KAYAK’s insights & trends for Des Moines Airport car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Des Moines Airport with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Des Moines Airport?
You should book your car hire in Des Moines Airport around 17 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the most popular car to hire in Des Moines Airport?
Hires in the SUV category (Ford Expedition or similar) are the most popular option in Des Moines Airport, costing $136/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $53/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Des Moines Airport?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Des Moines Airport is January at an average cost of $65/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Des Moines Airport when prices are $94/day on average, which tends to be 23% above the yearly average hire price for Des Moines Airport.
Which car hire company in Des Moines Airport has the most locations?
Thrifty operates 2 locations in Des Moines Airport, more than any other car hire company.
Des Moines Airport car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in Des Moines Airport by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$59 - $111
All Car Types
$98 - $139
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Des Moines Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Des Moines Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Des Moines Airport?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Des Moines Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Des Moines Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Des Moines Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Des Moines Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Des Moines Airport?
Small car hire in Des Moines Airport typically costs around $83 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $59 per day, which is about 29% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 27% cheaper than the average car hire in Des Moines Airport, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Des Moines Airport typically costs around $99 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average $78 per day, which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 13% cheaper than the average car hire in Des Moines Airport, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Des Moines Airport typically cost around $102 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average $81 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 10% cheaper than the average car hire in Des Moines Airport, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Des Moines Airport typically costs around $115 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $96 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 2% more expensive than the average car hire in Des Moines Airport but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in Des Moines Airport typically costs around $175 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average $135 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 36% more expensive than the average car hire in Des Moines Airport but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Des Moines Airport typically costs around $109 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average $70 per day, which is about 36% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 4% cheaper than the average car hire in Des Moines Airport, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Des Moines Airport typically costs around $127 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average $95 per day, which is about 26% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 12% more expensive than the average car hire in Des Moines Airport but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Des Moines Airport typically costs around $129 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $90 per day, which is about 31% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 13% more expensive than the average car hire in Des Moines Airport but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Medium
Top tips for hiring a car at Des Moines Airport
If you are looking for bargain car rental deals at Des Moines Airport (DSM), compare all the available prices of the onsite rental providers. Also, make your rental car reservation in advance to save more money and book the vehicle you want. You can forgo extras that you don’t need for your trip to cut more costs.
If you’re planning a road trip across state lines, you can do so via a car rental at Des Moines Airport. Most onsite car rental providers allow renters to drive out of state, but additional charges may apply. To prevent penalties, ensure you inquire for restrictions, especially mileage restrictions and other details on the out-of-state policy, before signing the rental contract. Also, it is essential to note if you opt for a one-way car rental across the state lines, you face additional charges and payments.
If you are traveling with your four-legged friend, you don’t have to worry about getting a car rental at Des Moines Airport. Various onsite rental providers at the airport accept pets in the vehicles. To avoid an additional cleaning fee, return the car reasonably clean and free of pet hair and odors. However, contact your rental provider in advance to inform them about your pet and inquire of any restrictions that may apply.
Returning your car rental at DSM Airport is simple since this airport has clear signage guiding you to the car rental return area. If you operate on a full-to-full gas policy, consider filling up your gas tank near the airport to avoid surcharges at the car rental agency. Once at the designated drop-off spot, ensure you inspect your car for any damages and take pictures of the vehicle as proof of its condition. Upon clearing with the car rental agent, remember to ask for a receipt and for evidence that you returned your car on time.
Book your car hire at Des Moines Airport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about hiring a car at Des Moines Airport
What documents do I require to rent a car at DSM Airport?
You need to present a valid driver’s license held for at least one year to rent a car at DSM Airport. If you are a foreign renter with a valid driver’s license written in a language other than English, you will be required to present it with an International Driver’s Permit. Also, proof of identification may be required, especially for foreign nationals. Most car rental agencies at Des Moines Airport have set a minimum age requirement at 25. However, drivers under 25 can still rent a car at the airport, but additional charges and restrictions will apply.
