Des Moines car rentals
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Des Moines, IA, United States
31 May — 7 Jun
Same drop-off
Des Moines, IA, United States
Tue 31/5
Noon
Tue 7/6
Noon
Driver's age:
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Des Moines car rental information
| Pick-up location | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| Rental locations | 16 |
| Airport locations | 14 |
Cheap car rentals in Des Moines
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People mover |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
Des Moines car hire reviews and directory
Alamo![agency]()
Best rated
9 Excellent (109 reviews)
1 location in Des Moines
Alamo
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Dr+1 844 816 4385
| Monday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
- 8.9
- 9
- 9
- 9.1
- 8.8
10.0 Excellent8 May 2022
Everything was great
10.0 Excellent22 Mar 2021
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 area
6.0 Good30 Aug 2020
Nice sized suvThe gas gauge was way off. No horse power.
9.6 Excellent6 Jan 2020
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
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!It was as good as it could have been.
8.4 Excellent2 Sep 2019
Rav4Fuel economyNo mapping capability turned on. Drivers seat wouldn’t recline
6.0 Good12 Aug 2019
Staff was helpful and gave discount for dirty car.Cleaner car.
10.0 Excellent14 Jul 2019
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
The space. I was able to fold down all the seats and it worked out perfectly for my usage.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 rentalThe heating seats!The car had crumbs
Enterprise![agency]()
8.2 Excellent (109 reviews)
3 locations in Des Moines
Enterprise
Locations in Des Moines
1545 E Euclid Ave+1 515 262 2222
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 12:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 00:00 |
200 Se 6th St+1 515 282 8000
| Monday | 07:30 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 07:30 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:30 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 07:30 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 07:30 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 12:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 15:00 |
5800 Fleur Dr+1 844 996 0646
| Monday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
- 8.4
- 8.4
- 8.2
- 8.2
- 8
10.0 Excellent17 May 2022
Thank you!
6.0 Good11 Apr 2022
The site is not at the airport and it takes forever to get to via cab or Uber (practically nonexistent in Des Moines). Pay the extra cost to get it at the airport and not this site. The people are nice but it was a nightmare after 40 hours of travel.
10.0 Excellent3 Dec 2021
Then rental was simple and fast. The only thing that I wish was better is the ability to add an extra day at a cheaper price. Thanks, Gary W.
7.9 Good14 Oct 2021
Initially I was given a car that smelled strongly of marijuana. I mentioned it to the Enterprise employee and she agreed the smell was strong. After another minute of her finishing paperwork and me noticing there was an indicator that one of the tires was low, I finally said: Is there seriously not another car here that doesn't smell? Maybe one that has air in all the tires? She said we'd have to talk to the manager. So we did. He had no problem moving me to the other car. So, why didn't she make it right in the first place?
10.0 Excellent12 Oct 2021
My travel plans changed and they very good about accomdating the modification is car return location and time.
10.0 Excellent9 Aug 2021
We had requested a Tahoe and they didn’t have one of the time. The agent suggested that we do a Chevy traverse. I had ample leg and it got good gas mileage. My whole family was happy with this vehicle I’m glad he’s suggested this vehicle
3.9 Mediocre28 Jul 2021
Information was inconsistent and ultimately Enterprise did not have my reservation
7.9 Good18 Jul 2021
The service was professional and courteous. I received a free upgrade due to hail damage that occurred to my scheduled rental, leading to an enjoyable ride.
5.9 Okay16 Jul 2021
The lady who helped with picking up the car could have been a little friendlier.
10.0 Excellent9 Jul 2021
You guys are doing very well!
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 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 12:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
Lc Pending Close Dec 1st+1 877 283 0898
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 12:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
- 8.5
- 8.3
- 8.2
- 8.4
- 8
8.0 Excellent6 Jul 2020
staff was very friendly. Drop off was confusing as it was no longer Thrifty but Hertz
9.6 Excellent22 Mar 2020
The entire experience could not have been easier and more convenient.
2.8 Mediocre19 Dec 2019
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
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
Staff was incredibly rude and very unhelpful
10.0 Excellent21 Jun 2019
It as quick and easy
9.2 Excellent24 Nov 2018
Good job Thrifty.Efficient, friendly staff!Difficult to find my car in the lot at pickup at DSM.
10.0 Excellent29 Dec 2017
Pick up and drop off was a breeze. Counter agents were very pleasant. Vehicle was in excellent condition.
10.0 Excellent28 Oct 2017
Customer service and priceAvailability of cars
9.6 Excellent17 Oct 2017
Very efficient and good price.
