Des Moines car hire
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Cheap car hire in Des Moines
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring 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 hire 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 hire 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.
- Book your car hire in Des Moines at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Mini hire cars in Des Moines are around 2% more expensive than other car types, on average
Des Moines car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about hiring 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.
What is the best car hire company in Des Moines?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire in Des Moines is Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8,0, 55 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in Des Moines?
The average price of fuel in Des Moines is R69,79 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R837 and R1 117, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Des Moines?
Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Des Moines.
How can I find car hires near me in Des Moines?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Mini car hire cost in Des Moines?
A Mini car hire in Des Moines costs R1 796 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Des Moines?
An Economy car hire in Des Moines costs R1 846 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Des Moines?
A Standard car hire in Des Moines costs R1 460 per day, on average.
Des Moines car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8,0
Very Good
54 reviewsCleanliness
8.2
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
7.7
3 locations in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
1545 E Euclid Ave
+1 515 262 2222
200 Se 6th St
+1 515 282 8000
5800 Fleur Dr
+1 844 996 0646
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Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Jul 2024
10,0 Wonderful
Jun 2024
2,0 Poor
Apr 2024
10,0 Wonderful
Jan 2024
2,0 Poor
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
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.Hertz
7,6
Good
38 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
7.4
2 locations in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive
+1 515 256 5848
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Reviews
8,0 Very Good
Dec 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
6,0 Okay
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.6,0 Okay
Feb 2021
Pros:
The staff was incredibly helpful and friendly, at the airport.Cons:
The person I spoke to on the phone, after my initial flight was canceled, could not have been less helpful, or more condescending.2,0 Poor
Jan 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
They were not open when I arrived and I had to spend 3x as much getting a car from another companyBudget
6,8
Okay
45 reviewsCleanliness
6.7
Comfort
7.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.0
Value for money
6.7
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive
+1 515 287 2612
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Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
2,0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was friendly and helpfulCons:
Late fees and charges are outrageous as is charges for gas8,0 Very Good
Mar 2021
Cons:
Car had been smoked in.6,0 Okay
Mar 2021
Cons:
The budget customer service staff needs to work on their customer service experience. Their behavior is what drives this poor review. If you book a car through any of the travel apps they are not inclined to offer you any information Other than what you received while pre-booking.5,6 Fair
Sep 2020
Cons:
I had no washer fluid which made the ride home in the mist quite dangerous.2,0 Poor
Sep 2020
Pros:
Staff at desk was friendly.Cons:
Long lines. Misleading car. Too small. We didn’t fit. Had to cancel our trip.National
9,6
Wonderful
2 reviewsCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
8.0
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Dr
+1 844 816 4384
Filters
No reviews available
Alamo
8,6
Very Good
23 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.8
Value for money
8.4
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Dr
+1 844 816 4385
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Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Jun 2024
10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
Staff was very helpful picking up and returning. Very convenient location in the airport and the cars are right outside the door in the baggage claim area6,0 Okay
Aug 2020
Pros:
Nice sized suvCons:
The gas gauge was way off. No horse power.9,6 Wonderful
Jan 2020
Pros:
Staff was super helpful. Class of vehicle rented wasn't available so they provided an upgrade and reduced the price for the trouble. Would highly recommend!10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2019
Pros:
Outstanding service. They were swamped when we got there, but they dealt with the long quickly. They did not have our size of car so they gave us a choice of upgrade that would suit us and gave us free gas to compensate the mileage. And they were very happy to do it. So we are very happy!Cons:
It was as good as it could have been.6,0 Okay
Aug 2019
Pros:
Staff was helpful and gave discount for dirty car.Cons:
Cleaner car.Payless
7,2
Good
28 reviewsCleanliness
7.9
Comfort
7.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.7
Value for money
7.2
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive
+1 515 256 5228
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Reviews
8,0 Very Good
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Dec 2020
Cons:
Thanks y’all are great7,2 Good
Sep 2020
Cons:
Way too long of a line to pick up the car4,4 Mediocre
Feb 2020
Cons:
Will never use them again. Insane after-the-fact price hijacking and terrible service. I have been renting cars several times a year for years. I had never used Payless before but needed to book something about a week in advance of the date. It was about $300 to book for 3 days which was already expensive but when I picked up the car they tacked on another full day because they charge by the “24 hours” not by the day, which was already absurd. They would not budge on the cost, which was a surprise upon pickup. When I picked up the car the total came to over $600! For 3 days with a car! They wouldn’t explain the Huge increase except that it was a high demand time and that’s just the cost of the car. Awful experience. Will stick with the better name brands that are fair and honest about pricing.10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2019
Pros:
Easy, friendly, clean, and wanted a car that had a trunk so that my luggage wouldn't be obvious. Got just wanted I wanted/needed, thanks!10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2019
Pros:
Super friendly staffDollar
6,9
Okay
4 reviewsCleanliness
7.5
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
7.5
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
Lc Pending Close Dec 1st
+1 866 434 2226
Filters
No reviews available
Avis
6,2
Okay
11 reviewsCleanliness
6.1
Comfort
6.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.9
Value for money
6.5
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive
+1 515 256 5623
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Reviews
8,0 Very Good
Oct 2023
8,0 Very Good
Apr 2021
Pros:
The service was good. I really liked the car, clean and nearly new. Good experience and better rates than other rental companies.Cons:
Tried to call the rental location several times and never got someone to answer. Customer service these days is the way to stay ahead of the rest.8,4 Very Good
Aug 2019
Pros:
Very friendly staff and made the experience interesting.Cons:
System issues meant a longer wait time6,0 Okay
Sep 2023
8,0 Very Good
Sep 2022
2,0 Poor
Mar 2022
Thrifty
5,7
Fair
5 reviewsCleanliness
7.2
Comfort
5.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.6
Value for money
5.2
2 locations in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive
+1 877 283 0898
Lc Pending Close Dec 1st
+1 877 283 0898
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Reviews
8,0 Very Good
Jul 2020
Pros:
staff was very friendly. Drop off was confusing as it was no longer Thrifty but Hertz9,6 Wonderful
Mar 2020
Pros:
The entire experience could not have been easier and more convenient.2,8 Poor
Dec 2019
Cons:
My car stopped working. Had to get an uber to get where I needed to go. The lyft they got me didnt even bring me to the right place to pick up my car at first. I had an extremely disappointing experience.American Rent-A-Car
4,5
Mediocre
8 reviewsCleanliness
7.0
Comfort
5.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.7
Value for money
4.5
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Rd
+1 515 644 5255
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Jun 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Feb 2023
4,0 Mediocre
Feb 2023
2,0 Poor
Jan 2023
2,0 Poor
Aug 2022
2,0 Poor
Jun 2022
Airport Van
5,0
Fair
No reviews available
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
4410 Merle Hay Road
+1 877 826 4680
Filters
No reviews available
Easirent
4,7
Mediocre
No reviews available
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Des Moines
Locations in Des Moines
Filters
No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Des Moines
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
|---|
When to book a car hire in Des Moines
Everything you need to know for your car hire in Des Moines
Car rental at airports serving Des Moines
Des Moines car hire information
| Pick-up location | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Hire locations | 17 |
| Airport locations | 14 |