Car Hire In Urbandale, United States: Competitive Prices And A Clear Local Guide

Compare great-value options for airport and local pick-up, understand US insurance and fees, and get practical tips so UK travellers can drive around Urbandale and Greater Des Moines with confidence.

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Urbandale Car Hire Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Expect

Hiring a car in Urbandale is one of the easiest ways to get around Greater Des Moines, with wide roads, straightforward navigation and limited public transport for suburban trips. A car is particularly useful for business parks, shopping areas and day trips across Iowa. For travellers from the United Kingdom, remember you will be driving on the right, most vehicles are automatic, and insurance structures differ from back home (liability is key, with optional LDW/CDW for damage protection).

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) – Rental Car Facilities

The nearest major airport for Urbandale. Ideal for landing and driving straight to Urbandale (roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic). Typically offers the broadest choice of suppliers, longer opening hours and easier after-hours returns, but prices and mandatory fees can be higher than off-airport branches.

Urbandale Local Branches (Hickman Road/86th Street Area)

Convenient for collecting a car after you’ve settled in, especially if you’re staying in Urbandale. Often calmer than the airport with potentially sharper weekday pricing, but opening hours can be shorter and vehicle choice may be limited at peak times. Check whether a pre-arranged pick-up is needed if you arrive outside business hours.

West Des Moines Branches (Jordan Creek/University Avenue Area)

A popular nearby option with strong retail access and good road connections for I-80/I-35. Can be cost-effective versus airport pick-up and may have a solid range of cars, though you’ll need to arrange transport there first (rideshare/taxi) and return logistics can be less flexible than airport facilities.

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Fastest Start: Collect At Des Moines Airport (DSM)

Airport pick-up suits late arrivals, tight schedules and travellers who want the widest choice of vehicles and add-ons in one place. It can also simplify returns before flights, but expect airport surcharges and slightly higher average day rates compared with local branches.

Urbandale Car Hire Reviews from Real Travellers

Read honest feedback from drivers who collected rental cars in Urbandale, helping you choose a dependable vehicle for your journey.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Accepts Debit Cards	Key Advantages
	1.2 5691+ reviews	$503	2.3 mi from Urbandale Downtown	Low deposit		●Excellent roadside assistance ●Friendly helpful staff ●Smooth pick-up process
	1.2 99 reviews	$340	2.3 mi from Urbandale Downtown	$300		●Great price booking online ●Outstanding service at airport ●No hidden extra charges

*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. 22 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

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) dominates Urbandale rentals with ~70% market share, while off-airport neighbourhood branches like Enterprise Urbandale attract local customers via free pickup."

Booking Patterns

"SUV bookings in Urbandale rose ~20% post-2022, with average rental length steady at 4-5 days and 60% booked over a week ahead."

Customer Pain Points

"Around 38% of Urbandale renters report confusion over CDW versus liability coverage at the counter."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Iowa Locations
Auto Rental News - U.S. Industry Statistics
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) Concession Report
Auto Rental News - U.S. Length Of Rental Q1 2026
Enterprise Mobility Annual Rental Trends Report
Auto Rental News - Rental Operations Insights
Enterprise Help & FAQs - Insurance Coverage

Popular Self-Drive Routes And Trips From Urbandale

Recommended Driving Routes:

Urbandale To Madison County Covered Bridges Scenic Loop

Scenic countryside loop2 hr 30 min–3 hr 30 min (excluding stops)

A relaxed loop through rolling farmland and small towns to see the famous covered bridges of Madison County, with time for cafés, photo stops, and short walks. Roads are generally straightforward; allow extra time in autumn for traffic and leaf-peeping.

Winterset, Madison County Covered Bridges (Roseman Bridge), John Wayne Birthplace Museum, Pammel Park, Earlham

Urbandale To Loess Hills National Scenic Byway (Council Bluffs And Hitchcock Nature Center)

Nature and overlooks road trip2 hr 45 min–3 hr 30 min one way (excluding stops)

Head west towards the Missouri River to explore Iowa’s distinctive Loess Hills, known for steep ridgelines and big-sky viewpoints. Ideal for a full day out with short hikes and scenic overlooks; pack water and check trail conditions after rain.

Council Bluffs, Hitchcock Nature Center, Loess Hills Scenic Overlook, Preparation Canyon State Park, Mills County Scenic Byway segments

Urbandale To Northeast Iowa Driftless Area (Decorah And Effigy Mounds)

Multi-day scenic and cultural drive3 hr 45 min–4 hr 45 min to Decorah; 5 hr–5 hr 45 min to Effigy Mounds (excluding stops)

A longer, rewarding drive to the Driftless Area’s bluffs, rivers, and historic towns. Base yourself in Decorah for food and trails, then continue to Mississippi River overlooks and ancient earthworks at Effigy Mounds. Best as an overnight or long summer day.

Decorah, Dunning’s Spring Park, Phelps Park overlook, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Marquette (Mississippi River views)

Popular Day Trips:

Des Moines Highlights (Downtown, East Village And Pappajohn Sculpture Park)

3–6 hours

A flexible urban day out for museums, the riverfront, independent shops, and standout dining. Parking is generally easy in garages and lots; consider visiting early on weekends for best availability.

