Finding a rental car in Ankeny is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers in Iowa with no reservation fees. Choose fast airport pickup at Des Moines International Airport or grab lower daily rates at in-town Ankeny branches, all displayed side by side in our search results. Book early for summer weekends and the Iowa State Fair to secure low prices and the vehicle style you need.
Location | Advantages | Considerations |
---|---|---|
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) | • Convenient pickup upon arrival • Multiple companies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz) • Short wait times (usually 0-15 minutes) • Extended hours for late arrivals |
• Higher rates due to airport surcharges and taxes • Located 20 minutes south of Ankeny • May be busier after peak flight arrivals |
Ankeny In-Town Offices | • Lower base rates (no airport fees) • Minimal wait times • Locations include: - Enterprise (SE Oralabor Rd) - Hertz (SE Shurfine Dr) - Avis/Budget (S Ankeny Blvd) |
• Limited weekend hours • May require advance reservations • Transportation needed from airport • No direct shuttle from DSM to Ankeny |
From DSM to Ankeny: Taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) takes around 20-25 minutes via I-35
Within Ankeny: Local taxis and rideshares are readily available
On average, car rentals in Ankeny cost around $60 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Compare airport vs in-town pickup: Ankeny offices avoid DSM's surcharges and are often 10-20 % cheaper; a $25 Uber from the airport can still leave you ahead on multi-day rentals.
Mind the calendar: Rates spike during summer and the Iowa State Fair. Book a free-cancellation car early and keep re-checking prices—if they drop, rebook.
Test different trip lengths: A 7-day "weekly" rate can cost less than 5-6 single days. Add an extra day in the search and see if the total falls.
Choose the smallest ride that fits: Compact cars handle I-35 and local parking with ease, sip less fuel and carry lower daily charges.
Location | Cost | Notes |
---|---|---|
Ankeny | Generally free | Plenty of spaces at shops, restaurants and hotels |
Uptown Ankeny (Historic Downtown) | Generally free | Public lots and street spaces; some time limits |
Downtown Des Moines | Metered or garage | Enforced 9am-9pm Mon-Sat; free on Sundays |
Des Moines East Village | Metered or garage | Check posted time limits |
Des Moines Western Gateway | Metered or garage | Check posted time limits |
Iowa State Capitol | Time-limited on weekdays | Until 6pm; free after hours |
Des Moines International Airport | Garage and economy lots available | Free cell phone waiting lot for pickups |
Speed limits:
School zones: Speed limits drop to 15-25 mph during school hours
School buses: All traffic in both directions must stop when red lights flash and the stop arm extends (unless on a divided highway)
Right turns on red: Allowed after a complete stop unless prohibited by signs
Seat belts: Required for all front-seat occupants and passengers under 18
Winter snow emergencies: No street spaces allowed in Ankeny until roads are plowed
Work zones: Fines double in construction areas
Get a car so you can see:
Downtown Des Moines – Iowa State Capitol, East Village, Western Gateway
High Trestle Trail Bridge – trailhead, overlook
Saylorville Lake and Big Creek State Park – marinas, beaches, campgrounds
Ames and Iowa State University – Reiman Gardens, Jack Trice Stadium
Where is the best place to pick up a rental car for Ankeny?
For an easy pickup when you arrive, Des Moines International Airport (DSM) has the most cars available. You can find better rates at locations in Ankeny that can save you 10-20%, but you will need a ride from the airport.
How far is Ankeny from Des Moines International Airport?
Ankeny is about 20 minutes north of DSM Airport on I-35, a drive of about 15 miles (24 km).
Are there toll roads around Ankeny?
No, you won't find any toll roads in Iowa. This makes it easy for you to drive around Ankeny and the rest of the state.
What do I need to know about driving in winter?
You need to drive carefully in winter because of snow and ice. Main roads are plowed quickly, but smaller streets can stay slippery. Leave extra space between cars, watch for black ice on bridges and remember that bad blizzards can close parts of the interstates.
Is parking difficult to find in Ankeny?
No, you can find plenty of free parking all over Ankeny, including at shops, restaurants and the historic Uptown district. In downtown Des Moines, you will find street parking with meters and parking garages that charge reasonable prices.
What's the best vehicle for visiting during the Iowa State Fair?
A mid-size sedan is a good choice because it is comfortable and gets good gas mileage. Make sure you book it far in advance. Many people rent cars for the fair in mid-August, so prices go up and fewer cars are available.
How common are electric vehicle rentals in the area?
You won't find many electric rental cars in the Ankeny/Des Moines area. If you need an EV, you should book it early and check for charging stations on the roads you plan to take.
Are there any driving restrictions for international visitors?
There are no special rules, but you should carry the valid driver's license from your country. It's a good idea to also have an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English. Just follow the standard US rules: drive on the right, follow the speed limit signs and always wear your seatbelt.