Des Moines car rentals
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Des Moines, IA, United States
7 Mar — 14 Mar
Same drop-off
Des Moines, IA, United States
Sun 7/3
Noon
Sun 14/3
13:00
Des Moines car rental information
| Pick-up location | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| Rental locations | 15 |
| Airport locations | 13 |
Des Moines car rental reviews and directory
Alamo![agency]()
Best rated
8.9 Excellent (105 reviews)
1 location in Des Moines
Alamo
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Dr+1 844 816 4385
| Monday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
6.0 Good30 Aug 2020
Pros: Nice sized suvCons: The gas gauge was way off. No horse power.
9.6 Excellent6 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 Excellent16 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.
8.4 Excellent2 Sep 2019
Rav4Pros: Fuel economyCons: No mapping capability turned on. Drivers seat wouldn’t recline
6.0 Good12 Aug 2019
Pros: Staff was helpful and gave discount for dirty car.Cons: Cleaner car.
10.0 Excellent14 Jul 2019
Pros: My flight was delayed 3 times. I arrived at the counter 3.5 hours past my reservation. Alamo had my information ahead of time and everything was ready for me. Staff was very friendly & helpful!
6.4 Good23 Jan 2019
Pros: The space. I was able to fold down all the seats and it worked out perfectly for my usage.Cons: I found trash in the car at pickup - frozen Dr. Pepper soda. The car seemed like it could of been cleaned better.
9.6 Excellent1 Jan 2019
Ford rentalPros: The heating seats!Cons: The car had crumbs
8.0 Excellent3 Dec 2018
Pros: Nice agent! Good value!Cons: Poor cleaning, Strange smell in vehicle. Much pet hair.....
10.0 Excellent26 Nov 2018
Pros: Ease of process. Service was excellent.Cons: Nothing to not like.
Hertz![agency]()
8.4 Excellent (41 reviews)
1 location in Des Moines
Hertz
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive+1 515 256 5839
| Monday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
6.0 Good19 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 Mediocre20 Jan 2021
Pros: NothingCons: They were not open when I arrived and I had to spend 3x as much getting a car from another company
8.0 Excellent23 Aug 2018
Pros: Nice car and people.Cons: Sirius should be included, especially when one already has a sirius account.
10.0 Excellent13 Jul 2018
Pros: Staff was friendly and helpful!!Cons: N/a
10.0 Excellent28 Jun 2018
Pros: Excellent Service!
8.0 Excellent29 May 2018
Pros: brand new vehicle, easy to check in and outCons: ac wasn't very cold. charge to fill up was a bit extreme. $93.00 for 1/2 tank of gas.
10.0 Excellent9 Oct 2017
Pros: Price was right. Got the car I ordered. Prompt service at airport.
10.0 Excellent19 Jun 2017
Super easyPros: This was probably the most pain free rental I've ever done
10.0 Excellent12 Jun 2017
Happy camperPros: Hertz' employee Ryan was professional: efficient and courteous. The rental car was in excellent condition. All good.
10.0 Excellent21 May 2017
All good!Pros: Cleanliness and ease of pickup
Enterprise![agency]()
8.3 Excellent (88 reviews)
3 locations in Des Moines
Enterprise
Locations in Des Moines
1545 E Euclid Ave+1 515 262 2222
| Monday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
200 Se 6th St+1 515 282 8000
| Monday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 07:30 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 15:00 |
5800 Fleur Dr+1 844 996 0646
| Monday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
2.0 Mediocre6 Oct 2020
Pros: I didn’t even have a car when I had placed a reservation well in advance.Cons: The pick up time for my car was set for 5pm, the location closed at 5pm. I called first thing the following morning to pick up my rental & they told me they no longer had the vehicle available because I hadn’t showed up to pick up the car at my scheduled appointment time— even though I did, they were just closed by that time. I was told theyd call me later on that same afternoon to give me an update & I never even got a call, no apologies for the inconvenience, nothing. Frustrating to say the least.
6.8 Good12 Jun 2020
Pros: the rental guy in Des Moines wasn't very friendly but did his jobCons: More friendliness would help. otherwise all is good.
5.6 Okay8 Jun 2020
Pros: Pick up was easy, drop off was just a drop box since it was a Sunday evening.Cons: The whole 3 hour drive we kept having large ants crawling on us! So gross and annoying.