Dollar![agency]()
8.1 Excellent (30 reviews)
1 location in Des Moines
Dollar
Locations in Des Moines
Lc Pending Close Dec 1st+1 866 434 2226
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 12:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
- 8
- 8.2
- 7.8
- 8.1
- 8.2
2.0 Mediocre2 Jul 2018
Can’t Use Debit CardI 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
Lots of room, great gas mileage, very comfortable, great customer service.
8.0 Excellent28 Mar 2018
Dependable, Clean Vehicle At A Good PriceWe 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.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!The car itself was a good choice they made.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 CarThe car didn't break down.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 freeEasy drop off and pick up
9.2 Excellent17 Jan 2016
Almost perfectFine car, very clean. Service at the counter at pickup and dropoff was great.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?The employees were niceThe 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 returneNot muchAttitude 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
The rental process was efficiently handled, staff were friendly and helpful, and the car was perfectly adequate for my needs.
Hertz![agency]()
8 Excellent (60 reviews)
1 location in Des Moines
Hertz
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive+1 515 256 5839
| Monday | 08:30 - 18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:30 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:30 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:30 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 08:30 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:30 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 08:30 - 18:00 |
- 8.2
- 8.3
- 8.1
- 8.1
- 7.9
2.0 Mediocre3 May 2022
Car was dirty, went to exchange it in Davenport location they said they couldn’t help me and turned me away. The hertz inside the moline airport was wonderful.
6.0 Good17 Apr 2022
Allow different type cars to drop off in different location than pickup locations.
10.0 Excellent28 Mar 2022
Thanks
10.0 Excellent18 Jan 2022
The Herrtz representative took care of us when we picked up the vehicle. She upgraded us to an all wheel drive vehicle when she realized that we would be driving in a snow storm. No prompting from myself, she just offered the upgrade for no additional cost. The vehicle was very clean and suited our needs perfectly.
10.0 Excellent19 Dec 2021
Service and ease of getting car
10.0 Excellent28 Oct 2021
Easy pick up & drop off. Customer service let me change my drop off location due to distance from my home. Friendly employees! It was an perfect experience
3.9 Mediocre14 Oct 2021
Office Staff were great. But no one to tell of imperfections of car. There was a loose floorboard that caught my shoe which caused a fall as I was getting out. Previous smoker in car left a broken cigarette in the seat. Ding in the windshield. No one around to tell these details.
5.9 Okay28 Sep 2021
No car manual In vehicle. Did have to ask where the key drop box was as the sign did not give directions. Otherwise I enjoyed the Hertz rental.
3.9 Mediocre13 Sep 2021
The employee who served us had not been adequately trained. He seemed to struggle with basic processes and displayed very limited interpersonal skills. When I came back later with my sister to add her as a driver, he said he didn’t know how to do that and we’d have to wait for the manager to come back (fortunately just a couple of minutes). Additionally, the Hertz counter in Des Moines closes at 5:30 p.m., inconvenient for the many passengers arriving on later flights.
1.9 Horrible1 Aug 2021
There was no one at the Hertz counter when I arrived off my flight. The counter closed at 5 pm and said they would be back the following day at 9:00 a.m. This is unheard of and should have been communicated when I booked the reservation. I never would have booked a no refund reservation since I was not staying in DesMoines.
Budget![agency]()
6.8 Good (38 reviews)
1 location in Des Moines
Budget
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive+1 515 287 2612
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
- 6.5
- 7.3
- 6.7
- 7
- 6.7
2.0 Mediocre23 Feb 2022
The vehicle had only ¾ of a tank of fuel when I picked it up. I paid for the full fuel service when I picked up the vehicle. Upon return the I had two employees lie to me. One said only a manager could refund the fuel charge and the manager would be in to the counter in an hour but never arrived and a second told me she would reimburse my credit card for the fuel charge but did not. I was also charged a $200 dollar deposit at the counter that was not disclosed anywhere when I made the reservation. I will never rent throughout Kayak or Budget again.
6.0 Good27 Nov 2021
Easy pick up at the airport, counter personnel pleasant, car in pretty good shape only a few dings. However, when paying top rate for a rental we expected the car to have been cleaned inside and out. Obviously ours was not. We found empty fast food bags and and a plastic drink bottle under the seat. Also when we tried to use the windshield wiper there was no fluid to wash the window.
6.0 Good4 Nov 2021
Actual price was much higher than what Ireserved on Kayak.
