This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Des Moines with a pick-up date of 4/20 and drop-off date of 5/20. 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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Booking Insights
KAYAK’s insights & trends for Des Moines car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Des Moines with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Des Moines?
You should book your rental car in Des Moines around 85 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Des Moines?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Budget ($31.55/day), Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($38.06/day) and Hertz ($43.70/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Budget, 5800 Fleur Drive (3.8 mi from city center).
What is the most popular rental car in Des Moines?
Rentals in the SUV category (Ford Expedition or similar) are the most popular option in Des Moines, costing $87/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $50/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Des Moines?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Des Moines is January at an average cost of $51/day. July is the most expensive month to rent a car in Des Moines when prices are $84/day on average, which tends to be 27% above the yearly average rental price for Des Moines.
What rental car company in Des Moines has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 3 locations in Des Moines, more than any other rental company.
Didn't drive in the city, just hopped on the expressway and left area..............
SusanNov 2023
It all went quite smoothly.
claudiaJun 2023
Es muy tranquilo conducir en desmoines, las normas es seguir las reglas y conducir tranquilamente y respetando las normas
JohnJun 2023
This smaller venue make picking up a car fast and easy.
Verified travelerJul 2023
I did very little driving in Des Moines—most if my visit was out of the city
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 rental 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 rental 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.
From the breathtaking rolling landscapes to a rich history and culture, Iowa's capital city has so much to offer travelers. The best way you can enjoy all these spectacular sights and sounds is by having a rental car which gives you complete control to cruise around the city at your own pace. Forget the expensive taxi rides and instead find cheap car rentals in Des Moines so you can have the freedom to visit the Living History Farms Museum, about 15 minutes from the city. Other popular attractions include the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, which you can visit in less than an hour by car, or the Historic Hills Byway, located less than 2 hours away. You can tour these places and more on your to-do list with cheap car rentals in Des Moines.
Once you land at the busy International Airport of Des Moines, go to the baggage claim area and find several renowned Des Moines car rentals. Avis, Dollar, Alamo, and Hertz are a few examples of Des Moines car rentals with on-site offices and others located in different parts of the city. Then, having booked your rental car through KAYAK, take a 15- minute drive to the city via Fleur Drive to your various destinations.
During winter, Des Moines naturally experiences heavy snowfall, making your driving experience uncomfortable. If your visit coincides with the winter season, we recommend safe driving at all times. Before hitting the road, keep your windshield and headlights clear of excess snow. It would be best to observe safety precautions at all times and always be prepared should you get stuck in snow for some time. Otherwise, while it is safe and legal to make right turns at red lights, be sure to yield the right of way to other road users before you make a turn. Finally, having a blood-alcohol content of 0.08% and above can land you in trouble with the law. If you plan on drinking, don't get behind the wheel; instead, get a designated driver to move you around.
25% of our users found rental cars in Des Moines for $48 or less
Small rental cars in Des Moines are around 32% cheaper than other car types, on average
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 $61 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 Des Moines found in the last 2 weeks is $60.
Which car rental companies are at Des Moines airport (DSM)?
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 Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, and National.
How much does a Luxury car rental cost in Des Moines?
A Luxury car rental in Des Moines costs $111 per day, on average.
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Des Moines?
A Medium car rental in Des Moines costs $79 per day, on average.
How much does a Large car rental cost in Des Moines?
A Large car rental in Des Moines costs $173 per day, on average.
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Des Moines?
Most car rental providers in Des Moines offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Des Moines, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Des Moines?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 13 car rental agencies in Des Moines.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Des Moines?
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 Des Moines?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Des Moines so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
What is the speed limit in Des Moines?
The speed limit in Des Moines depends on which roadway you're using. Ensure you maintain a maximum of 25 mph when driving around residential areas and 65 mph on rural highways. The speed limit goes up to 75 mph on city and suburban highways, but you should exercise common sense and precautions when driving under unfavorable weather conditions.
What are the best places to park in Des Moines?
Parking spaces are readily available in most parts of Des Moines, especially downtown. Whether you're looking for on-street metered parking or parking structures, agencies like Center Street Park and Ride and ABM Parking, among others, offer affordable, convenient parking services.
Staff at service counter was very friendly & helpful.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Standard
They stayed open late so I was able to pick up my rental. Get customer service!!!
2.0 Poor
Jamey, Apr 2024
Supplier choice
Everything was terrible.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Passenger van
Very friendly and helpful check in and return.
