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Des Moines car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car hire in Des Moines

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Medium car
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Large car
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Luxury car
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Van car
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KAYAK’s insights & trends for Des Moines car hire

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

How far in advance should you book car hire in Des Moines?

You should book your car hire in Des Moines around 78 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular car to hire in Des Moines?

Hires in the SUV category (Ford Expedition or similar) are the most popular option in Des Moines, costing €71/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as €46/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Des Moines?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Des Moines is January at an average cost of €45/day. June is the most expensive month to hire a car in Des Moines when prices are €74/day on average, which tends to be 23% above the yearly average hire price for Des Moines.

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Des Moines car hire price comparison by vehicle type

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

Small cars

€29 - €59

All Car Types

€58 - €85

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

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

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

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Des Moines?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Des Moines?

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

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Des Moines?

How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Des Moines?

Small car hire in Des Moines typically costs around €47 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average €29 per day, which is about 39% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 33% cheaper than the average car hire in Des Moines, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Des Moines typically costs around €63 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average €52 per day, which is about 18% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 10% cheaper than the average car hire in Des Moines, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in Des Moines typically cost around €66 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average €50 per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 6% cheaper than the average car hire in Des Moines, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.

SUV hire in Des Moines typically costs around €73 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average €58 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 5% more expensive than the average car hire in Des Moines but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in Des Moines typically costs around €99 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average €72 per day, which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 30% more expensive than the average car hire in Des Moines but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Pickup truck hire in Des Moines typically costs around €69 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average €49 per day, which is about 29% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 2% cheaper than the average car hire in Des Moines, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.

Luxury car hire in Des Moines typically costs around €91 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average €70 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 24% more expensive than the average car hire in Des Moines but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.

Convertible hire in Des Moines typically costs around €76 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average €57 per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 8% more expensive than the average car hire in Des Moines but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Budget
Medium
€40/day
€39/day

Des Moines car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Des Moines 
JerryOct 2023
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 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.
  • 25% of our users found a car hire in Des Moines for €39 or less
  • Medium hire cars in Des Moines are around 40% cheaper than other car types, on average

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.

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in Des Moines?

    On average a car hire in Des Moines costs €40 per day.

  • Which car hire agencies are at Des Moines airport (DSM)?

    Car hire companies onsite at Des Moines airport include Budget and Alamo.

  • Which car hire companies will pick you up at Des Moines airport (DSM)?

    Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Des Moines airport to off-airport locations include Budget and Alamo.

  • 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 Medium car hire cost in Des Moines?

    A Medium car hire in Des Moines costs €74 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Small car hire cost in Des Moines?

    A Small car hire in Des Moines costs €48 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Large car hire cost in Des Moines?

    A Large car hire in Des Moines costs €132 per day, on average.

Des Moines car rental reviews and directory

 

Budget

6.9

Okay

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.4

Value for money

6.9

One location in Des Moines

Locations in Des Moines

5800 Fleur Drive

+1 515 287 2612

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 22:00
Sunday08:00 - 23:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Holly, Jul 2026

People carrier

KAYAK
Great experience. Van was perfect for the trip. Fit 6 people very comfortably and plenty of room for our luggage although we all had smallish overnight bags

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2026

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Great

8.0 Very Good

Steve, Mar 2026

Full-size SUV

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
Took an hour in line to get the rental. Counter seemed understaffed.

2.0 Poor

Jill, Sept 2024

Full-size

KAYAK
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.

1 out of 7

National

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Des Moines

Locations in Des Moines

5800 Fleur Dr

+1 844 816 4384

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:00
Sunday07:00 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2025

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Excellent! Thank you!!

1 out of 1

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.8

Very Good

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

8.3

3 locations in Des Moines

Locations in Des Moines

1545 E Euclid Ave

+1 515 262 2222

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

200 Se 6th St

+1 515 282 8000

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday12:00 - 15:00

5800 Fleur Dr

+1 844 996 0646

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:00
Sunday07:00 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Staff at service counter was very friendly & helpful.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jun 2024

Standard

KAYAK
They stayed open late so I was able to pick up my rental. Get customer service!!!

2.0 Poor

Jamey, Apr 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Everything was terrible.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Passenger van

KAYAK
Very friendly and helpful check in and return.

1 out of 6

Alamo

8.4

Very Good

Cleanliness

8.2

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.5

Value for money

7.8

One location in Des Moines

Locations in Des Moines

5800 Fleur Dr

+1 844 816 4385

Monday07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:00
Sunday07:00 - 23:59

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2024

People carrier

KAYAK
Liked prompt pick up and easy return. Vehicle was good.

10.0 Wonderful

Babatunde, Jun 2024

Pick-up truck

KAYAK
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.