3.6 Mediocre28 Apr 2020
Pros: YesCons: i booked and have always use my bank of america debit card for my car rentals and was denied my reservation cause i dont have a major cc when i have done it for years and thru enterprise before.
6.8 Good13 Apr 2020
Cons: The car I was offered wasn't what I reserved or one that I would have chosen.
9.6 Excellent31 Dec 2019
Pros: Pick up and drop off were very smooth. Staff was very friendly and helpful.Cons: If I had to nitpick, the inside of the windshield was hazy. Everything else was great.
2.0 Mediocre4 Oct 2019
Cons: When the agency called to confirm the reservation it would have been nice for them to mention when they closed. Reservation was for 12:00PM and the agency closed at 12. When i arrived at 12:15 they had already closed and I was unable to get the rental.
8.4 Excellent13 Aug 2019
Pros: The staff for Pickup in Des Moines was very nice and helpful.Cons: There was only one Customer Service Agent & there were a LOT of us in line.It took over 30 min to get the vehicle that I had pre-reserved on-line. I was supposed to "vett" the vehicle for damage and then turn in a paper if I found any prior to leaving, however, there was no lot attendant.
9.2 Excellent4 Jun 2019
Cons: Better price
10.0 Excellent4 Apr 2019
Pros: Best customer service around.
Thrifty![agency]()
8.3 Excellent (37 reviews)
2 locations in Des Moines
Thrifty
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive+1 877 283 0898
| Monday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
Lc Pending Close Dec 1st+1 877 283 0898
| Monday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
8.0 Excellent6 Jul 2020
Pros: staff was very friendly. Drop off was confusing as it was no longer Thrifty but Hertz
9.6 Excellent22 Mar 2020
Pros: The entire experience could not have been easier and more convenient.
2.8 Mediocre19 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.
2.0 Mediocre23 Jul 2019
Cons: I reserved a 7 passenger and after my card was scanned and I walked outside, I noticed I was given a 5 passenger. Transaction was supposed to be avoided but there continues to be a hold on my account
5.6 Okay10 Jul 2019
Cons: Staff was incredibly rude and very unhelpful
10.0 Excellent21 Jun 2019
Pros: It as quick and easy
9.2 Excellent24 Nov 2018
Good job Thrifty.Pros: Efficient, friendly staff!Cons: Difficult to find my car in the lot at pickup at DSM.
10.0 Excellent29 Dec 2017
Cons: Pick up and drop off was a breeze. Counter agents were very pleasant. Vehicle was in excellent condition.
10.0 Excellent28 Oct 2017
Pros: Customer service and priceCons: Availability of cars
9.6 Excellent17 Oct 2017
Pros: Very efficient and good price.
National![National]()
9.6 Excellent (3 reviews)
1 location in Des Moines
National
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Dr+1 844 816 4384
| Monday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 23:00 |
Dollar![agency]()
8.3 Excellent (29 reviews)
1 location in Des Moines
Dollar
Locations in Des Moines
Lc Pending Close Dec 1st+1 866 434 2226
| Monday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
2.0 Mediocre2 Jul 2018
Can’t Use Debit CardCons: I booked through Kayak and they took my debit card number and the reservation was made. When I got to Dollar rental they said I needed a credit card. I was never told during the booking process that I needed a credit card to make this reservation so I was extremely inconvenienced. Now I have to try to get a refund for the insurance I paid for.
10.0 Excellent1 Jun 2018
Pros: Lots of room, great gas mileage, very comfortable, great customer service.
8.0 Excellent28 Mar 2018
Dependable, Clean Vehicle At A Good PricePros: We requested an intermediate SUV to drive from Iowa to California and back. Dollar gave us the Ford Escape. It was comfortable, handled really well, had good pickup, and many features you'd find in a more expensive car. Gas mileage was reasonable and the price Dollar charged me was more than fair.Cons: I had to get an oil change once I reached California. However, Dollar reimbursed me for my cost when I returned. Dollar also said that any Hertz or Dollar outlet will handle that type of maintenance when needed on the road.
8.8 Excellent28 Jun 2016
Watch out for lose cables!Pros: The car itself was a good choice they made.Cons: The key fob cable came apart it was stressful when it came to possibly losing a key. When git the keys the cable was frayed and later came apart.
