Car Hire Des Moines Airport (DSM)

Looking for car hire at Des Moines Airport? Rhino Car Hire helps you compare rental cars from trusted suppliers at Des Moines International Airport (DSM), giving you the freedom to explore Iowa and the wider Midwest on your own schedule.

Whether you're visiting Iowa for business, attending the famous Iowa State Fair, touring university campuses or planning a longer road trip through the American Midwest, collecting your rental car directly from the airport is the most convenient way to start your journey.

Compare prices, choose your vehicle and book your Des Moines Airport car hire today.

Why Hire a Car at Des Moines Airport?

Des Moines is Iowa's largest city and a major transport hub, but many of the state's attractions are spread across hundreds of miles of countryside, historic towns and university cities.

Hiring a car at Des Moines Airport allows you to:

• Travel directly from the airport without waiting for public transport

• Explore Iowa's small towns, parks and scenic byways

• Visit major cities such as Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City

• Take longer road trips to destinations including Omaha, Kansas City, Minneapolis and Chicago

• Travel on your own schedule without relying on limited regional transport options

For most visitors, a rental car is the easiest way to experience Iowa properly.

Des Moines Airport Quick Facts

• Airport Name: Des Moines International Airport

• IATA Code: DSM

• Distance to Downtown Des Moines: Approximately 5 miles (8 km)

• Driving Side: Right-hand side

• Major Highways Nearby: I-35, I-80 and I-235

• Main Travel Region: Central Iowa and the Midwest

Explore Des Moines

Many visitors begin their trip in Des Moines itself. Iowa's capital city combines a thriving business district with museums, restaurants, shopping and family attractions.

Popular attractions include:

• Pappajohn Sculpture Park

• Iowa State Capitol

• Principal Park

• Des Moines Art Center

• East Village District

Downtown Des Moines is only around 15 minutes from the airport.

Explore More of Iowa by Car

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a car at Des Moines Airport is the ability to explore the rest of Iowa.

Ames

Located around 40 minutes north of Des Moines, Ames is home to Iowa State University and hosts sporting events, conferences and cultural attractions throughout the year.
 

Iowa City

A vibrant university city known for literature, arts and nightlife. Iowa City is a popular destination for visitors wanting to experience another side of Iowa beyond the capital.

Cedar Rapids

Eastern Iowa's largest city offers museums, business centres and easy access to the scenic Mississippi River region.

Madison County

Famous for its historic covered bridges, Madison County makes an excellent day trip from Des Moines and offers some of Iowa's most photographed landscapes.

Midwest Road Trips from Des Moines

Des Moines sits in a strategic location at the heart of the American Midwest, making it an excellent starting point for wider road trips.

Omaha, Nebraska

Located around two hours west of Des Moines, Omaha is a popular addition to Iowa itineraries. Visitors can explore the Old Market district, riverfront attractions and the renowned Henry Doorly Zoo.

Kansas City, Missouri

Around three hours south, Kansas City is famous for barbecue, jazz music and professional sports, making it a popular weekend destination for visitors arriving in Iowa.
 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Head north to Minneapolis to discover lakes, parks, shopping and one of the Midwest's most vibrant city centres.

Chicago, Illinois

For travellers planning a longer journey, Chicago offers world-class architecture, museums, shopping and entertainment approximately five hours east of Des Moines.

Best Scenic Drives in Iowa

Iowa is often overlooked as a road trip destination, but there are some excellent driving routes throughout the state.

Covered Bridges Scenic Byway

Travel through the rolling countryside of Madison County and discover the famous covered bridges that inspired the novel and film The Bridges of Madison County.

Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

Explore one of the most unique landscapes in North America, with dramatic hills running along Iowa's western edge.

Great River Road

Follow the Mississippi River through charming river towns, scenic overlooks and historic communities.

Iowa Wine and Countryside Route

Experience vineyards, rural communities and traditional Midwestern hospitality.

Driving from Des Moines Airport

Des Moines Airport offers excellent road access across Iowa and the wider Midwest.

Approximate driving times:
 

• Downtown Des Moines – 15 minutes

• Ames – 40 minutes

• Iowa City – 1 hour 45 minutes

• Cedar Rapids – 2 hours

• Omaha – 2 hours

• Kansas City – 3 hours

• Minneapolis – 4 hours

Roads are generally easy to navigate and far less congested than many major US cities.

Choosing the Right Rental Car

Economy Cars

Perfect for city travel and business trips.

SUVs

Popular for families and longer journeys across Iowa and neighbouring states.

Full-Size Cars

Ideal for comfortable interstate travel.

Minivans

Suitable for larger groups and family holidays.
 

Driving in Iowa

Before setting off, keep these useful tips in mind:

• Drive on the right-hand side of the road

• Interstate speed limits typically range from 65 to 70 mph

• Winter weather can bring snow and icy conditions

• Fuel prices are often lower than the US average

• Parking is generally affordable and easy to find outside city centres

Book Your Des Moines Airport Car Hire Today

Rhino Car Hire makes it easy to compare rental cars at Des Moines Airport. With competitive pricing, trusted suppliers and convenient airport collection, you can start exploring Iowa and the Midwest from the moment you arrive.

Search, compare and reserve your Des Moines Airport car hire today.