Turo
Hero background image

Car rental Des Moines, IA

Discover the Turo car rental marketplace

Where
From
Until
Insurance icon

Extraordinary selection

From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget

Insurance icon

Liability insurance included

Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans

Free cancellation

Easy airport pickup

You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada

Rental cars in Des Moines, IA

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

BMW 3 Series car rental Des Moines, IA

Rent a car in Des Moines on Turo

Forget about relying on limited public transit or paying for expensive rideshares. Book a car rental in Des Moines and explore Iowa’s capital city on your own schedule.

Choose a compact car to easily navigate downtown and attractions like the gold-domed State Capitol. Or for extra comfort, opt for a full-size SUV when visiting places like Blank Park Zoo or the scenic countryside of central Iowa. Head over to the Turo app to browse a wide selection of vehicles and find the perfect match for your Des Moines adventure.

Des Moines car rental: How it works

On Turo, renting a car in Des Moines is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Des Moines, Iowa and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.

animated hand holding phone

1. Find the perfect car

Enter a date and location in Des Moines, IA (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.

animation of finding a car

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.

rear view of a car

3. Hit the road

Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Des Moines, IA! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.

Recent Des Moines car rental reviews

Ford Fiesta 2018

Great host easy access to car and very good running car thanks for the trip

Christian
-
Kia Forte 2023

The car was absolutely amazing, if I need to run a vehicle again and it is still available I will be a returning customer. Pick up was super easy. There was a tiny issue with the key and the host made it right by giving me two extra hours to return the car for free. Drop off with super simple.

Kesha
-
Tesla Model 3 2023

great clean car easy to access and he was there to help if i had any questions

jennifer
-
Natasha
Ford Mustang 2023

Great car. Drives smooth and the weather made it even better with the drop top.

Natasha
-
Nicholas
Ford Mustang 2019

John was tremendous, his car was great, highly recommend all around!

Nicholas
-
Jing
Tesla Model 3 2023

The car is clean and works well! Vijay is very communicative and helpful! Will book again next time in Iowa!

Jing
-
Ford Fiesta 2018

I've Rented quite a few time now and every single time it's a wonderful experience!!!

Brandon
-
Bassi
Honda Civic 2026

Clean car, great host. Very punctual. Will definitely rent again.

Bassi
-
FIAT 500 2015

The host was super friendly and responsive! The car is super cute and fun and easy to drive - in very nice condition and super clean. Thank you - will for sure rent from this host again!

Heather
-
Benita
Ford Fiesta 2018

Great rental, easy and affordable, will definitely use again when I need my next Des Moines rental!

Benita
-
Ford Fiesta 2018

The car ran great, and was a smooth experience overall!

Shanda
-
Cory
FIAT 500 2015

Very nice , very helpful I would definitely rent again

Cory
-
Jerwlon
Kia Forte 2023

Mark was a great host. I would definitely book with him again.

Jerwlon
-
Scion iA 2016

Great car no problems at all, Johnathan was a great host will rent again!

Brandon
-

Rent a car and explore Des Moines, IA

Things to do and places to see in Des Moines, IA

Combining both urban energy and small-town hospitality, Iowa’s capital city is home to exciting museums, picture-perfect parks, and important historical landmarks. Here are the top three popular attractions you won’t want to miss while you’re in the "Hartford of the West".

Rent the perfect car
Des Moines, IA

Salisbury House & Gardens

Step back into the elegance of the 1920s as you explore the grand estate of cosmetics magnate Carl Weeks. Inspired by the King’s House in Salisbury, England, the home features richly decorated rooms filled with antiques and art. Then, head outside to stroll the lush gardens that make this one of Des Moines’ most enchanting hidden gems.

East Village

Soak in the creative energy of Des Moines’ most vibrant neighborhood. Start with a visit to the ornately decorated Iowa State Capitol, then spend the afternoon wandering through quirky indie shops to pick up some unique finds. When you’re ready for a break, settle into one of the many local cafés, craft breweries, or farm-to-table restaurants that give the district its distinct, eclectic feel.

Blank Park Zoo

Enjoy a day of discovery at Des Moines’ beloved zoo, where you can come face-to-face with animals from around the globe. Watch playful sea lions splash around, stroll past the rhinos, or explore the Africa Pavilion to spot the majestic giraffes. With interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities, there's plenty of fun and adventure for all visitors here.

Why Rent a car on Turo?

" "

Cheap Des Moines, IA car rental

Find deals on all kinds of drives in Des Moines, IA and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.

" "

Convenient Des Moines 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 Des Moines, 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.

Des Moines car rentals for any occasion

purple lines

Business travel airport car rental

Flying into Des Moines Airport for meetings or a conference? Skip the shuttle and book a compact car or mid-size sedan on Turo for easy travel between the airport, your downtown hotel, client dinners, and meetings in the city.

Vacation car rental

Rent a car on Turo to explore Des Moines’ top attractions, from cultural hubs like the Des Moines Art Center and East Village to scenic spots along the Riverwalk. For trips beyond the city, an SUV or premium sedan makes driving comfortable, whether you’re visiting the Pappajohn Sculpture Park or the rolling landscapes of the surrounding countryside.

Weekend car rental

Booking a car on Turo is a convenient way to handle transportation for a weekend outing, special event, or local festival. Whether it’s a premium sedan for a night out in Court Avenue or an SUV for a trip to the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Turo lets you find the perfect ride to move around the city and beyond in comfort and style.

