Car Hire In Ankeny, United States: Great Value, Easy Driving

Compare competitive prices and use our practical UK-focused guide to pick the right pickup point, avoid surprises on fees and fuel, and hit the road with confidence.

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Ankeny Car Hire Guide For UK Travellers

Ankeny is a convenient base for exploring the Des Moines metro and wider Iowa, with easy access to major roads and plentiful parking. Hiring a car is usually the most practical choice because public transport options are limited for cross-town and suburban travel, and ride-hailing can become expensive for multiple daily trips. For UK travellers, the driving itself is straightforward: you will drive on the right, speeds are posted in mph, and most vehicles are automatic. Expect to pay a deposit on a credit card, and read the fuel policy and toll/plate fee terms carefully. The closest major pickup point is Des Moines International Airport (DSM), while Ankeny’s in-town options can be useful if you do not want to collect immediately after landing.

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) – Rental Car Facilities

Best overall choice for selection and opening hours. Most major brands operate here, with straightforward pickup after arriving in Des Moines and good availability of automatics and SUVs. It is around 20–30 minutes’ drive to Ankeny depending on traffic. Downsides can include higher daily rates, busier desks at peak flight times, and added airport surcharges. Confirm whether you will be directed to an on-airport counter or an off-airport facility with a shuttle, and allow extra time for returns during morning departures.

Ankeny Commercial Corridors (Hwy 69 & Oralabor Road Area)

Convenient for local collection if you are already staying in Ankeny or want to avoid airport queues. Often calmer pickup experience and, at times, competitive rates versus airport pricing. The trade-off is typically shorter opening hours, fewer vehicle choices, and stricter last-minute availability. Plan ahead if you need a larger vehicle, child seats, or after-hours return.

North Ankeny Retail & Business Parks

Practical for travellers staying near newer hotels and shopping areas, with easy road access and simpler parking for inspection at pickup/return. Pros include quick in-and-out collection and less congestion. Cons may include limited weekend staffing, reduced fleet variety, and fewer add-ons on the spot. If you are landing late, this option can be inconvenient compared with the airport.

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Pick Up At DSM For Maximum Choice And Longer Hours

Airport collection at Des Moines International (DSM) is ideal if you want the widest range of vehicles, late opening hours, and the convenience of collecting straight after landing. It is often the easiest option for UK travellers with luggage and a packed itinerary, though prices may include airport surcharges and queues can be longer at peak arrival times.

Ankeny Car Hire Ratings – Trusted Reviews From Real Drivers

Browse honest ratings and feedback from travellers who collected their rental cars in Ankeny, helping you choose a dependable provider with confidence.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Accepts Debit Cards	Key Advantages
	1.2 99 reviews	$140	0.5 mi from Ankeny Downtown	$250 - $696		●Great price booking online ●Outstanding service at airport ●No hidden extra charges
	1.2 5691+ reviews	$319	0.5 mi from Ankeny Downtown	Low deposit		●Excellent roadside assistance ●Friendly helpful staff ●Smooth pick-up process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 14 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

A Brit's Guide to Fueling Hire Cars in the USA

This guide simplifies the process of filling up a hire car with petrol in the USA for British visitors, covering terminology, payment methods, and step-by-step instructions.

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A Brit's Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA

This guide helps UK travellers navigate American petrol stations and refuel their rental cars confidently, covering payment processes, fuel types, and essential tips.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

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Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

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QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Des Moines International Airport (DSM) dominates Ankeny rentals, handling over 3.25 million passengers in 2025, with the airport rental centre capturing roughly 75% of bookings versus 25% at the on-site Enterprise Ankeny branch."

Booking Patterns

"Average US rental length is 6.9 days; SUV/standard bookings in Iowa rose around 18% year-on-year in 2024, while advance booking window lengthened by roughly 2 days to 21 days median."

Customer Pain Points

"41% of US renters report unexpected insurance and fuel charges, the leading complaint on rental platforms in 2023-2024."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) Annual Statistics
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Iowa Locations Directory
Rentalcars.com Ankeny Nearby Locations
Bureau of Transportation Statistics – DSM Carrier Shares
Auto Rental News – US Length of Rental (LOR) Statistics
Enterprise Mobility Iowa Travel Trends Report
Des Moines Airport Authority Annual Traffic
J.D. Power 2023 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study
Trustpilot – Hertz, Enterprise, Avis US Reviews Analysis
Consumer Reports – Car Rental Complaints Survey

Popular Driving Routes & Day Trips From Ankeny

Scenic & City Routes:

Ankeny to Downtown Des Moines & East Village Loop

City highlights loop35–60 mins driving (allow 3–5 hrs with stops)

A straightforward city route into central Des Moines for riverfront views, museums, independent shops and a strong food scene. Ideal if you want an easy first drive after picking up your hire car, with plenty of parking garages and short walks between sights.

Iowa State Capitol, East Village, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Principal Riverwalk, Des Moines Farmers’ Market (seasonal)

Ankeny to Madison County Bridges Scenic Drive (Winterset)

Countryside scenic route1 hr 10 mins–1 hr 30 mins each way (allow 5–7 hrs total)

Head southwest through rolling Iowa farmland to the covered bridges made famous by Madison County. The drive mixes quiet county roads with classic small-town stops, especially photogenic in autumn and at golden hour.

Winterset Town Square, Roseman Covered Bridge, Holliwell Covered Bridge, Madison County Historical Complex, John Wayne Birthplace Museum

Ankeny to Ledges State Park via Boone & the Des Moines River Valley

Nature and viewpoints route55–75 mins each way (allow 4–6 hrs total)

A northbound escape into wooded bluffs and river scenery. Combine a stroll at Ledges State Park with a quick look around Boone for classic Iowa rail-and-river valley views.

