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Des Moines Airport car hire

Compare car hire deals at Des Moines Airport from across the web

Find the best car hire price, fuel policy and more from hundreds of providers

Book with flexibility. Look for cars with free cancellation in case your plans change.

Find cheap car hire in Des Moines Airport

Economy

4-5 doors
42
From
R 982
per day

Compact

4-5 doors
43
From
R 1 003
per day

Fullsize

4-5 doors
54
From
R 1 024
per day

Intermediate

4-5 doors
54
From
R 1 024
per day

Premium

4-5 doors
52
From
R 1 483
per day

Mini

Passenger van
41
From
R 2 137
per day
View all deals
These are the lowest Des Moines Airport car hire prices we found across the web, over the next 30 days. These prices are subject to change.

Car hire near Des Moines Airport

If it's easier for you, there are lots of car hire pickup locations in Des Moines from R 890.

The most popular car rental companies in Des Moines Airport

Des Moines Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily priceR 1,853
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price foundR 973
Cheapest month to rentSeptember
Providers at Des Moines Airport9
Most popular providerHertz
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to get the best car hire deal in Des Moines Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down in Des Moines Airport. 

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

  • Just touched down? Grab a cheap Des Moines International Airport rental car and be on your way for around R 1,853 a day. From short drives to open-road adventures, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.

  • September is the cheapest month to rent a car in DSM. With average daily rates of R 1,209, you're cruising toward real savings.

  • To land the best deal on a cheap DSM rental car, try to book ahead. Prices generally climb as your travel dates get closer, and you might have less to pick from.

  • Get behind the wheel with Hertz, Enterprise or Alamo, some of the most reliable providers at Des Moines International Airport.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Des Moines International Airport car hire policy, whether you book with Hertz or another supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.

  • Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for rent in DSM. Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can score some awesome one-way prices.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Des Moines International Airport with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.

  • Want to explore freely without stressing about how many miles you rack up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.

  • Get the adventure started once you've picked up the keys to your DSM car hire. You've got the freedom to follow your own road, but if you're headed to central Des Moines, it'll take you about 15 minutes to travel the 10 kilometres or so north-east.

  • You can also reserve a car hire in Des Moines. If you don't need a set of wheels right away, hold off until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.

Compare car hire types from Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

  • Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or taking a quick trip, this cheap Des Moines International Airport rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to good fuel efficiency and easy handling.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this DSM car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.

  • Van: If you're looking for a car for rent in Des Moines International Airport that fits a small crowd (and their luggage), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group outings, moving or business needs.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your DSM car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

  • Upgrade your ride with extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These add-ons can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Des Moines International Airport.

Good to know

  • To rent a car in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may offer rentals to younger drivers for a higher rate, so carefully review the policies before securing your ride.

  • Add a car seat to your DSM car hire booking if you're travelling with small kids. Requirements change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest way to travel.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

  • Before leaving town, enjoy a bit of sightseeing around Des Moines first. Top attractions like Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Grandview Park set the tone for your whole journey.

  • Around 56 kilometres north of DSM, Ames should feature on your itinerary. Head to can't-miss sights like Reiman Gardens and Old Town Historic District.

  • Add Ankeny to your journey too. Roughly 23 kilometres north of the airport, head there in your Des Moines International Airport car hire to explore top attractions like Boulder Brook Park and Deer Creek Park.

  • Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Lincoln, about 274 kilometres west of DSM. First, visit Hyde Observatory, then follow it up with Museum of American Speed.

Hiring a car at Des Moines Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from Des Moines Airport is around R 1,870 per day.
No. It's a little higher than United States's average daily car rental price, which is around R 1,272.
Surprice, Turo, Avis, Payless, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, and National cars and vans are all available for pick up at Des Moines Airport.
Yes – you can pick up Hertz hire cars from Des Moines Airport. Their desk is in the airport terminal.
Yes – you can pick up Alamo hire cars from Des Moines Airport. Their desk is in the airport terminal.
Yes – you can pick up Enterprise hire cars from Des Moines Airport. Their desk is in the airport terminal.
Currently, the lowest price for car hire at Des Moines Airport we found is R 982. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from R 899. It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to Des Moines Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from Des Moines Airport to the pick-up location, and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economic, faster and easier.
Yes – you can hire a car when you touch down in Des Moines Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travellers is Hertz, with a 1.0 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Avis.
Currently, it looks like Avis has the cheapest car hire deal in Des Moines Airport – for R 1,736 per day. Payless also has car hire deals from R 1,791 per day.
Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from Des Moines Airport, remember to consider: extra cost of public transport, a taxi to your hotel, or on to that pickup location on top of that price.
Yes. We understand that plans can change last minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from Des Moines Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals in and around Des Moines. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Des Moines Airport.
When you rent a car near Des Moines Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.
You can book car hire at Des Moines Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.
The documents you need to rent a car at Des Moines Airport vary depending on the car hire provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driving licence, photo ID and a credit card. You can check with the car hire provider when you book.
Finding the best car hire deal at Des Moines Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.

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