What payment options are available for Des Moines Airport car rentals?
Car rental providers at DSM Airport accept various payment options, but credit cards are widely accepted as the primary payment option. The credit card must bear the name of the renter and raised or embossed characters. It is worth noting that virtual, prepaid, and recharge credit cards don’t apply. Typically, major credit cards are accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Nevertheless, debit cards are also allowed by some onsite car rental providers. However, although renting a car with a debit card is possible, additional requirements, charges, and restrictions may apply.
Can someone else drive my Des Moines Airport car rental?
Yes, car rental providers at DSM Airport accept the addition of extra drivers to your car rental. The additional drivers must meet similar car rental age and driver’s license requirements. However, you will incur additional daily charges for each additional driver. It is important to note that you risk being liable for any damages or breach of contract if you don’t register your secondary driver with your rental provider.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Des Moines Airport?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Des Moines Airport to off-airport locations include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty.
Des Moines Airport car rental reviews and directory
This is very simple. I understand that Hertz has rules and parameters that they operate in. When all of those are met the rental car experience should be smooth sailing. The Des Moines office was one of the worst places I’ve ever been for a rental car. I called customer care and and the representative told the gentleman at the desk to honor my reservation however he refused. I do not know him personally and I have never met him. I wasn’t rude. With all they said the guy at the desk still refused to rent me a car after two hours of going back-and-forth. Finally I was able to get my car. The context of this is that all flights were canceled and delayed out of the airport going to Chicago. The gentleman at the desk refused to let me rent a one-way rental to O’Hare airport on a debit card nowhere does it State that I can’t do that. I was well aware of the $500 hold and was OK with that. I had my own car insurance State Farm and everything should’ve been smooth. I even had a reservation. I used a third-party website kayak. I read all rules carefully. Nothing stated that I could not rent a one-way rental from one airport to another with the debit card. I hated the experience. It was embarrassing, strenuous and flat out wrong. The reason I didn’t call corporate or further pursue some satisfaction with this situation is because I wanted a cooling off period. I still feel wronged and am rather disgusted by the entire process.
2.0 Poor
Danny, Mar 2026
Where to begin? Picked this car up around 9:30pm. I had already driven away from the rental facility when I noticed a couple of problems with the car. Firstly, the petrol tank was not full but only 7/8 (the gauge is misleading at first sight). But worse than that was that one of the safety features (the Active Lane Management system) was not working at all and flagged up a warning that the vehicle needed servicing to repair it. Then, when returning the car less than 18 hours later, the system at the Hertz counter would not initially accept the return of the vehicle due to excessive mileage of some 21,000 miles that I supposedly had driven in those 18 hours. This turned out to be a mistake on the outgoing mileage which instead of 23,000 had been logged into the system as 2,000. This was eventually resolved by the staff at the counter, but just added to the feeling that this was a dreadful rental.
10.0 Wonderful
Oscar, Nov 2024
Intermediate
Everything was good. From pick up to drop off. Even accommodating a change in location for the drop off.
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Compact
The Hertz team is very laid back and easy to work with. No complaints.
10.0 Wonderful
Susan, Nov 2023
Standard
Great staff at the counter. He helped us find a vehicle that was close by for a frail walker. He answered all of our questions and this was a very pleasant rental car experience.
Great experience. Van was perfect for the trip. Fit 6 people very comfortably and plenty of room for our luggage although we all had smallish overnight bags
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Intermediate SUV
Great
8.0 Very Good
Steve, Mar 2026
Full-size SUV
We had to wait 45 minutes for the car to be ready and even then, there were muddy floor mats.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2025
Economy
When I arrived at DSM, the Budget office claimed that they had no cars to rent me because my reservation was made through Kayak.
2.0 Poor
Michael, Oct 2024
Standard SUV
Took an hour in line to get the rental. Counter seemed understaffed.