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.
Where to begin? Picked this car up around 9:30pm. I had already driven away from the rental facility when I noticed a couple of problems with the car. Firstly, the petrol tank was not full but only 7/8 (the gauge is misleading at first sight). But worse than that was that one of the safety features (the Active Lane Management system) was not working at all and flagged up a warning that the vehicle needed servicing to repair it. Then, when returning the car less than 18 hours later, the system at the Hertz counter would not initially accept the return of the vehicle due to excessive mileage of some 21,000 miles that I supposedly had driven in those 18 hours. This turned out to be a mistake on the outgoing mileage which instead of 23,000 had been logged into the system as 2,000. This was eventually resolved by the staff at the counter, but just added to the feeling that this was a dreadful rental.
10.0 Wonderful
Oscar, Nov 2024
Intermediate
Everything was good. From pick up to drop off. Even accommodating a change in location for the drop off.
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Compact
The Hertz team is very laid back and easy to work with. No complaints.
10.0 Wonderful
Susan, Nov 2023
Standard
Great staff at the counter. He helped us find a vehicle that was close by for a frail walker. He answered all of our questions and this was a very pleasant rental car experience.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Compact
Great, very smooth process
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.
We had to wait 45 minutes for the car to be ready and even then, there were muddy floor mats.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2025
Economy
When I arrived at DSM, the Budget office claimed that they had no cars to rent me because my reservation was made through Kayak.
2.0 Poor
Michael, Oct 2024
Standard SUV
Took an hour in line to get the rental. Counter seemed understaffed.
2.0 Poor
Jill, Sep 2024
Full-size
There was no rental experience with Budget because despite having a confirmed reservation, their counter was closed when I arrived. My flight was delayed getting in. Myself and others had confirmed reservations but the employees left for the evening. Thankfully Hertz was open and had a car for me. Hertz was a great experience.
Liked prompt pick up and easy return. Vehicle was good.
10.0 Wonderful
Babatunde, Jun 2024
Pickup truck
Excellent customer service and friendly staff. Fast easy check in and check out. New rental that was clean and extra disinfectant wipes provided as a courtesy. Will definitely rent again from Alamo.
Gave me the keys and sent me out to the lot. The car was not there, which they didn't believe so they went out and found I was right. Went back to their storage, found a car after while. Wasted a lot of time................
I had a reservation and when I got there they told me they didn't have a car for me.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2023
Full-size
I wasn’t thrilled that they make you give them a positive online review BEFORE you get your car.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Feb 2023
Compact
Friendly counter staff, but they were making everyone scan a QR code and give them a 5 star review before they would give you a car. Very odd. They also charged way too much for this car but I needed it and they were the only ones with cars. It’s a fine line between charging what the market will bear and price gouging. The car was smaller (and cheesier) than what I ordered. It was like driving a Coke can. Finally, when my plans changed and I needed to return the car early, they would not refund the difference. They cited a paragraph in their contract, which was literally far too small to read. Overall not a good experience.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2023
Compact
I showed up to get my rental car and the office was closed. I could never get the car I reserved.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2022
Had to wait for an hour at the counter when we dropped off the car because the company only had one employee working and apparently he was on lunch break. Almost missed our flight because of it. Would not book a rental vehicle with this company again.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2022
When I arrived at the counter, I was told that I could not rent a car because I had not arrived on an incoming flight. This was never mentioned prior to my arriving to pick up the car. I needed the car for a family emergency, and no other companies had cars available. I will never try to rent from American again. I will also not likely ever use Kayak again.
Dollar
8.1
Very good
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
Lc Pending Close Dec 1st
+1 866 434 2226
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 12:00
Sunday
08:00 - 17:00
Filters
No reviews available
Airport Van
4.7
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.3
Comfort
5.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
4410 Merle Hay Road
+1 877 826 4680
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Easirent
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.2
Comfort
5.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.4
Value for money
5.0
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
Des Moines International Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Dr
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Thrifty
No score available yet
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
Lc Pending Close Dec 1st
+1 877 283 0898
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 12:00
Sunday
08:00 - 17:00
Filters
No reviews available
170 travelers who rented a car in Des Moines gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7
Small, Pickup truck, Luxury, Medium, SUV, Large, Van
Rental locations
16
Airport locations
13
Popular agencies
Turo, Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Payless
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