Rent A Car In Des Moines For Competitive Prices And Easy, Flexible Travel
Compare airport and downtown pickup options, understand insurance and fees, and follow a practical, step-by-step guide to driving around Des Moines and across Iowa.
What do you need to rent a car in Des Moines?
Renting a car in Des Moines is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
- Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID is required.
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical U.S. driving licence with no major endorsements. In most cases, the licence must have been held for at least 1 year; for some offers, please refer to the full rental terms & conditions for the exact minimum holding period.
Notes: Some offers state: For the minimum time you are required to hold your driving licence, please refer to Full Rental Terms & Conditions - driving licence part for details or contact customer service for help.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Accepted credit cards (depending on the specific offer) include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, and sometimes UnionPay. Some offers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX) for deposit. In certain cases, two credit cards are required. Electronic or printed vouchers are accepted where specified. Proof of Collision and Theft Protection and Third Party Liability Protection may be required from your credit card bank or car insurance provider.
- Age requirements: General minimum and maximum age limits vary by offer between 20–21 (minimum) and 75–80 (maximum). Typical policies include: (1) Age 21–80, with young driver surcharges for 21–24-year-olds (about $25–27 per day). (2) Some offers set 25–80 or 25–75 with no young driver option. (3) One offer allows 20–80 with a young driver fee of about $25 per day for ages 20–24. Young driver fees apply only when the renter’s age falls within the specified young driver range in the offer. Some offers restrict renters under 25 from luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty or ‘cool’ cars, full-size and premium SUVs. Additional drivers often must be at least 25 years old.
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. In most cases, the licence must have been held for at least 1 year; for some offers, please refer to the full rental terms & conditions for the exact minimum holding period. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Please note the IDP is only a translation and must be presented together with the original licence; photocopies or scans are not accepted or
• Original Driver's License in Latin/Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.) without the need for an IDP; licences in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic) must be accompanied by an IDP or
• Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation provided on the back or
• Original driving licence + official embassy translation in English (translation must be authorized by the embassy).Notes: Some offers state: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket. In certain cases: For the minimum time you are required to hold your driving licence, please refer to Full Rental Terms & Conditions - driving licence part for details or contact customer service for help.
- Form of ID: A valid passport is required.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Accepted credit cards (depending on the specific offer) include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, and sometimes UnionPay. Some offers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX) for deposit. In certain cases, two credit cards are required. Electronic or printed vouchers are accepted where specified. Proof of Collision and Theft Protection and Third Party Liability Protection may be required from your credit card bank or car insurance provider; the proof must include your name or card details, coverage information, validity dates, applicable countries, and vehicle types.
- Age requirements: General minimum and maximum age limits vary by offer between 20–21 (minimum) and 75–80 (maximum). Typical policies include: (1) Age 21–80, with young driver surcharges for 21–24-year-olds (about $25–27 per day). (2) Some offers set 25–80 or 25–75 with no young driver option. (3) One offer allows 20–80 with a young driver fee of about $25 per day for ages 20–24. Young driver fees apply only when the renter’s age falls within the specified young driver range in the offer. Some offers restrict renters under 25 from luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty or ‘cool’ cars, full-size and premium SUVs. Additional drivers often must be at least 25 years old.
Best Cars to Rent in Des Moines for Every Iowa Adventure
From snowy commutes to sunny country drives, find the perfect ride for exploring Des Moines and beyond. Discover top-rated vehicles tailored to Iowa's roads and seasons.
Winter
SUV
5
3
AutoIowa winters bring snow, ice, and slush that make suburban and rural roads tricky to navigate. An SUV with AWD provides the traction and stability you need for safe driving on highways like I-80 and secondary roads around Des Moines. The higher driving position also gives you better visibility during heavy snowfall. Plus, you'll have plenty of room for winter gear, groceries, and passengers. This is the smart choice for worry-free winter driving in central Iowa.
Summer
Convertible
42AutoWhen summer arrives, Des Moines transforms into a vibrant hub of outdoor festivals, farmers markets, and scenic drives through rolling farmland. A convertible lets you fully experience the warmth and beauty of Iowa's countryside on routes like the Great River Road. Picture yourself cruising with the top down past golden cornfields and catching stunning sunsets over the Raccoon River valley. It's the perfect way to enjoy long summer days and weekend adventures around central Iowa.
Exploration
Pickup Truck
54AutoCentral Iowa's diverse landscapes deserve a vehicle that can handle everything from paved country roads to gravel drives leading to hidden fishing spots and hunting grounds. A pickup truck offers the durability, bed space, and towing capability perfect for visiting Lake Red Rock, Pammel State Park, or spending a day at an Iowa farmstead. Iowa's pickup culture fits naturally here—these trucks are built for the rural lifestyle. Whether you're hauling antiques from an estate sale or gear for a camping trip, a truck handles it all with ease.
Choose Your Ride
Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.
Why Pick Up At DSM Airport
Airport pickup is the most convenient option if you’re flying in, especially for late arrivals or tight schedules. You’ll typically find more vehicle categories (including SUVs for winter weather), longer counter hours, and faster access to major routes. Keep in mind that airport rentals often include extra concession recovery fees and taxes, so compare the all-in price before booking.
