clean vehicle

Cons:

nothing it was easy as it could be

8.0 Very good

May 2019

KAYAK

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.

10.0 Wonderful

Nov 2018

KAYAK

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.

1 out of 5

Budget

No score available yet

Most popular

2 locations in Johnston

Show locations

Locations in Johnston

5500 Nw Johnston Dr, Ste C

+1 515 393 5455

Monday07:00 - 18:00
Tuesday07:00 - 18:00
Wednesday07:00 - 18:00
Thursday07:00 - 18:00
Friday07:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 13:00
Sunday10:00 - 14:00

637 S Ankeny Blvd

+1 515 207 6050

Monday07:00 - 18:00
Tuesday07:00 - 18:00
Wednesday07:00 - 18:00
Thursday07:00 - 18:00
Friday07:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 13:00
Sunday10:00 - 14:00

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Jul 2018

KAYAK

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 time

1 out of 1

Hertz

No score available yet

Cheapest deal

2 locations in Johnston

Show locations

Locations in Johnston

2737 100th St

+1 515 276 1177

Monday08:00 - 13:00
Tuesday08:00 - 13:00
Wednesday08:00 - 13:00
Thursday08:00 - 13:00
Friday08:00 - 13:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

4730 Merle Hay Road

+1 515 276 1177

Monday08:00 - 13:00
Tuesday08:00 - 13:00
Wednesday08:00 - 13:00
Thursday08:00 - 13:00
Friday08:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Dec 2023

KAYAK
I canceled my rental two days ahead of time of pick-up as that is what I thought I read, in order to receive all of my money back. I did get it back. I only wanted an SUV to make sure we could get through a snow storm as my wife had to drive 100 miles to pick up our son at Christmas. There was no snow so I didn't need the car. Next time, I will rent the vehicle a couple of days out instead of having to rent and cancel. I have rented vehicles from that location at least three times and always had a good experience. ....thanks

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

I feel that everything was perfect. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at the office made our experience the greatest.

5.2 Fair

Apr 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Car kept flashing need mechanical repair

Cons:

I called the guy and told him he didn’t care

2.0 Poor

Jul 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

Because of local flooding there were no cars to rent. This was not the problem but Hertz just kind of seemed like they did not care that they did not have any cars and were not very helpful in trying to locate another car to rent.

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Good seevice

Cons:

Nothing

9.2 Wonderful

Jul 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

I'm just used to my vehicle. I couldn't get my seat in a good spot.

1 out of 4

50 travelers who rented a car in Johnston gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.2

Car rental locations in or near Johnston

Good to know

Most popular agency

Budget

Most popular car type

Full-size

Average price

$51/day

Good deal

$43/day

When to book a rental car in Johnston

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches