Car rental Iowa City, IA
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
Extraordinary selection
From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget
Liability insurance included
Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans
Easy airport pickup
You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada
Rental cars in Iowa City, IA
Rent a car in Iowa City on Turo
Securing a rental car in Iowa City allows you to soak in the art, culture, and history that this charming city has to offer. Whether you want to explore downtown in a zippy compact car, cruise around Iowa in an electric vehicle, or even explore the snowy forests in a 4WD, you can find all of these and more on Turo.
Renting a car makes life easier and your visit more seamless and stress-free. Experience the full atmosphere of Iowa City, work to your own schedule, and choose the most convenient location to start your rental car journey. Whether you meet your Turo host at the airport or downtown, renting a car makes your visit memorable.
Iowa City, IA car rental: How it works
On Turo, renting a car in Iowa City is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Iowa City, Iowa and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.
1. Find the perfect car
Enter a date and location in Iowa City, IA (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.
2. Select a pickup location
Rent a car nearby or get one delivered to various destinations, including many airports, train stations, hotels, or maybe even your home.
3. Hit the road
Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Iowa City, IA! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.
Recent reviews
I have a baby and there was plenty of room for the car seat in the back seat and also we were able to fit the big jogger stroller plus two suitcases in the trunk!
very clean car , does great with mileage and host is very friendly no hassle at all .
Great car, fantastic gas mileage with the hybrid option it really goes a long way!
John was an amazing host I’m a traveling CNA this car definitely help it’s own and rode so good I thought I was floating!!!
Rent a car and explore Iowa City, IA
Things to do and places to see in Iowa City, IA
Whether you're checking out the University of Iowa, exploring artifacts in the Museum of Natural History, or bird-watching at the Terry Trueblood Recreational Area, there's something for everyone to discover in Iowa City.
Rent the perfect carOld Capitol Museum
Located on the University of Iowa campus, you'll find the Old Capitol Museum. Take a self-guided tour and marvel at the architecture of the building, learn about the historical significance, and learn something new about Iowa City. Take as much time as you need to wander the Old Capitol Museum, soak in the history, and discover more about Iowa's culture. Whether you're a history buff or an architecture major, you're sure to appreciate this beautiful peek into the past.
Devonian Fossil Gorge
Spend the day uncovering tiny fossils, learning about how the gorge was formed, and exploring the natural beauty of Devonian Fossil Gorge. Whether you have a dinosaur lover or history enthusiast in your family, or you're just looking for a unique experience, this Gorge is sure to surprise and delight. Just a 15-minute drive from Downtown Iowa City, it's easy and convenient to cruise through the forest and discover fossils.
Stanley Museum of Art
If you want to switch off for a day and absorb beautiful art in beautiful spaces, the Stanley Museum of Art is a must-visit. There's a large mix of paintings and art in their collection, like student works and local pieces, but also Matisse and Picasso pieces. It's conveniently located in downtown Iowa City, so you can pop in for 30 minutes or stay the whole day. The best part? It's free!
Why rent a car on Turo?
Cheap Iowa City, IA car rental
Find deals on all kinds of drives in Iowa City, IA and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.
Convenient Iowa City, IA car rental pick up options
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in Iowa City, IA, like airports, train stations, and hotels.
Relax with support & damage protection
24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.
Iowa City car rentals for any occasion
Road trip car rental
If you want to explore Iowa, stop to take in scenic views, and go wherever you please, having a rental vehicle is the perfect option. Whether you're going hiking in Lake Macbride State Park, visiting Cedar Rapids, or adventuring along the Mississippi River, you can find the perfect rental car for your trip on Turo. Whether it's a pickup truck or a reliable sedan, a rental car will get you where you need to go.
Long-term car rental
If you're visiting Iowa City for a while or even relocating here, renting a car makes your life easier. Fit right into the heart of Iowa like a local, seamlessly bring your groceries home, or explore the wider surroundings with convenience. Looking for car rental deals? Many hosts offer discounts for longer-term bookings of one month or more, the best way to score competitive car rental rates.
Moving house car rental
Moving house can be a daunting task, but you can move on your own schedule with a rental car. No waiting around for movers or cramming your belongings into one trip. Whether you choose a cargo van, a minivan, or just a pickup truck for a smaller move, you'll find the perfect vehicle for your big move on Turo.
Turo vs. Traditional car rental
Turo
App-based experience
No waiting in line
Get the exact car you choose
Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations
Contactless pickup and dropoff available
Traditional car rental
Standard rental counter experience
Waiting in line
Get one type of car “or similar”
Pickup at retail locations
Requires in-person handoff
Rental car pickup locations throughout Iowa City
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in Iowa City, IA, including Iowa City, IA airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular Iowa City, IA pickup locations include:
Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
Skip the hustle and bustle of the airport rental counter and make your rental car pickup seamless with Eastern Iowa Airport car rental on Turo. Breeze through baggage claim and collect your rental car from any of the public lots at the airport. Alternatively, head to the ride-share area for an in-person exchange. Check the Turo app for exact pickup instructions. Whether you're renting a spacious SUV or a sleek electric vehicle, Turo makes it easy to collect your rental car and dive straight into your Iowa City exploration.
