Ames car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car hire in Ames

Medium car
Medium
Luxury car
Luxury
Commercial car
Commercial
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Ames car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Ames with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Ames?

You should book your car hire in Ames around 66 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular car to hire in Ames?

Hires in the Van category (Chrysler Pacifica or similar) are the most popular option in Ames, costing R1 034/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as R798/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Ames?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Ames is November at an average cost of R820/day. August is the most expensive month to hire a car in Ames when prices are R1 410/day on average, which tends to be 26% above the yearly average hire price for Ames.

Which car hire company in Ames has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 3 locations in Ames, more than any other car hire company.

Ames car hire price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right car hire in Ames by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

R770 - R1 270

All Car Types

R1 022 - R1 768

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Ames?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Ames?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in Ames?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Ames?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Ames?

How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Ames?

Small car hire in Ames typically costs around R1 040 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average R770 per day, which is about 26% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 24% cheaper than the average car hire in Ames, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Ames typically costs around R1 251 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average R999 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 8% cheaper than the average car hire in Ames, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in Ames typically cost around R1 090 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R868 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 20% cheaper than the average car hire in Ames, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.

SUV hire in Ames typically costs around R1 144 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average R688 per day, which is about 40% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 16% cheaper than the average car hire in Ames, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.

Van hire in Ames typically costs around R2 043 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R901 per day, which is about 56% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 34% more expensive than the average car hire in Ames but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Pickup truck hire in Ames typically costs around R1 490 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average R819 per day, which is about 46% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 9% more expensive than the average car hire in Ames but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.

Good to know

Most popular car type

Small

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring 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.
  • Small hire cars in Ames are around 32% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Ames

  • How can I find car hires near me in Ames?

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

  • How much does a Small car hire cost in Ames?

    A Small car hire in Ames costs R1 034 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Medium car hire cost in Ames?

    A Medium car hire in Ames costs R1 276 per day, on average.

  • 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

7,0

Good

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

7.0

3 locations in Ames

Locations in Ames

1817 E Lincoln Way

+1 515 233 5200

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday

5460 Merle Hay Rd Ste D

+1 515 331 1000

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday

734 S Ankeny Blvd

+1 515 963 9300

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday

Filters

Reviews

4,0 Mediocre

Guy, Sept 2026

Pick-up truck

KAYAK
No pick up service to get me to Enterprise. I thought that was their calling call. Not in Ames!

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jun 2026

People carrier

KAYAK
Everything was top notch. The van I left Enterprise with on Thursday did not have working air conditioning. When I got home I called and asked about getting a replacement. The next day as we set out on our trip we stopped at the Enterprise office. They had another like model, with working a/c all ready for us. All we had to do was switch out bags from one van to the other. Very smooth. The Pacifica had a smooth ride, was a pleasure to drive, and we had plenty of room. Overall, a very positive experience. The staff completely took care of us. I would recommend Enterprise to anyone, and will most certainly come back the next time there is a need. Deacon Rob Claypool St Mary's Eldora Catholic Church

1 out of 1

Dollar

8,3

Very Good

One location in Ames

Locations in Ames

121 Southeast Shurfine Drive

+1 515 964 9650

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00

Filters

No reviews available

Budget

No score available yet

2 locations in Ames

Locations in Ames

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

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2024

Economy

KAYAK
Egregious.

1 out of 1

Hertz

No score available yet

2 locations in Ames

Locations in Ames

121 Southeast Shurfine Drive

+1 515 964 9650

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00

711 E Lincoln Way

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2024

Compact

KAYAK
My experience was fantastic & I will be renting from hertz only the next time I need a rental but the real credit goes to Jon & the other young man who made this decision the best ever this world needs more workers who generally care about the customer & not just making a quick buck !

1 out of 1

Avis

No score available yet

One location in Ames

Locations in Ames

637 S Ankeny Blvd

+1 515 207 5404

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

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2024

Pick-up truck

KAYAK
They did not have the rental type that reserved online. Said they hadn’t had one in years.

1 out of 1

Thrifty

No score available yet

One location in Ames

Locations in Ames

121 Southeast Shurfine Drive

+1 515 964 9650

Monday08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 16:00
Thursday08:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 16:00

Filters

No reviews available

2 travellers who hired a car in Ames gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8,2

Car hire locations in or near Ames

Ames car hire information

Pick-up locationAmes
Car types
Hire locations2
Airport locations0