Des Moines

Cheap Car Rentals in Des Moines from $40

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a Cheapflights user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Des Moines with a pick-up date of 6/25 and drop-off date of 7/25. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental.
Thu 6/19
Thu 6/26
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Des Moines car rentals in 2025

Get helpful information to start your search for the perfect car rental in Des Moines. The average price data is based on the last 12 months and was last updated on June 12, 2025.

Most popular company

PAYLESS

Price of gas per gallon

$3.48

Average price per day

$75

Cheapest price per day

$40

Compare car rental deals in Des Moines by type

Here are the best Des Moines small car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Des Moines medium car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Des Moines large car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Des Moines SUV rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Des Moines van rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Des Moines pickup truck rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Chevrolet Spark$43/day
4
M
A/C
Chevrolet Spark
Fiat 500$44/day
2
M
A/C
Fiat 500

Best car rental deals found in Des Moines

Browse through a selection of recently found affordable car rental deals in Des Moines. Plan your trip with ease and find the perfect rental option for your needs. There are currently 8 rental car agencies in Des Moines with an average daily rate of $54. Data was last updated on June 12, 2025.
The best offers we've found on car rentals in the Des Moines area. Be sure to confirm the details of the deal, such as car type, daily rate, and pickup location.
Nissan Altima$40/day
5
4
M
A/C
Nissan Altima
Kia Rio$43/day
4
4
M
A/C
Kia Rio
Nissan March$44/day
2
M
A/C
Nissan March

Cheapflights insights for Des Moines car rentals

Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in Des Moines, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.

How far in advance should I rent a car in Des Moines?

To get the best deal on a rental car in Des Moines, book about 27 days before your trip. At that point, average daily prices are around $55, which is about 14% cheaper than the typical rate.

What is the cheapest rental car company in Des Moines?

Hertz is currently the cheapest rental car company in Des Moines with deals as low as $33.59/day found in the past two weeks. Enterprise Rent-A-Car is another inexpensive option with rates as low as $33.80/day.

What is the best car rental company in Des Moines?

Based on Cheapflights user feedback, the highest rated car rental company in Des Moines is National (rated 10.0/10 with 1 review). Alamo (rated 8.5/10 with 7 reviews) is also highly rated by our users.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Des Moines?

At Des Moines, the best time to rent a car is in January, with an average daily rate of just $55. Conversely, June is the priciest month, averaging $79 per day. Below youll find the monthly average rental prices. Note that costs can fluctuate depending on availability, booking time, and vehicle type.|1#In Des Moines, the best time to rent a car is in January, with an average daily rate of just $55. Conversely, June is the priciest month, averaging $79 per day. Below youll find the monthly average rental prices. Note that costs can fluctuate depending on availability, booking time, and vehicle type.

January

$55

February

$56

March

$62

April

$58

May

$73

June

$79

July

$78

August

$68

September

$58

October

$59

November

$58

December

$62

What car do most people rent in Des Moines?

Standard rentals (Chevrolet Equinox or similar) are the most popular option for those visiting Des Moines. Passenger van rentals (Chrysler Pacifica or similar) are also a popular choice, followed by Premium rentals (Nissan Maxima or similar).

Which car rental company has the most locations in Des Moines?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car has 3 locations throughout the area, more than any other company. Hertz has the second highest number of locations in Des Moines at 2.

Tips for renting a car in Des Moines

Browse helpful tips for renting a car in Des Moines including age restrictions, car type suggestions and more. Tips were last updated on June 12, 2025.
  • You can typically drive a rental car from Des Moines to other states or regions within the United States, with some restrictions. However, international travel with a rental car is usually not allowed. Most major car rental companies in Des Moines, such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget, allow renters to drive their rental cars to other states with some conditions. If you plan to drive the rental car to other states or regions, you should inform the rental company at the time you book your reservation or at the rental counter.
  • To rent a car in Des Moines, you typically need to meet some requirements. The minimum age may vary depending on the car rental company, but generally, the minimum age to rent a car in Des Moines is 21 years old. Drivers under 25 years old may be subject to additional fees depending on the company. You also need a valid driver's license to rent a car in Des Moines. Some companies require a U.S. driver's license, while others may accept a driver's license from your home country in conjunction with an International Driving Permit (IDP). You also typically need a credit card in your name to rent a car in Des Moines
  • Some car rental companies offer eco-friendly car rentals in Des Moines. These car options include both hybrid and electric cars. You generally need to follow the same requirements as renting a regular car. However, eco-friendly cars may be more limited compared to traditional rental cars, so it is important to reserve in advance to ensure availability. Renting an eco-friendly car may come with a higher price tag than renting a traditional car but this is mitigated by the overall saving from not needing to add gas. However, you should still make sure to compare prices and consider any potential savings in fuel costs.