Iowa City Downtown District
Looking for car rental locations in the heart of the city? If you want to skip the busy airport altogether, arrange pickup or meet your Turo host in the Iowa City Downtown District for a stress-free start to your Iowa City adventure. Pick up your rental car on East Washington Street, East Jefferson Street, or even the Old Capitol Museum to kick-start your visit without the hassle.
University of Iowa
If you're visiting Iowa City for graduation or a college tour, or you're a student wanting to explore Iowa for the weekend, Turo has you covered. It's easy to pick up your rental car near the university campus, on Hawkins Drive or Newton Road, for a seamless collection. Whether you're renting a zippy compact car or cruising around in a reliable sedan, you can collect your rental car wherever suits you.
Top tips for renting a car in Iowa City
Iowa City offers a plethora of history, culture and art, and it's easy to get distracted. Give your full focus to the city and brush up on your Iowa road rules for a safe and stress-free visit. Here are our top tips on driving, parking, and fueling up in Iowa City.
What are the road rules and driving conditions in Iowa City?
Driving in Iowa City is generally relaxed, with good driving conditions for most of the year. However, it's important to be aware of rush hour traffic and weather changes. As a college town, Iowa has traffic congestion during rush hour and around school events, so it's best to allow extra time to get around.
Iowa City experiences all four seasons, so you should stay vigilant and drive according to the conditions. Especially in winter, when driving can be challenging due to ice and snow. It's smart to have snow chains and ice scrapers handy, and take your time when driving in these weather conditions.
As always, adhere to local speed limits, wear a seatbelt, and only operate your phone hands-free.
What is parking like in Iowa City?
Parking in downtown Iowa City can be challenging, as there is a range of different events and demographics in this part of town. College students can make the city feel busy, but the city offers parking ramps, metered parking, and free parking with certain businesses or restaurants. The Harrison Street parking ramp is conveniently located downtown and usually has plenty of space. Street meters are free on Sundays, which is perfect for weekend exploring. The University of Iowa offers parking, but it's best to check their website for rates and the best areas to park in to suit your needs.
Are there toll roads in Iowa City?
No, there are no toll roads in Iowa City, so you can keep the adventure rolling without worrying about tolls.
Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Iowa City?
Iowa City offers ample gas stations to keep your adventure fueled. Choose from Kum & Go on South Riverside Drive, Kwik Star on Keokuk Street, or the Urban Fuel Express on Moss Ridge Road. All of these stations are conveniently located downtown and around the university campus.
If you're driving an electric vehicle, there are plenty of charging stations in Iowa City. Charge up at the Tesla Supercharger on North Dodge Street, the ChargePoint Charging Station on Moss Ridge Road, or the EV Connect Charging Station on Mormon Trek Boulevard.
Do I need to rent a car in Iowa City?
While downtown is very walkable, we definitely recommend renting a car if you're planning on exploring attractions beyond the city center. If you want to explore Lake Macbride State Park, the Old Capitol Museum, or the Iowa Writers' Workshop, a rental vehicle allows you the flexibility and convenience to visit these locations on your own schedule.
Frequently asked questions about Iowa City car rentals
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.
In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.
When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!
What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?
What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?
Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver’s licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn’t accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner’s permit/instruction permits are not accepted.
Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?
Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.
How does car rental insurance work on Turo?
How does car rental insurance work on Turo?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.
In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. On each trip, you’re covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*
In New York state, you’ll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.
Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?
Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?
You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo.
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals.
Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period.
Learn how the loyalty bonus worksIs there long term car rental on Turo?
Is there long term car rental on Turo?
Yes there is - whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
See more about promotions & discountsIs there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?
Is there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
Can other people drive the car that I rented?
Can other people drive the car that I rented?
Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. The primary driver (whoever rented the car) can add additional drivers with no fees or additional charges. Only the primary driver can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Iowa City?
How much does it cost to rent a car in Iowa City?
The cost of car rental in Iowa City can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in Iowa City, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.
What rental car types are there in Iowa City?
What rental car types are there in Iowa City?
Whether you want to zip around Iowa City in a Toyota Highlander, Subaru Outback, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Passport, or Tesla Model S, Turo has you covered. Vehicle classes available include all car sizes, like trucks, vans, SUVs, and even zippy compact cars. Popular makes and models to choose from are the Ram 1500, Mercedes Benz, Nissan Titan, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escape, and the Chevrolet Traverse.
* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. In the US, liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.
For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.