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Car rental in Johnston, IA

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Rental cars in Johnston

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Johnston, EN

Car rental Johnston adventures await

Johnston offers suburban charm with easy access to Iowa's capital city attractions and scenic countryside. You'll find tree-lined neighborhoods, local parks, and family-friendly amenities that make this Des Moines suburb an ideal base for exploring central Iowa. Renting a car gives you the freedom to discover nearby state parks, historic sites, and urban attractions at your own pace. The convenience of having your own vehicle means you can easily navigate between Johnston's local spots and venture into Des Moines for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Your rental car becomes the key to unlocking both small-town Iowa hospitality and big-city experiences.

Recent reviews

Nicholas
Ford Mustang 2019

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

Nicholas
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Chevrolet Spark 2020

Great car and great host. The car handles well, was very clean and has a great MPG. The host makes pick up and delivery quick and easy. Any questions were answered immediately by the host. I highly recommend renting this car.

Matthew
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Mitsubishi Mirage G4 2018

Best service and communication plus networking. Amazing experience

Lorenzo
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Pedro
Mitsubishi Mirage G4 2020

Host was great with communication car was clean and a great drive and experience

Pedro
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Paige
Chevrolet Spark 2020

Everything was great and smooth. I didn’t realize it didn’t have cruise control or any automatic locks or windows. But that’s my bad for not double checking.

Paige
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Mitsubishi Mirage G4 2018

Excellent Communication and Service from Provider!

John
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Ford Fiesta 2018

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

Brandon
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Jessie
Mitsubishi Mirage G4 2020

Had an emergency, and they had this car available for a quick pick up. Super thankful. Hands down best csr hosts. Would recommend every time.

Jessie
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Bassi
Honda Civic 2026

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

Bassi
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Tesla Model 3 2022

Good clean car, reliable. Only thing that was different from most Tesla’s was that I couldn’t adjust the acceleration dynamics, but that was ok. Still a good trip.

Allison
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Ford Fiesta 2018

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

Christian
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Nissan Sentra 2022

The car had great gas mileage and a beautiful blue color! Thank you!

Ikema
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Things to do and places to see in Johnston Iowa

Johnston provides access to excellent recreational facilities and serves as your gateway to central Iowa's attractions. You can explore the extensive trail system that connects to the larger Des Moines metro network, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Terra Park offers beautiful green spaces and recreational facilities right in town. Having a rental car lets you easily reach Saylorville Lake for water activities, visit the Iowa State Capitol building, or explore the vibrant East Village district in nearby Des Moines.


Saylorville Lake outdoor recreation

Saylorville Lake provides excellent boating, fishing, and beach activities just north of Johnston. The lake features multiple access points and recreational areas perfect for day trips or extended outdoor adventures. Ample parking is available at various lake access points, making it easy to transport gear and enjoy water sports or lakeside picnicking.


Iowa State Capitol building tours

The magnificent Iowa State Capitol showcases stunning architecture and offers guided tours of this historic government building. You'll find convenient parking areas around the capitol complex in downtown Des Moines. The building's golden dome and beautiful interior make it a must-see attraction when exploring the greater Johnston area.


Jester Park nature center experiences

Jester Park features hiking trails, a nature center, and beautiful lake views along Saylorville Lake. The park offers educational programs and outdoor activities suitable for all ages. Multiple parking areas throughout the park provide easy access to trails, picnic areas, and the nature center facilities.


How to get to Johnston Iowa

• By plane: Fly into Des Moines International Airport, located south of the metro area
• By car: Take Interstate 35 or Interstate 80 to reach the Des Moines metro area, then follow local roads to Johnston
• By train: Amtrak does not currently serve the Des Moines area directly


Top tips for renting a car in Johnston Iowa

Book your rental car early on Turo to secure the best vehicle options for exploring Iowa. Consider choosing a vehicle with all-wheel drive for year-round confidence, especially during winter months. Look for cars equipped with features like backup cameras for easier parking and keyless entry for convenience. If you're planning outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake or state parks, a vehicle with extra cargo space will accommodate your gear comfortably.

Frequently asked questions in Johnston

Why rent a car in Johnston?

Johnston offers excellent access to Iowa's attractions, making a rental car ideal for exploring the greater Des Moines metro area and surrounding regions. Having your own vehicle provides the freedom to visit nearby parks, shopping districts, and cultural sites at your own pace. A car rental in Johnston gives you convenient transportation to navigate both urban areas and Iowa's scenic countryside efficiently.

Where can I find gas stations in Johnston?

Gas stations are readily available throughout Johnston, with major brands located along primary corridors like Merle Hay Road and NW 86th Street. You'll find convenient fueling options near shopping centers and residential areas throughout the city. Most gas stations in the Johnston area offer standard amenities and are easily accessible when you rent a car for local travel.

What are the best parking options in Johnston?

Johnston provides ample free parking at most destinations, including shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Street parking is generally available in residential and commercial areas without time restrictions. The city's well-planned infrastructure ensures that finding parking for your rental car is typically straightforward and convenient.

Which car types work best for Johnston driving?

Compact and mid-size vehicles work excellently for navigating Johnston's suburban streets and connecting to nearby Des Moines attractions. SUVs provide additional comfort for families exploring Iowa's outdoor recreation areas and state parks. Most car rental options handle Johnston's terrain well, from city driving to accessing rural Iowa destinations.

What scenic routes are near Johnston?

The High Trestle Trail Bridge area offers beautiful views and connects to scenic rural Iowa landscapes perfect for a driving adventure. Routes through central Iowa's rolling hills and farmland provide classic Midwest scenery accessible from Johnston. Your rental car opens up opportunities to explore the Des Moines River valley and surrounding natural areas that showcase Iowa's agricultural heritage.

How should I prepare for long-distance drives from Johnston?

Plan your route in advance and ensure your rental car has sufficient fuel before departing Johnston for longer Iowa destinations. Check weather conditions, especially during winter months when Iowa can experience snow and ice. Keep essential items like water, snacks, and a phone charger to ensure a comfortable journey when exploring beyond the Johnston area.

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.

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.

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.

What documents and paperwork do I 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!

  1. * Est. daily price. Search for up to date price information.