Top rental agencies in Des Moines

Explore the leading car rental agencies in Des Moines known for their outstanding service and extensive range of vehicles to choose from. There are currently 8 car rental companies in Des Moines. Reviews were last updated on June 12, 2025.
Rent a vehicle with one of these top rental car agencies serving Des Moines, such as National, Alamo and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Read through reviews, double check the pickup location, and other important information before making your selection.

National

10.0
Wonderful
1 review1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Overall

10.0

Pick-up/drop-off

10.0

Value

10.0

Alamo

8.5
Very good
7 reviews1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.5

Overall

8.5

Pick-up/drop-off

8.6

Value

8.1

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.2
Very good
26 reviews3 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.2

Overall

8.2

Pick-up/drop-off

8.1

Value

7.7

Thrifty

8.0
Very good
1 review2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

8.0

Pick-up/drop-off

6.0

Value

8.0

Hertz

7.7
Good
23 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.7

Comfort

8.0

Overall

7.7

Pick-up/drop-off

7.9

Value

7.6

Dollar

1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.3

Overall

7.3

Pick-up/drop-off

7.3

Value

7.3

Payless

6.9
Okay
14 reviews1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

7.5

Comfort

7.2

Overall

6.9

Pick-up/drop-off

6.3

Value

7.2

Budget

6.3
Okay
27 reviews1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

6.5

Comfort

7.0

Overall

6.2

Pick-up/drop-off

6.5

Value

6.3

Car rental FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about car rentals in Des Moines, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on June 12, 2025.
  • What car rental companies should I consider for renting an accessible vehicle in Des Moines?

    Some car rental companies in Des Moines do offer accessible rental cars. These include Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz. These companies offer wheelchair-accessible vans for rent with features such as lowered floors, automatic ramps, and tie-downs. It is important to note that the availability of accessible vehicles may vary by location and reservations should be made in advance. Additionally, drivers may need to have a specific endorsement on their driver's license to operate a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. There may also be additional fees for renting an accessible vehicle, such as a surcharge for the specialized features and equipment.

  • Can I return Des Moines car rentals to a different location?

    It depends on the rental car company's policies and the type of rental you have. Most rental car companies have restrictions on returning rental cars to a different location without charging additional fees. If you have a one-way rental, you are allowed to return the rental car to a different location than where you picked it up, but you will need to inform the rental car company at the time of reservation and pay a one-way fee. If you have a regular rental, you may be able to return the rental car to a different location, but the rental car company may charge an additional fee for this service.

  • What are the conditions of roads in Des Moines?

    Des Moines is a relatively well-developed city with a network of roads that serve its residents, visitors, and businesses. Some of the major roads in Des Moines include Interstate 35, Interstate 80, US Route 6, US Route 65, and Iowa Highway 5. However, there can be some traffic congestion during peak hours, especially in the morning and evening rush hour. In terms of seasonal difficulties, Des Moines experiences cold winters with frequent snow and ice storms. This can make driving more challenging on local roads and highways, particularly during the morning and evening commutes when there can be black ice on the roads.

  • What is the cheapest rental car found in Des Moines?

    In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under $75/day when booking a rental car in Des Moines. The best deal a user found was for $39/day from Turo, booked on Jun. 8.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Des Moines for a week from Payless?

    Renting a car in Des Moines for a week can be a great option for travel. Payless, the most popular car rental company for this area, offers rental cars for around $587/week on average.

  • Can I rent a car for a month in Des Moines?

    The length of time you can book a rental for is subject to the inventory of the supplier. When renting a vehicle from Des Moines it should be possible to rent a car for a whole month if needed.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Des Moines for a month?

    Our recent data shows that Turo can potentially be 62% below the average car rental price in Des Moines. Check prices and availability for Turo and save on this extended rental. The cost of renting a vehicle in Des Moines is on average $2,515 a month or $84 a day. Search on Cheapflights for the most updated pricing and availability for your Des Moines car rental.

  • How much is a car rental in Des Moines for a weekend?

    $97 is, on average, how much a car rental costs for the weekend in Des Moines. To save money, consider booking a Intermediate car rental, which is the cheapest car during the weekend. If you are looking for a car rental in July, we’ve seen prices on Cheapflights for as low as $95 per day.

Car rentals by fuel type in Des Moines

Browse car rentals by fuel type in Des Moines. Currently, Electric cars are the cheapest to rent in Des Moines. Deals were last updated on June 12, 2025.

Browse through car rental deals by fuel type in Des Moines. There are currently 2 fuel types to choose from with Electric being the cheapest ($41+).

Electric

Electric

Hybrid

Hybrid

Traveling to a place near Des Moines?

Rent a car at Des Moines if you plan to visit one of these locations
Altoona
Ames
Johnston
Boone
West Des Moines
Ankeny

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