Ledges State Park And Boone Scenic Valley

4–7 hours

Drive north for sandstone gorges, woodland trails, and classic Iowa river scenery. Combine Ledges State Park with nearby Boone for a relaxed lunch stop; check weather as low crossings can flood after heavy rain.

Ames For ISU Campus, Reiman Gardens And Local Eats

3–6 hours

An easy trip for a stroll around Iowa State University, seasonal blooms at Reiman Gardens, and a lively food scene. Great shoulder-season option when you want a short drive and plenty to do.

Pella’s Dutch Heritage And Lake Red Rock

6–9 hours

Spend the day in Pella for historic architecture, bakeries, and shops, then continue to Lake Red Rock for shoreline views and a sunset drive. Popular during festivals, so plan parking and dining ahead.

Car Hire Planning Tips For Urbandale And Central Iowa

Bring the right documents: Carry your driving licence, a second form of ID, and the card used for booking. If you’re visiting from abroad, check whether an International Driving Permit is required by your rental company.

Plan fuel stops on rural routes: Towns can be spaced out on scenic drives. Top up before heading to parks or byways, and don’t rely on late-night opening hours outside larger cities.

Choose cover that fits your itinerary: If you’re doing long motorway miles or gravel access roads to trailheads, consider cover that reduces excess and includes windscreen/tyre protection where available.

Watch for seasonal road conditions: Winter brings ice and reduced visibility; spring can mean flooding on low crossings. Check forecasts and Iowa DOT alerts before committing to park roads and back lanes.

Add buffer time for stops and speed changes: Urban motorways are quick, but small towns and two-lane highways slow the pace. Build in extra time for viewpoints, café breaks, and parking.

Pick the right vehicle for comfort: A compact car is fine for city and motorway driving; choose a larger saloon or SUV for long days, extra luggage, or if you prefer more ground clearance for trailhead car parks.

Pack for heat and sun in summer: Central Iowa can be hot and humid. Keep water in the car, use sunshades when parked, and avoid leaving valuables visible.

Urbandale Driving Guide: Essential Travel And Road Information

Your complete guide to driving in Urbandale, United States — covering speed limits, car rentals, fuel prices, drink-driving laws and more for visitors and road-trippers.

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

40-50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

105-113 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.09/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.97/L - $1.27/L

Urbandale Car Hire & Self-Drive FAQ

Practical answers on licences, tolls, winter driving and insurance for Urbandale, Iowa

Can I drive in Urbandale with a UK photocard licence, or do I need an IDP?

Yes, your full UK photocard licence is valid for the full length of your stay in the United States, and an International Driving Permit is not legally required in Iowa. However, most major rental desks in nearby Des Moines (DSM) airport strongly recommend carrying a 1968-style IDP as a backup, because some counter agents are unfamiliar with the British licence and may refuse the booking. Print it before you fly; the AA charges about £5.50.

What is the youngest age to hire a car, and how much is the 'under-25' surcharge in Iowa?

The minimum rental age in Iowa is 21 at most agencies (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) and 25 for larger SUVs and premium vehicles. Drivers under 25 are charged a 'Young Renter Fee' of roughly USD 20-30 per day, payable at the counter. There is no upper age cap, but drivers over 70 may face extra insurance scrutiny rather than a fee. Book early, as fleets for under-25s are limited.

Are there toll roads around Urbandale, and how do I pay them?

Urbandale itself and the wider Des Moines metro have no toll roads, so a transponder is unnecessary for everyday driving. If you plan a day trip to Chicago or east along I-80 into Illinois, you will hit toll plazas on the Illinois Tollway (USD 1.50-7.00 per segment). Cash, credit cards and E-ZPass are all accepted; hire cars from Enterprise and Hertz come with a pre-fitted E-ZPass and a USD 3-5 per day usage charge plus tolls.

How bad are Iowa winters, and do I need winter tyres or snow chains?

Urbandale winters are serious: January lows average -12°C, with 70-80 cm of snowfall and several days of black ice on I-35/80. Iowa law does not legally compel winter tyres, but most local drivers run all-season or dedicated winter tyres from November to March. Snow chains are allowed only when weather warrants, not on clear days. Always request an AWD or 4WD SUV from the rental desk; a small saloon is risky on rural roads.

What fuel and pump type should I use in Urbandale, and is the 'full-to-full' policy standard?

Almost every hire car in Iowa runs on regular unleaded 87 octane, which is plentiful and cheap (around USD 2.85 per gallon / £0.58 per litre in 2026). Premium 91-93 is needed for a few luxury models, so check the key tag. All major agencies use a full-to-full policy: collect the car with a full tank and return it full, or face a refuelling charge of USD 9-12 per gallon plus a service fee. Snap a photo of the dashboard at pickup.

What insurance cover should I add at the Des Moines airport counter?

US domestic policies are notoriously thin, so the answer is: add CDW/LDW (collision damage waiver) and the SLI/supplemental liability upgrade to at least USD 300,000, which is essential because Iowa's minimum third-party cover is only USD 20,000. Credit-card CDW from a UK Monzo, Revolut or Amex typically excludes pickup trucks, SUVs over 7 seats and any vehicle over USD 50,000 in value. Buy the agency's full package for roughly USD 35-45 per day and skip the 30-second upsell for tyre-and-glass cover - it is rarely worth it.

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