3.6 Mediocre10 Feb 2016
Stinky CarPros: The car didn't break down.Cons: Besides having no modern amenities (usb outlet/bluetooth), the car smelled terrible. At one point I even searched the car to see if anything had been left behind... like a bag of poop. I bought two car air fresheners, but the stank overpowered them. Nasty 3 days.
10.0 Excellent31 Jan 2016
Problem and hassle freePros: Easy drop off and pick up
9.2 Excellent17 Jan 2016
Almost perfectPros: Fine car, very clean. Service at the counter at pickup and dropoff was great.Cons: Only difficulty is that windshield wipers were terrible. Made for horrible visibility, especially at night, in the snowy/slushy conditions.
3.6 Mediocre29 Nov 2015
Who runs this company?Pros: The employees were niceCons: The seats of the car were absolutely filthy and when I brought it up with the guy at the rental office he said "yeah, we know." And then later talking to the manager, she told me that all the Kias with light upholstery have stained seats, like that was going to make it OK. I don't really understand why the CEO of the company thinks she should make her employees rent out disgusting cars just so she can earn her bonus for the year. It's crazy.
2.8 Mediocre21 Nov 2015
diuble charged me on credit card after car returnePros: Not muchCons: Attitude of customer service rep. Trying to upsell even after being told no. Trying to sell insurance when told insurance was there. Lying to customer in car availability
9.6 Excellent2 Nov 2015
Pros: The rental process was efficiently handled, staff were friendly and helpful, and the car was perfectly adequate for my needs.
Avis![agency]()
8 Excellent (12 reviews)
1 location in Des Moines
Avis
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive+1 515 256 5623
| Monday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
8.4 Excellent26 Aug 2019
Pros: Very friendly staff and made the experience interesting.Cons: System issues meant a longer wait time
10.0 Excellent2 Nov 2017
WonderfulPros: Great price, nice big car, great customer serviceCons: NY plates which made me stand out when I was driving. Prefer to have local plates next time.
10.0 Excellent25 Jun 2017
Customer service was excellent!Pros: I received a new vehicle and the service provided was excellent. My flight was delayed and I arrived to the airport four hours later than pickup selected time, but had no problem.
5.2 Okay28 Mar 2017
Bad customer serviceCons: Our pickup lady decided to add $45 to our rental fee by adding on some optional insurance that she did not ask if we would like to add. She never asked up if we would like to add those options. She failed to get any initials from us on the lines that asked for my initials when agreeing to add those insurance options
10.0 Excellent11 Nov 2016
Pros: The pick up and drop off was easy and fast.
2.0 Mediocre29 Oct 2015
totally unsatisfiedCons: mechanical issues...3rd rental in a row.... customer srvc also denied backdating my wizard points to my preferred membership and was rude on the phone and hung up on my face!!!
Payless![agency]()
7.6 Good (23 reviews)
1 location in Des Moines
Payless
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive+1 515 256 5228
| Monday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
10.0 Excellent27 Dec 2020
Cons: Thanks y’all are great
7.2 Good21 Sep 2020
Cons: Way too long of a line to pick up the car
4.4 Okay6 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 Excellent27 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 Excellent2 Sep 2019
Pros: Super friendly staff
7.6 Good11 Aug 2019
Pros: drop off was easy.Cons: took too long to get a car. Short staffed at our location
2.0 Mediocre16 Apr 2019
Pros: No
9.2 Excellent7 Apr 2019
Pros: There was a line at the check in. But after about 10 minutes more staff came on and the service was then friendly and helpful.
2.0 Mediocre24 Nov 2018
Damaged paint and flat tire - paperwork said no damage at all.Pros: Nothing at all. Never again.Cons: Long slow line, 1 person handling 3 rental car companies. While waiting another customer came back and said their car was malfunctioning, she was in a hurry but still told to go to back of the line. I finally got my keys and paperwork, found the car with an obviously flat tire and very long deep scratch in the rear door, I didn't look any further. I went back in, the lady said back of the line to me as well. Eventually got up towards the front and the person originally ahead of me came back in and said his car was not out there. The lady told him to go look again, he said he had already looked for 20 minutes, and he had. When I got to the front of the line I said I wanted my contract cancelled. I left without a rental car and had to pay to park to boot, and lost almost 2 hours of my life. Never again.
