Car rental Iowa
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
Iowa rental cars for every journey
Securing a car rental in Iowa through Turo lets you move with the rhythm of the land — unhurried, open, and always ready for a detour worth taking. Follow the Mississippi River past storybook towns, slip into small galleries and farmers’ markets in Cedar Rapids, or make your way through golden fields on the drive toward Des Moines. This is a state best explored by car, where each stretch of highway holds something different — a trailhead, a local fair, a historic site tucked between towns.
Turo gives you the keys to explore it your way. Choose from a wide mix of vehicles for short stays or longer escapes, with a smooth booking process and flexible pickup locations dotted across the state, from quiet suburbs to buzzing city streets.
Endless car and location options in Iowa
From SUV rentals and luxury car rentals to affordable options, you can search an extraordinary selection of rental cars in Iowa and find the perfect vehicle for just about any occasion and any budget, right from your phone.
Airports, hotels, & more
On Turo, you can rent just about any car, just about anywhere, just about any time. Decide which day and location you want to pick up your rental car, or have it delivered to your preferred location in Iowa. From airport car rental alternatives to convenient doorstep delivery at hotels, train stations, and more, get the car you want where you want it.
Insurance, protection, & peace of mind
Third-party liability insurance is included, and you can choose from a selection of protection plans. You can also cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your trip for added convenience, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book.
Recent reviews
I was nervous about driving an older car and using this app, but the price was way more reasonable than typical rental car companies, so I just went for it.
My host Dave was very courteous and the car was excellent clean and classy ride was beautiful trip was excellent thank you
Smooth ride and great communication! Host is very kind and quick to reply, would definitely book with them again!
First time using Turo. Mark made it a great experience. Flew out for a funeral and it was so nice to have one less thing to worry about. Cat was clean and in great condition. Mark was great to communicate with and the whole process was smooth and easy. Thank you again!
Car rental Iowa: How it works
1. Find the perfect car
Enter a date and location in Iowa (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! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.
Rent a car and explore Iowa
Things to do and places to see in Iowa
From the cultural corridors of Des Moines to the limestone bluffs lining the Mississippi, Iowa is best explored behind the wheel. A rental car booked on Turo lets you move between the art museums of Cedar Rapids, the riverside trails near Dubuque, and the quiet charm of small-town life without missing a beat. This is a place where the landscapes stretch out, the attractions are scattered, and driving is part of the adventure.
Rent the perfect carMaquoketa Caves State Park
A labyrinth of tunnels, cliffs, and underground wonders awaits at Maquoketa Caves State Park — one of the most unusual natural attractions in the country. Located between Cedar Rapids and the Mississippi River, it’s a scenic drive that rewards curious travellers. With plenty of parking and room to roam, it’s a recommended stop for children and adventurous adults alike.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
In downtown Des Moines, this acclaimed park showcases works by international artists across a beautifully landscaped green space. It’s free to visit, easy to access, and worth spending time with — especially when paired with nearby galleries and restaurants. A rental car gives you the flexibility to drop by at your leisure, even on a cross-state trip.
Adventureland Resort
Iowa’s biggest amusement destination, Adventureland is a full-blown escape packed with roller coasters, rides, and water slides. Situated just outside the capital, it's ideal for families looking to spend a day outside the city. With your own rental car, you won’t need to worry about coordinating transport or juggling timetables — just pay for parking, pack a change of clothes, and enjoy the ride.
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
Booking a car rental in Iowa with Turo gives you the freedom to travel your own way. From the urban bustle of Des Moines to the peaceful edges of Cedar Falls, finding the right vehicle at the right price is just a few taps away.
Des Moines International Airport
Skip the traditional airport counter queues and pick up your rental vehicle just outside Des Moines International Airport. With Turo, you can easily arrange for airport-adjacent handovers, getting you on the road soon after landing without the added fee surprises or delays.
Downtown Cedar Rapids
Based near the Cedar River and lined with art, food, and riverfront parks, Cedar Rapids is a great spot to start any Iowa adventure. Local hosts offer vehicle handovers near hotels, business centres, and residential areas, making it simple to collect your car where it suits you best.