6.0 Good24 Oct 2021
Not really impressed with Budget, didn't have upgrade options, had to go three credit cards before they would accept one, car was mediocre. Didn't even have power seats... washer fluid was empty. Mechanically car was fine, good gas mileage, Apple Car Play.
10.0 Excellent23 Aug 2021
The car rental counter at the DEs Moines airport is easy and so is the drop off. Very friendly and helpful staff.
1.9 Horrible2 Aug 2021
Check-in and car pick up took about 40 minutes! When I got the car or smelled like cigarette smoke covered with cleaner smell. I did not receive the level of service expected for the price paid.
7.9 Good2 Aug 2021
The car could have been cleaner, but it was a great cat otherwise.
2.0 Mediocre29 Jun 2021
nothingmake sure you have the right car
2.0 Mediocre3 May 2021
Staff was friendly and helpfulLate fees and charges are outrageous as is charges for gas
8.0 Excellent19 Mar 2021
Car had been smoked in.
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 - 23:59 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 23:59 |
- 10
- 9.3
- 10
- 10
- 8.6
Payless![agency]()
7.3 Good (28 reviews)
1 location in Des Moines
Payless
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive+1 515 256 5228
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
- 7.7
- 7.9
- 7.2
- 7
- 7.1
4.0 Okay28 Feb 2022
Description if car is fast or not immediately upon key exchange … I thought the dude said A Mitsubishi Lancer…not a Mirage.. which was as slow as you say it..
8.0 Excellent8 Jan 2022
Pricing is very good. Service was also great - very friendly. The car wasn’t clean outside and the oilservice was overdue.
7.9 Good12 Jul 2021
Super easy to pick and drop off rental car. No hassles at all! It was a little slow when we picked up the car at the airport due to lack of staff. Other than that, it was SUPER EASY!
10.0 Excellent27 Dec 2020
Thanks y’all are great
7.2 Good21 Sep 2020
Way too long of a line to pick up the car
4.4 Okay6 Feb 2020
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
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
Super friendly staff
7.6 Good11 Aug 2019
drop off was easy.took too long to get a car. Short staffed at our location
2.0 Mediocre16 Apr 2019
No
Avis![agency]()
7.2 Good (18 reviews)
1 location in Des Moines
Avis
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Drive+1 515 256 5623
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
- 7.1
- 7.7
- 7.1
- 6.9
- 7.3
2.0 Mediocre15 Mar 2022
The customer service was not good. Was given a hard time and was not helpful. Wasn’t able to pick up car and had to rent a car with another company.
1.9 Horrible20 Aug 2021
They did not rent us a car. We booked three months in advance. The lady at the desk was extremely rude and unhelpful. All of our plans depended on having a one way rental. They did not honor it. It ruined our trip. I am writing to their corporate office and the BBB. I’m furious.
10.0 Excellent5 Aug 2021
The car got great mileage and had no mechanical problems. There was a dog smell in the back but bought some enzyme odor remover and treated it several times to eliminate the smell. Thank you for making the drive a great one.
2.0 Mediocre5 Jul 2021
The woman at the counter was very sweet, especially when I was extremely irritated. I feel bad that she has to deal with the ridiculous “policies”. She really was kind, thank you!Couldn’t pick up my rental because my license has my middle name and my card doesn’t. Clerk wouldn’t accept payment that didn’t EXACTLY match the card, and of course debit cards are not an option. I don’t care how much the “hold” is especially when I have thousands in checking Thanks Avis for leaving me stranded
8.0 Excellent26 Apr 2021
The service was good. I really liked the car, clean and nearly new. Good experience and better rates than other rental companies.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 Excellent26 Aug 2019
Very friendly staff and made the experience interesting.System issues meant a longer wait time
10.0 Excellent2 Nov 2017
WonderfulGreat price, nice big car, great customer serviceNY 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!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 serviceOur 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
The pick up and drop off was easy and fast.
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
American Rent-A-Car![American Rent-A-Car]()
1 location in Des Moines
American Rent-A-Car
Locations in Des Moines
5800 Fleur Rd+1 515 644 5255
Recent reviews
Easirent![Easirent]()
1 location in Des Moines
Easirent
Locations in Des Moines
Des Moines International Airport
| Monday | |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Recent reviews
Sunnycars![Sunnycars]()
1 location in Des Moines
Sunnycars
Locations in Des Moines
Fleure Drive & Army Post Road
Recent reviews
432 travellers who rented a car in Des Moines gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.2
Car hire locations in or near Des Moines
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
|---|
When to book a rental car in Des Moines
Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches
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 rental car in Des Moines at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Mini rental cars in Des Moines are around -104% cheaper than other car types, on average