Kia Soul
51
4AutoKia Soul
514Auto
Kia Soul
514Auto
Chrysler 200
534Auto
Toyota Camry
534AutoToyota Camry
534Auto
Mazda Cx-50
524AutoMazda Cx-50
524Auto
Toyota RAV4
534AutoDes Moines Car Rental Reviews & Ratings from Real Travelers
Read verified ratings from travelers who picked up their rental car in Des Moines. See what others say about their experience before you book.
| Rental company | Rating | Avg. Daily Rate | Pickup Method/Distance | Security deposit | Accepts Debit Cards | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2.9 17,000+ reviews | $69 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $613 - $683 |
| |
| 1.3 400+ reviews | $91 | 5.1 mi | - |
| |
| 1.3 95 reviews | $111 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $300 - $949 |
| |
| 1.2 5500+ reviews | $106 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $300 - $1,011 |
|
*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.
Platform Insights
Car Rental Expert Advice
By QEEQ Platform Expert Team
Expertise Metrics
Platform Recognition
Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024
Booking Volume
Review Quality
10,000+ verified 5-star reviews
Market Experience
Data Authority
Expertise Verification
QEEQ data verified against local official data sources
Key Expert Insights
Platform Analysis
"Des Moines International Airport (DSM) serves 3.25M passengers annually, with Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt operating on-site. Airport locations account for the majority of rentals, driven by business travel and tourism to Iowa's capital."
Booking Patterns
"US car rental industry revenue reaches $60.7B in 2025 with 6.2% CAGR since 2020. SUVs represent the fastest-growing vehicle segment, while leisure travel dominates at 55% vs 45% commercial. Peak season aligns with summer months and Iowa State Fair in August."
Customer Pain Points
"Over 50% of US car rental customers report confusion about insurance coverage (CDW/LDW/Liability) at the counter, making it the most common pain point, followed by hidden fees and long wait times exceeding 30 minutes during peak periods."
Data Sources
- QEEQ internal booking databse
- Des Moines International Airport - Wikipedia Passenger Statistics
- IBISWorld Car Rental in the US Industry Report
- IBISWorld Industry Report - Car Rental in the US
- Allied Market Research - Car Rental Market Report
- J.D. Power Car Rental Satisfaction Studies
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Car Rental Complaint Data
Road Trips
One-way rental routes starting from Des Moines
Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Des Moines
Popular Driving Routes & Trips From Des Moines
Scenic Route Options:
Des Moines to Madison County Covered Bridges Scenic Loop
A classic Iowa day drive through rolling farmland and small towns to see the famous covered bridges around Winterset. It’s an easy, low-stress route with plenty of photo stops and a charming town square for coffee or lunch.
Des Moines to Ledges State Park via Boone
Head northwest for an outdoors-focused drive that pairs well with short hikes, creek crossings, and bluff views at Ledges State Park. Consider adding a stop in Boone for local eats and nearby rail-history attractions.
Des Moines to Lake Red Rock & Pella Dutch Country Drive
Combine shoreline views at Iowa’s largest lake with the Dutch-inspired architecture, bakeries, and shops of Pella. This route is especially popular in spring and early summer, and it’s an easy, family-friendly drive.
Popular Day Trips & Weekend Getaways:
Ames: Iowa State University + Reiman Gardens
A quick, easy trip for campus energy, seasonal blooms at Reiman Gardens, and casual dining around Campustown.
Iowa City: Literary + Downtown Weekend
A great overnight or long day trip for bookstores, cafés, the pedestrian-friendly downtown, and University of Iowa culture.
Omaha: Henry Doorly Zoo + Old Market
One of the Midwest’s easiest big-city getaways, with a nationally regarded zoo, walkable historic districts, and lots of dining options.
Decorah: Driftless Area Scenic Escape
A weekend-worthy trip to the Driftless region for bluffs, rivers, waterfalls, and a lively small-town food scene—best enjoyed with daylight driving.
Car Rental Planning Tips for Des Moines
Bring the right documents: Have a valid driver’s license and a major credit card ready at pickup. If you’re visiting from outside the U.S., carry your passport and check whether an International Driving Permit is recommended for your license.
Compare airport vs. city pickup: DSM airport pickups can be convenient but may include extra facility fees. Check downtown/West Des Moines locations if you’re flexible and want to reduce add-on costs.
Understand insurance before you buy: Review your personal auto policy and credit card benefits first. If you don’t have coverage, consider the rental company’s loss damage waiver and liability options for peace of mind.
Fuel strategy: return it full: The prepaid fuel option is rarely the best deal unless you’ll return nearly empty. Plan a fill-up 5–10 miles before returning the car to avoid expensive refueling charges.
Plan for seasonal weather: Iowa winters can bring snow, ice, and strong winds. In colder months, consider an AWD vehicle, allow extra braking distance, and check the forecast before heading to rural parks and backroads.
Avoid late return fees: Many companies charge by the hour (or a full extra day) if you’re late. Confirm the grace period at pickup and build in buffer time for traffic, fueling, and airport shuttle delays.
Offline navigation helps in rural areas: Cell coverage can be spotty outside metro areas. Download offline maps for routes to places like Ledges State Park, Lake Red Rock, and covered bridge backroads.
Do a quick photo walkaround: Before leaving the lot, take timestamped photos of the exterior, wheels, windshield, and fuel gauge. This helps avoid disputes about prior damage.
Drive Through Des Moines - Your Ultimate DSM Adventure Guide
Essential driving and travel tips for navigating Des Moines, Iowa - from road rules to fuel costs and car rentals
LANGUAGES
English
CURRENCY
USD
DRIVE ON
Right-hand side
COUNTRY CODE
+1
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE
$57 per day
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH
5 days
SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN
40-56 km/h (25-35 mph)
SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN
105-113 km/h (65-70 mph)
ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC
0.08% (Strictly Enforced)
AVERAGE GAS PRICE
$0.87/L
LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE
$0.87/L - $1.26/L
Des Moines Car Rental Guide
Essential driving tips and rental FAQs for navigating Des Moines, Iowa
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