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SUV rental near Des Moines International Airport

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Rental cars in Des Moines International Airport

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Des Moines International Airport, EN

SUV rental near Des Moines International Airport

Des Moines offers a perfect blend of Midwestern charm and modern attractions, from its vibrant downtown district to the scenic trails along the Des Moines River. The city combines rich cultural heritage with contemporary amenities, making it an ideal destination for both business and leisure travelers. Booking an SUV enhances your Iowa experience by providing the elevated seating position and spacious interior needed to comfortably navigate both urban streets and rural landscapes, ensuring you can explore everything from the bustling East Village to the rolling countryside with confidence and style.

Recent reviews

JULIE MARIE
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2025

Excellent experience all around. Car was perfect and Michael was a great host! Will definitely book again with him on my next trip to Des Moines.

JULIE MARIE
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Brandy
Nissan Murano 2017

Host was great. Car was clean. Great communication. Thank you for making our trip amazing. Will definitely book again.

Brandy
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Andrew
Subaru Outback 2023

The car was super clean, easy to find, and comfortable to drive. It was really affordable and easy to rent. Would definitely use it again.

Andrew
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eveline
Kia Sorento 2026

Loved everything about the car . He is the best host ever . I highly recommend and thank you so much for everything and I love how he is very understanding.

eveline
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Alexis
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2026

MY SON HAD AN AMAZING BIRTHDAY TRIP !! Car Was Clean , Smooth ,

Alexis
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Kara
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2026

Great car, fast responses! Will rent again when in IA

Kara
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Cadillac XT5 2019

John was a great host, The trip was smooth, i had no issues with the vehicle.

Jill
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Sandy
Nissan Rogue 2020

Car was clean and ran great. Communication with David was easy and he responded quickly. I would definitely rent from David again.

Sandy
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BMW X5 2015

Car was great! Fit the needs of our family perfectly. Communication, amazing. You couldn’t ask for a more communicative person than Kelly. First time renting from Turo and I would definitely do it again, especially when we are in Iowa visiting family.

Regina
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Brittney
Nissan Murano 2016

Fantastic host! Car was clean and well maintained

Brittney
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Nissan Murano 2015

Car was clean, and in good condition.David was an incredible host.

Bhavdeep
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Toyota RAV4 2025

Clean well maintained car and quick responses to questions

David
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BMW X3 2016

Car was in great condition and David even accommodated us with major flight changes due to delays and cancelations, would highly recommend and when we come back next year we will be using his services again. James R.

James
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THEOPHILOS
Tesla Model Y 2022

Everything was great. Pickup and drop off was easy.

THEOPHILOS
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TONY
Toyota RAV4 2025

Easy pick up, great host and car fits our needs perfectly! Will use host again the next time we are in town!

TONY
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Toyota RAV4 2025

Fantastic car!! extremely clean!! great communication!!

Sara
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Discover Iowa's capital attractions from Des Moines International Airport

Des Moines International Airport serves as your gateway to Iowa's dynamic capital city, where modern urban amenities meet traditional Midwestern hospitality. You'll find easy access to the historic East Village, the impressive Iowa State Capitol building, and the renowned Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The city's well-maintained road network makes exploring these diverse attractions straightforward, while an SUV provides the comfort and visibility needed to fully appreciate the scenic drives through downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.


Experience the vibrant East Village district

The East Village stands as Des Moines' cultural heart, featuring locally-owned boutiques, artisan coffee shops, and innovative restaurants housed in beautifully restored historic buildings. This walkable neighborhood showcases the city's commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while embracing contemporary culture. Parking is readily available throughout the district, and the elevated seating position of an SUV allows you to appreciate the unique blend of vintage brick facades and modern street art that defines this dynamic area.