Iowa City and Surrounds
From campus visits to countryside getaways, Iowa City has pickup options tailored to locals and visitors alike. With hosts offering flexible handovers near downtown, the university, and the scenic outskirts, it’s easy to find a rental car that fits your plans.
Browse other locations
Top tips for renting a car in Iowa
With the right rental and a few helpful pointers, exploring Iowa becomes effortless. From booking to drop-off, these tips are here to keep your journey smooth and stress-free.
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car in Iowa?
To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, be 18 years old or older with a valid driver’s license, and get approved to drive on Turo. When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through an approval process by entering your driver’s license information by providing a photo of it and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for future road trips, business trips, and family vacations!
What are the road rules and driving conditions in Iowa?
Speed limits are straightforward across most of the state: 25 mph in residential zones, 55 mph on rural highways, and 70 mph on interstates like I-80 and I-35. In cities, traffic tends to peak around school and office hours, with mild congestion in downtown locations in Iowa such as Des Moines or Cedar Rapids. Keep an eye out for reduced speed limits in school zones, and give way to farm vehicles on country backroads.
Snow and black ice can transform rural routes into slippery mazes, particularly from November through February. During the colder months, it's worth booking a rental with winter-ready tires and heating. Spring brings its own challenges such as flood-prone roads and potholes, so always check the Iowa 511 system before heading out. In warmer seasons, roadwork may slow down rural routes, but the scenic rewards along the Great River Road or Loess Hills Byway are well worth it.
Are there toll roads in Iowa?
There are no toll roads in Iowa. You can crisscross the state without needing to stop and pay, making every mile of your road trip simpler.
Do I need to rent a car in Iowa?
If your plans stretch beyond one neighborhood or city, having a rental car is the easiest way to move freely. From quiet river towns and rolling farmland to music festivals and pumpkin patches, many of Iowa’s best experiences live outside the major transit lines. Renting a car through Turo lets you move between Dubuque and homegrown charm in Amana on your own time.
What occasions can I rent a car for in Iowa?
- Vacation car rental
Iowa’s best sights don’t sit still. From field-carved byways to riverside drives through the Driftless Area, a rental car makes it easy to move between cities, state parks, and local landmarks. With Turo, you can choose a vehicle that fits your pace — whether that’s a fuel-efficient hybrid or something built for the backroads.
- Wedding car rental
Planning a celebration at places like Little Lights on the Lane or Rollins Mansion? Turo offers more flexibility than traditional vendors, with specialty vehicles available for bridal parties, guests, and post-ceremony getaways. You’ll have full control over timing, pick-up spots, and vehicle type — so the only schedule you’re on is your own.
- Long-term car rental
Settling into a short-term work contract, extended visit, or temporary home? Long-term Iowa car rental on Turo let you skip the lease and keep your days moving. Hosts across the state make it easy to book for a month or more, so you can focus on the road ahead and the new routines you’ll face along the way.
What rental car types can I find in Iowa?
From rolling plains to small-town streets, Iowa invites you to slow down and stay awhile. Choose from the following vehicle types to match your journey, including but not limited to:
- SUV rental – Tackle rural roads, winter conditions, and family trips with confidence in a Toyota RAV4 or Subaru Forester.
- Pickup truck rental – Ideal for hauling gear, tackling gravel roads, or navigating Iowa’s farming regions with ease.
- Luxury SUV rental – Comfort meets capability in options like the Cadillac Escalade, perfect for road trips between Des Moines, Iowa City, and the Great River Road.
- Performance sport car rental – Open highways and scenic drives call for power and style. Think Ford Mustang or Dodge Challenger for a spirited driving experience.
- Sedan rental – For everyday ease and fuel efficiency, a Honda Accord or Nissan Altima offers comfort that suits both city commutes and countryside escapes.
- Minivan rental – Travelling with kids or a group? A Chrysler Pacifica or similar keeps everyone comfortable on the road, with space to spare.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Iowa?
The cost of car rental in Iowa can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in Iowa, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.