Boone Scenic Valley Railroad (seasonal), Kate Shelley High Bridge viewpoint, Ledges State Park, Peach Tree Restaurant (Boone), Saylorville Lake Overlook (on return)

Popular Short Trips (Half-Day to Full-Day):

Saylorville Lake & Big Creek State Park Outdoors Day

20–45 mins driving each way (allow 3–6 hrs on site)

An easy local outing for lakeside walks, picnic spots and wildlife viewing. Great for families and anyone wanting fresh air without a long drive; check wind and water conditions if you plan to be near the shoreline.

Des Moines Art, Coffee & Craft Beer Crawl

30–60 mins driving total (allow 4–8 hrs with stops)

Use your car for the quick hop from Ankeny, then park once and explore on foot around the centre and East Village. Ideal for a relaxed day of galleries, cafés and local breweries (use a designated driver).

Ames & Iowa State University Campus Visit

25–35 mins each way (allow 2–5 hrs total)

A simple northbound trip for campus architecture, museums and a lively college-town high street. Works well year-round and is especially fun on game days (expect traffic and paid parking).

Pella Dutch Heritage Day Trip

1 hr 15 mins–1 hr 40 mins each way (allow 6–9 hrs total)

A longer but rewarding day out to one of Iowa’s most charming towns, known for Dutch-style architecture, bakeries and seasonal tulip displays. Arrive earlier on festival weekends to secure parking.

Car Hire Planning Tips For Ankeny & Central Iowa

Bring The Right Documents: Carry your driving licence, a second form of ID, and the card used to book. If you are visiting from abroad, check whether an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your licence.

Choose A Vehicle For Your Real Use Case: For city runs and short trips, a compact is easy to park in Des Moines. For state parks and rural roads in winter, consider a vehicle with newer tyres and good ground clearance.

Understand Insurance And Excess Before You Drive Off: Confirm what is included (collision damage waiver, theft, liability) and what your excess is. Photograph the car at pick-up and drop-off, including wheels, windscreen and any existing scratches.

Plan Fuel Stops Outside Peak Traffic: Fill up near Ankeny before longer day trips to places like Winterset or Pella. If your agreement is full-to-full, refuel close to return time and keep the receipt just in case.

Prepare For Rapid Weather Changes: Central Iowa can shift quickly from rain to snow in colder months. Check forecasts, allow extra braking distance, and keep a small kit (water, warm layer, torch) for longer rural drives.

Know Where You Will Park In Des Moines: Downtown and the East Village have garages and metered spaces; event days can fill up. Build parking time into your plan and avoid leaving valuables visible in the car.

Use Motorway Etiquette And Speed Awareness: Interstates around Ankeny and Des Moines flow quickly. Keep right unless overtaking, watch for variable traffic, and stick to posted speed limits, especially in work zones.

Ankeny Driving Guide: Rules, Roads and Rentals

Essential United States driving rules, speed limits, fuel prices and rental information for visitors to Ankeny, Iowa

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$55 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

40 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

105-113 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.10/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.97/L - $1.19/L

Ankeny Car Hire & Driving FAQs

Essential questions for first-time visitors hiring a car in Ankeny, Iowa

Can I drive in Ankeny with just my UK licence, or do I need an International Driving Permit?

Yes, your valid UK photocard licence is accepted in Ankeny for stays under 90 days. An IDP is only needed if your licence lacks a photograph or is in old paper format. Carry both your licence and a credit card in the named driver's name, as Des Moines airport rental desks will refuse the booking otherwise.

What's the minimum age to hire a car in Ankeny, and how much is the young driver surcharge?

Most major firms (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) rent from age 21, though under-25s pay roughly USD 20-30 per day surcharge. Drivers under 21 are generally refused by mainstream agencies. Drivers over 70 may face extra paperwork or insurance questions, but Iowa has no statutory upper age limit.

Are there tolls or congestion charges around Ankeny, and how do I pay them?

Good news: Ankeny and the entire state of Iowa are essentially toll-free. You will not encounter toll booths on I-35, I-80, or any local road. Simply drive straight through. There is also no congestion charge like London, so budgeting is far simpler—just cover your own fuel and parking.

What fuel policy should I expect, and where can I refuel cheaply near Ankeny?

Almost every agency enforces full-to-full: collect with a full tank and return it topped up, or face a USD 8-10 per gallon refuelling fee. The cheapest fuel sits at the Costco on N Ankeny Boulevard or the Hy-Vee Fuel station on E 1st Street—around 20-30 cents cheaper per gallon than airport forecourts.

How bad are Ankeny winters for driving, and do I need winter tyres or snow chains?

Winters bring genuine snow, with January lows around -12°C and black ice on rural roads. Snow chains are not mandatory by law, but winter tyres are strongly recommended from November to March. Most agencies offer all-season tyres as standard; request winter tyres directly—Hertz and Enterprise typically charge USD 8-15 per day extra.

Where is the best place to park in downtown Ankeny, and what should I know about local parking rules?

Downtown Ankeny is refreshingly easy: most street parking is free with a two-hour limit, enforced Monday to Friday 8am-5pm. The Ankeny Market & Pavilion area and the public lot off SW 3rd Street offer free all-day spaces. Avoid parking within 3 metres of a fire hydrant or across a yellow curb—fines start at USD 35 and are strictly enforced.

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