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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car at Des Moines International Airport is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across Iowa with no reservation fees. Pick up your keys steps from the baggage claim and reach downtown Des Moines in under fifteen minutes, or browse live offers on everything from compact cars to roomy SUVs to lock in a low rate that suits your trip.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| At DSM Airport | • Immediate pickup after landing • Larger vehicle inventory • Extended hours (often 24/7) • No need for shuttle |
• Higher rates due to airport fees • Additional concession taxes (adding approximately $5-$10 per day) |
| Downtown Des Moines | • Potentially lower base rates • No airport surcharges |
• Need transportation from airport • Limited hours compared to airport • Travel time to reach location |
Airport Pickup Process: Rental counters are 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 at Des Moines Airport cost around $62 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Compare DSM Airport vs downtown pickup: downtown Des Moines locations often skip the $5-$10 per day airport concession fee. A quick rideshare can wipe out that extra cost in one trip.
Shift your calendar: DSM runs weekend promos, so a Fri-Sun rental can ring up cheaper than mid-week. Toss in Monday morning drop-off if the price graph says so.
Test "weekly" pricing even for 5-6 days: at DSM the weekly rate frequently undercuts paying the daily rate for almost-a-week trips. Run both options in the search.
Winter = wallet weather: December-January demand is low and rates drop to roughly half of summer highs. If your plans are flexible, bundle up and save.
Airport Options:
Speed Limits:
Local Driving Rules:
A rental car lets you explore the metro and reach nearby Iowa and Midwest cities at your own pace.
Downtown Des Moines – State Capitol, East Village shops
Ames – Iowa State University campus, Reiman Gardens
Iowa City – University of Iowa, Pedestrian Mall
Cedar Rapids – Czech Village, NewBo City Market
What rental car companies are available at DSM Airport?
Besides the major companies we listed, you can also rent from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty at DSM. You can find their counters at the north end of the baggage claim area.
Is there a young driver fee for renters under 25?
Yes, most companies charge drivers between 21 and 24 about $25 to $30 extra per day. Some companies won't rent cars to anyone under 21.
Do I need to pay for toll roads in Iowa?
No, Iowa doesn't have any toll roads. You won't need to worry about toll passes or special rental car toll programs.
What happens if I encounter snow while driving in winter?
Iowa's road crews are quick to clear the main roads. Still, you should think about delaying your trip during a heavy snowstorm. You can check the Iowa DOT's 511 website or app for current road conditions and traffic cameras.
What is the best time to visit to get lower rental rates?
You can usually find the lowest rates in winter (except for major holidays) and late fall. Prices are often cheapest in December and January.
What documents do I need to rent a car?
You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card that has your name on it. If you're visiting from another country, you need a valid license. We also recommend you bring an International Driving Permit. The rental company might also ask to see your passport.
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