Why You Will Probably Need a Car
Des Moines is a spread-out metro. Downtown is walkable and the skywalk system makes winter navigation easy, but the region's attractions, restaurants, and business districts stretch across Ankeny, Urbandale, Clive, West Des Moines, Waukee, Altoona, and Johnston. Public transit through DART covers major corridors but with limited frequency outside peak hours. If your plans extend beyond the central business district, a rental car is the practical choice.
The good news is that Des Moines is exceptionally easy to drive. Traffic is light by national standards, parking is abundant and inexpensive outside downtown events, and the interstate system provides quick access in every direction. Rental rates are also generally lower than in major markets.
The Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Des Moines
1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise has the deepest network in the metro, with an airport location plus numerous neighborhood branches. Its pickup service, wide vehicle selection, and reputation for customer service make it the most flexible option, particularly for local renters who need a car during repairs or for a weekend trip.
2. Hertz
Hertz operates a well-run counter at Des Moines International Airport with a strong selection ranging from economy cars to premium SUVs. Its loyalty program allows members to bypass the counter, which is a meaningful time saver, and corporate rate agreements are common among Iowa employers.
3. Avis
Avis is a consistent choice for business travelers, offering reliable fleet quality, straightforward corporate billing, and airport convenience. Preferred membership streamlines pickup, and the company's mobile app handles extensions and returns cleanly.
4. Budget Car Rental
Sharing infrastructure with Avis, Budget targets price-sensitive renters with competitive daily and weekly rates. Vehicle selection is somewhat narrower, but for standard sedans and compact SUVs it frequently offers the best value at the airport.
5. National Car Rental
National is oriented toward frequent business renters, with its Emerald Aisle concept allowing members to select any vehicle in a designated area and drive away. For travelers making regular trips to Des Moines, that speed advantage is the primary appeal.
6. Alamo Rent A Car
Alamo focuses on leisure travelers and families, emphasizing self-service kiosks, simple pricing, and larger vehicles suited to group travel. It is often the most economical choice for minivans and three-row SUVs.
7. Dollar Rent A Car
Dollar competes on price with a no-frills approach. Renters should read the terms carefully regarding fuel policies, additional driver fees, and insurance options, but the base rates are frequently among the lowest available at the airport.
8. Thrifty Car Rental
Thrifty operates in the same value segment, with a straightforward fleet and competitive weekly pricing. It works well for longer stays where the daily rate difference compounds meaningfully.
9. Turo Peer-to-Peer Rentals
Turo lets travelers rent vehicles directly from local owners, which in Des Moines means access to specific models, trucks, and occasionally more interesting cars than a standard fleet offers. Delivery to the airport or a hotel is often available. Insurance coverage and pickup logistics should be confirmed carefully before booking.
10. U-Haul and Truck Rental Providers
For moving, hauling, or large purchases, U-Haul and similar providers offer pickup trucks, cargo vans, and box trucks at hourly and daily rates. Multiple metro locations and one-way options make them the practical answer when a passenger car will not do.
Getting the Best Rate
Book early and re-check pricing before your trip, since most reservations can be canceled without penalty and rates fluctuate. Compare airport pickup against a neighborhood branch, because airport concession fees can add ten percent or more to the total. Weekly rates are often cheaper than five or six individual days. Decline prepaid fuel unless you are certain you will return the car nearly empty, and check whether your personal auto policy or credit card already provides collision coverage before purchasing the counter product.
Driving Conditions to Anticipate
Winter is the main consideration. Snow and ice are routine from December through March, and while Iowa road crews are efficient, an all-wheel-drive vehicle or at minimum good tires is worth the upgrade for winter travel. Summer brings occasional severe thunderstorms and hail, so covered parking is a genuine benefit. Deer are common on rural highways at dawn and dusk, particularly in autumn. Construction season runs through the warm months and can affect interstate routing around the metro.
Trends in Local Vehicle Rental
Fleet composition has shifted toward SUVs and crossovers, reflecting customer preference and Iowa weather. Electric vehicle availability has increased at the airport, supported by a growing charging network across the metro, though rural charging remains sparse enough to require planning. Digital check-in and keyless pickup have reduced counter time substantially. Peer-to-peer platforms continue to grow, particularly for longer rentals and specialty vehicles.
Final Thoughts
Renting a car in Des Moines is straightforward, affordable, and usually the right decision. Enterprise offers the broadest local network, Hertz, Avis, and National serve business travelers efficiently, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, and Alamo compete on value, and Turo provides an alternative when you want something specific. Compare airport and off-airport pricing, verify your existing insurance coverage, and choose a vehicle appropriate for the season, and the driving portion of your trip will be the easy part.