2.0 Poor
Jill, Sept 2024
Full-size
There was no rental experience with Budget because despite having a confirmed reservation, their counter was closed when I arrived. My flight was delayed getting in. Myself and others had confirmed reservations but the employees left for the evening. Thankfully Hertz was open and had a car for me. Hertz was a great experience.
Liked prompt pick up and easy return. Vehicle was good.
10.0 Wonderful
Babatunde, June 2024
Pick-up truck
Excellent customer service and friendly staff. Fast easy check in and check out. New rental that was clean and extra disinfectant wipes provided as a courtesy. Will definitely rent again from Alamo.
The agent at the desk could not have been more annoyed that I had rented from Payless (vs. Avis or Budget). She says they do everything by paper, so they don't actually have the cars in stock that Kayak rented to me. She was incredibly rude. And that was after the terrible surprise of arriving at an airport I use all the time to find that they've moved their rental cars off-site and didn't have enough buses to shuttle people there, so everyone was shoving each other -- in IOWA!! Terrible experience, won't do it again.
8.0 Very Good
Jerry, Oct 2023
Compact
Gave me the keys and sent me out to the lot. The car was not there, which they didn't believe so they went out and found I was right. Went back to their storage, found a car after while. Wasted a lot of time................
American Rent-A-Car
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
7.0
Comfort
5.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.7
Value for money
4.5
One location in Des Moines Airport
Locations in Des Moines Airport
5800 Fleur Rd
+1 515 644 5255
Opening times not available
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, June 2023
Compact
I had a reservation and when I got there they told me they didn't have a car for me.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2023
Full-size
I wasn’t thrilled that they make you give them a positive online review BEFORE you get your car.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Feb 2023
Compact
Friendly counter staff, but they were making everyone scan a QR code and give them a 5 star review before they would give you a car. Very odd. They also charged way too much for this car but I needed it and they were the only ones with cars. It’s a fine line between charging what the market will bear and price gouging. The car was smaller (and cheesier) than what I ordered. It was like driving a Coke can. Finally, when my plans changed and I needed to return the car early, they would not refund the difference. They cited a paragraph in their contract, which was literally far too small to read. Overall not a good experience.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2023
Compact
I showed up to get my rental car and the office was closed. I could never get the car I reserved.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2022
Had to wait for an hour at the counter when we dropped off the car because the company only had one employee working and apparently he was on lunch break. Almost missed our flight because of it. Would not book a rental vehicle with this company again.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, June 2022
When I arrived at the counter, I was told that I could not rent a car because I had not arrived on an incoming flight. This was never mentioned prior to my arriving to pick up the car. I needed the car for a family emergency, and no other companies had cars available. I will never try to rent from American again. I will also not likely ever use Kayak again.
Dollar
8.3
Very Good
One location in Des Moines Airport
Locations in Des Moines Airport
2540 Leland Avenue
+1 515 256 5848
Monday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Tuesday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Wednesday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Saturday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Sunday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
Airport Van
4.7
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.3
Comfort
5.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in Des Moines Airport
Locations in Des Moines Airport
4410 Merle Hay Road
+1 877 826 4680
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Easirent
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.2
Comfort
5.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in Des Moines Airport
Locations in Des Moines Airport
Des Moines International Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Thrifty
No score available yet
2 locations in Des Moines Airport
Locations in Des Moines Airport
2540 Leland Avenue
+1 515 256 5848
Monday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Thursday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Friday
07:00 - 23:5900:00 - 01:00
Saturday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 01:0007:00 - 23:59
Lc Pending Close Dec 1st
+1 877 283 0898
Monday
08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 22:00
Thursday
08:00 - 22:00
Friday
08:00 - 20:00
Saturday
09:00 - 17:00
Sunday
08:00 - 22:00
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Des Moines Airport
Locations in Des Moines Airport
5800 Fleur Dr
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
One location in Des Moines Airport
Locations in Des Moines Airport
5800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, , USA Iowa
+1 914 368 0091
Monday
00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
00:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
132 travellers who hired a car in Des Moines Airport gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7
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