Des Moines car rentals from $35/day

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.

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.

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.

On average a rental car in Des Moines costs $63 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 $58.

The average gas price in Des Moines is $3.40 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $41 and $54, depending on the car size.

Intermediate (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Des Moines.

The only car rental company onsite at Des Moines airport is Payless.

The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Des Moines airport to off-airport locations is Payless.

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

An Intermediate car rental in Des Moines costs $69 per day, on average.

A Premium car rental in Des Moines costs $104 per day, on average.

A Full Size car rental in Des Moines costs $195 per day, on average.

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.

KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 13 car rental agencies 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!).

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.

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.

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.