1 out of 2

Hertz

7.7

Good

Cleanliness

7.8

Comfort

7.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.2

Value for money

7.6

2 locations in Des Moines

Locations in Des Moines

2540 Leland Ave

+1 515 347 9841

Monday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Wednesday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Saturday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59

2800 Mckinley Avenue

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2026

Supplier choice

KAYAK
This is very simple. I understand that Hertz has rules and parameters that they operate in. When all of those are met the rental car experience should be smooth sailing. The Des Moines office was one of the worst places I’ve ever been for a rental car. I called customer care and and the representative told the gentleman at the desk to honor my reservation however he refused. I do not know him personally and I have never met him. I wasn’t rude. With all they said the guy at the desk still refused to rent me a car after two hours of going back-and-forth. Finally I was able to get my car. The context of this is that all flights were canceled and delayed out of the airport going to Chicago. The gentleman at the desk refused to let me rent a one-way rental to O’Hare airport on a debit card nowhere does it State that I can’t do that. I was well aware of the $500 hold and was OK with that. I had my own car insurance State Farm and everything should’ve been smooth. I even had a reservation. I used a third-party website kayak. I read all rules carefully. Nothing stated that I could not rent a one-way rental from one airport to another with the debit card. I hated the experience. It was embarrassing, strenuous and flat out wrong. The reason I didn’t call corporate or further pursue some satisfaction with this situation is because I wanted a cooling off period. I still feel wronged and am rather disgusted by the entire process.

2.0 Poor

Danny, Mar 2026

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
The Hertz team is very laid back and easy to work with. No complaints.

10.0 Wonderful

Susan, Nov 2023

Standard

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
Great, very smooth process

1 out of 6

Executive Car Rental

7.3

Good

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.3

Value for money

7.3

One location in Des Moines

Locations in Des Moines

5800 Fleur Rd, Des Moines

+1 515 644 5255

Monday00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday00:00 - 23:59
Thursday00:00 - 23:59
Friday00:00 - 23:59
Saturday00:00 - 23:59
Sunday00:00 - 23:59

Filters

No reviews available

Payless

6.5

Okay

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

7.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.4

Value for money

7.0

One location in Des Moines

Locations in Des Moines

5800 Fleur Drive

+1 515 256 5228

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 22:00
Sunday08:00 - 23:30

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Nicole, Jul 2026

Standard SUV

KAYAK
The agent at the desk could not have been more annoyed that I had rented from Payless (vs. Avis or Budget). She says they do everything by paper, so they don't actually have the cars in stock that Kayak rented to me. She was incredibly rude. And that was after the terrible surprise of arriving at an airport I use all the time to find that they've moved their rental cars off-site and didn't have enough buses to shuttle people there, so everyone was shoving each other -- in IOWA!! Terrible experience, won't do it again.

8.0 Very Good

Jerry, Oct 2023

Compact

KAYAK
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................

Avis

6.4

Okay

Cleanliness

6.6

Comfort

7.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.6

Value for money

6.2

One location in Des Moines

Locations in Des Moines

5800 Fleur Drive

+1 515 256 5623

Monday08:00 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 23:30
Saturday08:00 - 22:00
Sunday08:00 - 23:30

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Kylie, Mar 2026

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
No vehicles available despite reservation

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2025

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Car was filthy (inside and out)

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
Great

American Rent-A-Car

4.5

Mediocre

Cleanliness

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

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2023

Compact

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

KAYAK
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

8.3

Very Good

One location in Des Moines

Locations in Des Moines

2540 Leland Avenue

+1 515 256 5848

Monday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Wednesday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Friday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00

Filters

No reviews available

Airport Van

4.6

Mediocre

Cleanliness

5.3

Comfort

5.3

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

5.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.5

Value for money

5.1

One location in Des Moines

Locations in Des Moines

Des Moines International Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

No score available yet

2 locations in Des Moines

Locations in Des Moines

2540 Leland Avenue

+1 515 256 5848

Monday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Thursday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Sunday00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59

Lc Pending Close Dec 1st

+1 877 283 0898

Monday08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday08:00 - 22:00
Thursday08:00 - 22:00
Friday08:00 - 20:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 22:00

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

139 travellers who hired a car in Des Moines gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7

Car hire locations in or near Des Moines

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Car hire insurance in Des Moines

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver

Some Des Moines car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend always be aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Des Moines.

See Collision Damage Waiver offersSee Theft Protection Waiver offers

Deductible

Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a no-deductible option to your Des Moines car hire.

See Deductable offers

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Des Moines car hire information

Pick-up locationDes Moines
Car types
Hire locations18
Airport locations15