Visit the majestic Iowa State Capitol

The Iowa State Capitol dominates Des Moines' skyline with its stunning gold dome and impressive architecture that reflects the state's rich political heritage. Free guided tours reveal the building's intricate interior details and historical significance. The capitol grounds offer ample parking and well-maintained pathways perfect for leisurely strolls. Your rental car provides convenient access to this iconic landmark while allowing you to explore the surrounding government district at your own pace.


Explore the renowned Pappajohn Sculpture Park

This four-acre outdoor museum in downtown Des Moines features more than 30 works by internationally acclaimed artists, creating an impressive collection of contemporary sculpture in an urban setting. The park's central location makes it easily accessible, with nearby parking structures accommodating visitors throughout the day. Walking paths wind between the installations, offering multiple perspectives on each piece. An SUV ensures comfortable transportation to this cultural gem while providing space for any art books or souvenirs you might acquire during your visit.


Discover the Historic Valley Junction

West Des Moines' Historic Valley Junction transports visitors back to the early 1900s with its charming antique shops, specialty stores, and restored train depot. This pedestrian-friendly district hosts seasonal festivals and maintains its small-town atmosphere despite being part of the greater metropolitan area. Street parking and nearby lots provide convenient access to the shops and restaurants that line the historic main street.


Enjoy the scenic Gray's Lake Park

Gray's Lake Park offers a peaceful retreat featuring a beautiful lake surrounded by walking and biking trails that provide stunning views of the downtown skyline. The park's recreational facilities include boat rentals and fishing opportunities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Multiple parking areas serve different sections of the park, and the spacious interior of an SUV accommodates any outdoor gear or picnic supplies you might bring. The park's location provides easy access to both natural beauty and urban conveniences, perfectly capturing Des Moines' unique character.

Turo car rental vs. traditional 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 rental

  • Standard rental counter experience

  • Waiting in line

  • Limited selection

  • Get one type of car “or similar”

  • Pickup at retail locations

  • Owned by large corporations

  • No vehicle ratings

Frequently asked questions in Des Moines International Airport

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 kilometers 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.

How do I drive from Des Moines International Airport to downtown?

From Des Moines International Airport, head east on Army Post Road toward downtown Des Moines. The route takes you through central Iowa's urban landscape, passing several neighborhoods before reaching the heart of the city. Having your own rental car provides the flexibility to explore Des Moines at your own pace without relying on public transportation schedules.

What driving rules should I know before leaving Des Moines International Airport?

Iowa requires all passengers to wear seat belts, and you must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks throughout Des Moines. Speed limits are strictly enforced, with school zones requiring extra caution during designated hours. Right turns on red are permitted after a complete stop unless otherwise posted, making navigation through the city more efficient for visitors.

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!

Should I rent a car from Des Moines International Airport?

Car rental at Des Moines International Airport gives you immediate access to explore Iowa's capital city and surrounding attractions. Des Moines features numerous parks, cultural districts, and dining areas that are best accessed with personal transportation. A rental car also allows you to venture beyond the city limits to experience Iowa's scenic countryside and nearby communities.

Are there toll roads near Des Moines International Airport?

Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area do not have toll roads, making travel straightforward for visitors. All major highways and city streets around the airport operate as free roadways. This makes exploring central Iowa particularly convenient since you won't need to budget for toll expenses during your stay.

Where can I find gas stations and EV chargers near Des Moines International Airport?

Multiple gas stations are located along Army Post Road and nearby major intersections around Des Moines International Airport. Electric vehicle charging stations can be found at various shopping centers and hotels throughout the Des Moines area. Planning your fuel stops is easy with numerous options available throughout Iowa's capital city region.

What are the most popular road trip routes from Des Moines International Airport?

Popular routes from Des Moines include heading west toward Iowa's Great Lakes region or north to explore charming small towns throughout central Iowa. The scenic Loess Hills area offers beautiful landscapes for day trips, while routes toward Iowa City provide access to university towns and cultural attractions. Each direction from Des Moines reveals different aspects of Iowa's diverse geography and local communities.

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.

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.

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