Turo vs. traditional car rental

Turo

  • App-based experience

  • No waiting in line

  • 1,600+ unique makes & models

  • Get the exact car you choose

  • Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations

  • Cars rented out by local small businesses

  • Vehicles and hosts rated by guests

Traditional car rental

  • Standard rental counter experience

  • Waiting in line

  • Limited car selection

  • Get one type of car “or similar”

  • Pickup at retail locations

  • Cars owned by large corporations

  • No vehicle ratings

Rental car pickup locations throughout Des Moines

Get your vehicle delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in Des Moines, IA, including Des Moines, IA airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular Des Moines, IA pickup locations include:

Purple squiggle

Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Skip the long lines at the airport car rental counter and book a vehicle on Turo near DSM instead. Once you’re out of the terminal, just open the app to locate your Des Moines rental car, and you’ll be on your way downtown or to local attractions.

Downtown Des Moines

Forget about hunting down rental car companies far from where you’re staying. Rent a car on Turo right in the city center near your hotel or office so your vehicle is just a short walk away. From there, you can head to your next destination on your own schedule, whether it's a stroll along the Riverwalk or any other Des Moines location.

West Des Moines and other neighborhoods

Skip the hassle of traditional rental counters and book a vehicle right in the neighborhood you’re staying in, whether that’s West Des Moines, Urbandale, or other suburbs. After picking up your rental vehicle, you can immediately continue on to your next destination, whether it’s shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center, heading downtown for nightlife, or taking a weekend road trip across central Iowa.

airport illustration

Airport pickup made easy

Next time you fly, don’t wait in line and fill out forms — pick your car up at hundreds of popular airports.

Convenient pickup & return

Rather than hustling at the busy terminal curbside, take your time picking up the car at approved parking lots or garages. Check in, load up your luggage, and get comfortable with the car without a big rush.

No lines, no paperwork

Skip the rental car counter at hundreds of popular airports without waiting in line or filling out paperwork. Find and pick up the car with the app and hit the road in no time.

Free cancellation

Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.

decorative separator

Pickup near or at Airports

Top tips for renting a car in Des Moines


Follow these tips for a safe and smooth trip in your car rental (Des Moines).


What are the road rules and driving conditions in Des Moines?


Des Moines has a straightforward road network, making it easy to get around by car. Major routes like I-235 and I-35 also connect the city to nearby destinations such as Iowa City, Omaha, and the rolling countryside of central Iowa.


Traffic in Des Moines is generally manageable, but expect slowdowns during morning and evening rush hours on major roads like I-235. Be sure to allow extra time to reach your destination during these periods.


Always follow posted speed limits when driving in Des Moines. In urban areas, limits generally range from 25–35 mph, while highways go up to around 70 mph.


Des Moines experiences severe weather at different times of the year that can affect driving conditions. Thunderstorms are common in the summer, while winters can bring heavy snow and ice on roads. It's also located in "Tornado Alley", so beware of tornadoes in spring and early summer. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and take extra precautions on the roads during severe weather.


What is parking like in Des Moines?


Des Moines offers a variety of parking options, including metered street parking throughout downtown, as well as surface lots and private garages (like 9th and Locust Ramp). Always check signs for time limits, restrictions, or permit requirements to avoid fines, especially near popular areas such as the East Village and the Iowa State Capitol.


Are there toll roads in Des Moines?


No, there are no toll roads in Des Moines.


Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Des Moines?


Use apps like PlugShare or Google Maps to find the nearest gas station or EV charger in Des Moines and check their operating hours.


You’ll find plenty of gas stations around Des Moines, especially along major roads like Grand Ave and University Ave, so you can easily fuel up on your way in or out of town. There are also 70+ EV charging stations within 9 miles of Des Moines.


Do I need to rent a car in Des Moines?


It’s best to rent a car while you’re in Des Moines. While the city has bus service, public transit is limited, and rideshares can add up quickly if you plan on making multiple stops in a day.


With your own car rental, you can easily go from exploring the city to nearby destinations in central Iowa. Whether you’re looking for compact cars for easy city driving, roomy SUVs for family trips, or premium sedans for business travel, check the Turo app to find the perfect Des Moines car rental near you.

Frequently asked questions about Des Moines car rentals

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?

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?

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?

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?

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 works

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 & discounts

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?

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 Des Moines? 

The cost of car rental in Des Moines can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in Des Moines look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.

What rental car types are there in Des Moines?

There’s a wide variety of rental car options available on Turo in Des Moines, ready to match your trip through Iowa’s capital city. The following vehicle classes are just some of the car types you’ll find on Turo.


If you're here on business, search for economical sedans, compact cars, and hybrids for moving efficiently between your accommodation and meetings in the city.


You'll find many vacation-ready options on Turo too, including compact cars for easy city driving to standard SUVs to vans ideal for transporting larger groups or families heading to places like the Brenton Skating Plaza. If you're heading out of the city, pickup trucks and luxury SUVs are popular choices for making the drive comfortable, whether you’re heading to the Iowa State Fairgrounds or exploring nearby small towns.


If you want to have an eco-friendly journey and save money on fuel, consider booking an electric car for a sustainable ride through downtown Des Moines and along the scenic Riverwalk.


There are options for locals too, including sports cars to make a night out even more special, to cargo vans for a big move.


Whether you're looking for small vehicles or full-size cars, head over to the Turo app to find the perfect ride for your Des Moines adventure.

* 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.