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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

BMW X5 2015

Nice car good price, significantly better than a traditional rental vehicle

Stephen
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Sophie
Hyundai Tucson 2023

I had an excellent experience with this car rental from start to finish. The booking process was easy, the was friendly and professional, and the pickup and return were quick and hassle-free. The car drove perfectly throughout my trip. I really appreciated the quick responseyime to questions. I would definitely rent from them again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable, stress-free car rental experience

Sophie
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Chevrolet Trax 2020

Great communication, easy pick up and drop off. Would definitely recommend, especially for the price point!

Riley
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David
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2020

JEEP was nice and clean inside and out. Drove like a JEEP and I enjoyed every minute of it. Kelly (owner) was very kind and pleasant to communicate with. Would rent again!

David
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BMW X5 2023

Overall the car and experience were great. We had to extend the trip and I thought the additional charge was excessive.

David
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Tricia
Chevrolet Bolt EUV 2023

Host was very communicative and left a very clean car for use! No issues on 4 day trip!

Tricia
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BMW X3 2016

David was a great host! He responded very quickly to all my messages and guided me along the process with me being new to Turo which was truly appreciated. His car was beautiful, clean and ran smoothly and beautifully. Would definitely recommend David’s BMW and will rent again next time we are here. Thank you David!

Tanya
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Ford Explorer 2017

I cannot say enough good things about Abraham and the service he provided to our company. We had some very important meetings and there was no rental vehicle's available, I hesitantly found Turo and Abraham, but what a blessing it was. I believe his service and attention to details was better than any rental car service our company has ever used. He even was able to get an additional vehicle for us on the spur of the moment. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.

Jayesh
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Lance
Ford Explorer 2017

Everything was great. Convenient pickup location and great car. Abraham is very responsive to messages. I will definitely rent from him again next time we’re in town.

Lance
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BMW X3 2019

Easy! Wonderful communication and great car. Thank you for making my vacation easy.

Lindsay
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Subaru Forester 2020

Great experience renting this forester. First time driving a Subaru. The eyesight technology doesn’t work when it rains so cruise didn’t work during some rain. Not a big deal but something to be aware of. Host was great at communicating!

Justin
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Berry
Nissan Rogue 2020

Excellent car for our trip. Will be booking again for our next Junior Olympics

Berry
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Tracey
Dodge Durango 2018

Great communication with host throughout the trip. Nice, clean vehicle! Will use again!

Tracey
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Kassidy
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 2026

The car was awesome! It was clean and ready to go for us on a short notice. There was a cold bottle of water and a nice cord with all the possible chargers that we would need waiting for us as well. The car has some pretty cool features and was a dream to drive! The hybrid did very well on gas and I think we averaged around 35/36 MPG. The boat was responsive, kind and made the experience stress free and relaxed. Would absolutely rent again and thank you for sharing your vehicle with us! Oh and the stereo system in the car is top notch 👌👌

Kassidy
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Carlos
INFINITI QX60 2016

Great Turoer! Had an issue early and fixed it ASAP making our trip wonderful! Will use his cars again.

Carlos
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Amanda
Land Rover Discovery Sport 2020

The car was clean and the instructions were clear and easy to follow. We would absolutely rent with this host again.

Amanda
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Honda HR-V 2026

John is a great host, the car was very clean and pick up was easiest pick up I've ever experienced. Thank you for the opportunity to use this vehicle I will definitely be referring my friend and family to this site thank you again

Bridget
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Marcus
Cadillac XT5 2017

This was an amazing rental car was clean. It’s on time for pick up and delivery would recommend him and use them again.

Marcus
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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 Car rental

  • 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 a type of vehicle “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.