8.0 Excellent5 Jul 2017
Pros: Car was nice and cleanCons: Do not have my receipt yet, it was supposed to be emailed
Budget![agency]()
7.3 Good (22 reviews)
1 location in Des Moines
Budget
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive+1 515 287 2612
| Monday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 22:00 |
5.6 Okay28 Sep 2020
Cons: I had no washer fluid which made the ride home in the mist quite dangerous.
2.0 Mediocre21 Sep 2020
Pros: Staff at desk was friendly.Cons: Long lines. Misleading car. Too small. We didn’t fit. Had to cancel our trip.
10.0 Excellent14 Jun 2020
Cons: Nothing. Loved the Chrysler Pacifica. Smooth ride. Accomadated our family of 5.
4.4 Okay18 Feb 2020
Pros: Nothing about the experience was good.Cons: First car we got had a clunk in the right front area. Second car was dirty inside & had no windshield washer fluid. Counter attendants were too busy gossiping to help me timely. When returning, all spaces were full, so parked in another agencies stall.
10.0 Excellent16 Dec 2019
Pros: Everything was great - the service on both ends plus the car, everything was fantastic!
10.0 Excellent6 Dec 2019
Pros: YesCons: Nothing
4.8 Okay23 Jun 2019
Pros: Phone & Des Moines staff were helpfulCons: I got a car with oil level warning and I was dropping off at an airport 250 miles away. So had to return to Airport & switch out cars.
2.4 Mediocre13 Jan 2019
Never againPros: Such a disappointment with Budget. Due to some issues with the van we rented through Budget during our drive from the Midwest to Florida (lack of oil, low air in tires) I called in asking for an extension time to drop off, which they confirmed after explaining the situation. At drop off Budget charges me the additional entire day of $350+ saying there were no notes in their system.Cons: Their lack of professionalism, I feel I have been ripped off from this rental company.
8.8 Excellent1 Sep 2018
Pros: Quick and.easy pick up and drop off. Clean, decent gas mileage.Cons: Very uncomfortable riding vehicle. It was a Mitsubishi SUV. Convinced me to never buy that vehicle.
4.0 Okay30 Nov 2015
Car was reasonable, service was atrocious !!!!!!!!Cons: No attendant at the Budget booth. Sign said go to Avis. Avis attendant said all they had left were SUV'S. Three times she made this statement and the cost would increase by $75 per day in addition to the $39 for the full size car I contracted for online days before and had a certification thereof. After some discussion she said ok lets get you a full size car...and she did. She actually had several full size cars. Why was she lying, stating she did not have any full size, only SUV's? increase sales maybe???
Airport Van![Airport Van]()
1 location in Des Moines
Airport Van
Locations in Des Moines
4410 Merle Hay Road+1 877 826 4680
Recent reviews
Easirent![Easirent]()
1 location in Des Moines
Easirent
Locations in Des Moines
Des Moines International Airport
| Monday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Thursday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Friday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
| Saturday | Invalid date - 23:59 |
Recent reviews
Sunnycars![Sunnycars]()
1 location in Des Moines
Sunnycars
Locations in Des Moines
Fleure Drive & Army Post Road
Recent reviews
360 travellers who rented a car in Des Moines gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.4
Car rental locations in or near Des Moines
Good to know
Most popular car type | Compact |
|---|
When to book a rental car in Des Moines
Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches
Top tips for renting 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 rental car in Des Moines at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about renting a car in Des Moines
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Des Moines are Alamo (8.9, 117 reviews), Dollar (8.3, 61 reviews), and Enterprise (8.2, 105 reviews).
The average price of fuel in Des Moines is $5.42 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between $65 and $87, depending on the car size.
Compact (Ford Focus or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Des Moines.
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
A Compact car rental in Des Moines costs $56 per day, on average.
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.
When refilling your hire car, make sure to know what kind of petrol it needs. The average price for petrol in Des Moines is around $2.55 per gallon, but some stations are cheaper than others. Casey’s, for instance, also has rates as low as $2.30, so start looking for a petrol station well ahead of time to ensure you can find the cheapest price.
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.