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Road Genius makes it easy to find car rental deals in Des Moines. Compare prices and make reservations in one place. Grab a car at Des Moines International Airport DSM or save on a downtown pickup to dodge airport fees. We pull live rates from Enterprise, Hertz, Budget and other major brands so you can choose the right vehicle and hit I-235 toward the Capitol, Ames or the Bridges of Madison County.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines International Airport (DSM) | • Immediate pickup after landing • Multiple rental companies • Extended hours (some 24/7) • Larger vehicle selection |
• Airport fees and surcharges (approximately $5-$10 per day) • Higher base rates • Potential for lines after busy flights |
| Downtown Des Moines | • No airport fees • Convenient to hotels and businesses • Often lower base rates |
• Limited hours (usually business hours) • Transportation needed from airport • Smaller selection of vehicles |
| Suburban Locations | • May offer better weekend rates • Convenient for specific neighborhoods • Often less busy than airport |
• Limited hours, especially weekends • Advance reservation recommended • May have smaller fleet |
Airport Pickup Process: Rental counters are located in the baggage claim area and cars are parked in adjacent lots. Simply walk from the counter to the nearby lot - no shuttle required.
On average, car rentals in Des Moines cost around $62 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Skip the airport pick-up if you can: Downtown Des Moines counters usually skip the $5-$10/day airport surcharge. A quick rideshare from DSM (about 10 minutes) can wipe out the extra fees.
Target winter or shoulder seasons: December–January rates hover around $64/day versus $128+ in July or during the Iowa State Fair. Flex your travel dates and watch the price drop.
Compare weekday vs weekend starts: Business locations around the suburbs often discount Friday–Monday rentals, while midweek pickups can be cheaper downtown. Run both sets of dates in the search box.
Go long if you need 5+ days: Weekly pricing in Des Moines often beats paying the daily rate for the same span, so price out a 7-day rental even if you only need six.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Renting a car in Des Moines lets you reach city sights and regional attractions with ease.
Downtown Des Moines and East Village – Capitol Complex, Pappajohn Sculpture Park
West Des Moines – Jordan Creek Town Center
Bridges of Madison County – covered bridges, Winterset
Ames – Iowa State University campus, Reiman Gardens
Iowa City – University of Iowa campus, Iowa River Landing
Omaha, Nebraska – Old Market, Henry Doorly Zoo
What rental car companies are available in Des Moines?
All the major rental car companies are in Des Moines, including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo and National. You can find their counters at the airport and in different locations around the city.
When is the busiest time at DSM Airport rental counters?
The rental counters get busiest from 9–10 PM, especially on Wednesdays. You should allow extra time if you arrive during these busy hours.
Is there a young driver fee for renters under 25?
Yes, most companies will charge you about $25 per day if you're a driver aged 21–24. Some companies have special rules for drivers under 21.
Do I need to pay for toll roads in Iowa?
No, Iowa has no toll roads, so you don't need to worry about toll passes or special rental car toll programs.
What's the best vehicle for winter driving in Des Moines?
If you are visiting in the winter (November–March), you should consider renting an SUV that has all-wheel drive. This is especially important if you plan to travel off the main highways or during a snowfall.
Can I return my rental car after hours?
Most airport locations let you return cars after hours using a key drop box. You usually need to return cars to downtown locations during their business hours. Check your rental agreement to see exactly what you need to do.
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