Des Moines Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Des Moines

Renting a car in Des Moines offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and business travellers, as it allows for easy luggage management and adaptable travel plans. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the Iowa State Fairgrounds, which is ideal for family-oriented outdoor experiences, and Adventureland, perfect for those seeking adventure and fun. You can also explore the historic Iowa State Capitol Building, enriching your cultural experience.

Additionally, having a car makes it simple to discover nearby cities like West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Altoona. In West Des Moines, you can visit the West Glen Town Center or the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. Ankeny offers the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex and Saylorville Lake, while Altoona features both Adventureland and the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Renting a car ensures you can make the most of your visit, visiting multiple attractions without the constraints of public transport schedules.

Most popular car rentals in Des Moines

• Midsize: The midsize car is a popular choice for travellers in Des Moines, accommodating up to 5 passengers and offering space for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it perfect for couples and families looking to explore the area comfortably while managing their luggage with ease.
• Compact: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small families, the compact car fits up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases. Its smaller size makes it particularly suitable for navigating urban environments in Des Moines, ensuring easy parking and efficient fuel usage.
• Standard SUV AWD: The standard SUV all-wheel drive is well-suited for couples, families, or groups, accommodating up to 5 passengers with space for 2 small suitcases. It offers a higher driving position and added comfort, making it a favourable option for those looking to travel in style while exploring the attractions around Des Moines.

Top rated car suppliers in Des Moines

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice for travellers in Des Moines, offering the convenience of a single rental location. Known for providing Midsize SUVs and Mini Vans, Alamo ensures that you have the space and comfort to manage your luggage and enjoy your journey. Their focus on customer satisfaction and flexibility makes them a great option for exploring the area.
• Avis: With one rental location in Des Moines, Avis is a well-regarded supplier that caters to those seeking reliability and convenience. The most booked vehicle from Avis is the Midsize SUV, which perfectly balances comfort and manoeuvrability for navigating both city streets and scenic routes. Their commitment to providing quality vehicles makes them a preferred choice among travellers.
• Hertz: Hertz operates a single rental location in Des Moines, offering a streamlined car rental experience. The Midsize cars available through Hertz are ideal for those who appreciate a balance of efficiency and comfort while exploring the vicinity. Their reputation for quality service and dependable vehicles makes them an excellent option for your car rental needs.

Where to stay in Des Moines

• West Des Moines: This vibrant city offers a mix of family, city, and business-themed experiences. Travellers can enjoy shopping at the local shopping mall center and visit the fairground show ground. Notable attractions include the West Glen Town Center and Valley Junction, both ideal for a city holiday. The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex adds a civic touch to the area. With various nearby food and drink options including wineries and restaurants, West Des Moines is a convenient choice for a well-rounded stay.
• Ankeny: Perfect for family, outdoor, and adventure seekers, Ankeny boasts a variety of activities and venues. Visit the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex for outdoor fun or explore Adventureland amusement park for exciting rides. Saylorville Lake offers lovely scenery and romantic spots, perfect for a beach day. The area also features nearby food and drink options, including wineries and restaurants, making Ankeny an excellent base for those looking to enjoy nature and adventure.
• Altoona: Known for its family-friendly and outdoor experiences, Altoona is home to the popular Adventureland amusement park and a waterpark, ensuring fun for all ages. The Iowa State Fairgrounds hosts various events throughout the year, while the historic Iowa State Capitol Building is a great cultural site to explore. With an array of nearby eateries, wineries, and restaurants, Altoona provides a delightful stay for those seeking adventure and family activities.

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 considering vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for added space, a convertible for those summer drives, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary according to demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the preferred option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airport locations, though it might be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payments.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should unforeseen circumstances arise during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Des Moines

The best value period to rent a car in and around Des Moines is April, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. This is followed by November and December, which also see slightly low prices with typical demand. In contrast, June tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand. May through July also experience increased demand, making them busier times for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
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	Moderately Low	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	Moderately Low	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	Average	Slightly Low
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low