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Car Hire Iowa

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  • 24000+ pick-up locations Locations around the world
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Iowa Guide

Guide

Endless stretches of corn fields are the first vision which enters people’s minds when thinking about the Midwestern state of Iowa, one of the safest in the United States. However, the cities dotting the soybean and corn fields are surprisingly cosmopolitan, especially the state capital, Des Moines. Drivers can easily reach centrally located Des Moines from all corners of the state with car hire in Iowa. Baseball fans will surely want to visit Dyersville’s famous Field of Dreams.

Hiring a Vehicle

Des Moines and its airport offer the most opportunities to pick up a vehicle. Thrifty, Advantage, and Hertz are just three of Des Moines International Airport’s nine car rental companies. However, visitors can also easily rent vehicles at the Eastern Iowa Airport, serving Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, and numerous other locations throughout the state, though they should compare car hire before they start their trip.

Transport Options

It takes just 10 minutes to drive from Des Moines to Iowa’s largest airport, but despite its name, Des Moines International Airport presently offers only domestic flights across the United States. The Amtrak California Zephyr route stops at five small southern Iowa towns during its daily journey between Emeryville, California and Chicago. MegaBus routes link Chicago to Des Moines and Iowa City. However, the automobile remains the most popular way to travel.

Car Hire Driving Tips in Iowa

Visitors will encounter miles of the cornfields for which lowa is so famous while driving a car rental in Iowa along Interstate 80, the main east to west route through the middle of the state. Interstate 35 runs north to south through Des Moines, Ames, and Mason City, while the smaller Interstate 380 travels between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids. Driving in Iowa is simple thanks to the state’s flat terrain, generally courteous motorists, and the easy to follow grid pattern of its cities.

Not to be Missed!

Iowa’s most fascinating sights are situated far off the somewhat dull beaten path of its Interstate highways. It costs nothing to walk along the Field of Dreams made famous by the Academy Award winning 1989 films, and visitors may even be able to watch one of the many softball or baseball games played on this Dyersville field. The interpreters at Urbandale’s Living History Farms demonstrate everyday lifestyles of Iowa residents from the 1700s to the 1900s at this unique outdoor museum.

Weather & Tourist Seasons

Visitors wishing to enjoy the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, America’s biggest state fair, should come in August. Late spring and summer are Iowa’s hottest seasons, and are also the prime tornado and thunderstorm months. Those wishing to avoid twisters, thunderstorms, and State Fair crowds while still experiencing fairly mild weather should come in early spring or autumn. Winter brings plenty of snow and average temperatures far below the freezing point. The average yearly temperature is around 10°C.

Practical information

  • Currency
    United States Dollar
  • Driving direction
    Right
  • City speed limit
    25 - 70 km/h
  • Freeway speed limit
    90 - 130 km/h
  • Language
    English

What most people want to know

The following questions and answers are a selection of the most popular questions. If you do not find the answer to your question, have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us.

Is Carrentals.co.uk the cheapest?

Yes, we offer a guarantee of the lowest price - because we compare various retailers, we can always offer you the best price in town.

What do I need to do when picking up a car?

To pick up your car, you will need your voucher, passport, driver's license and a credit card. It is very important that your driver's license and credit card are in the same name as the main driver. Keep in mind that the local rental company will reserve a certain amount on your credit card as a deposit. This requires the PIN code for your credit card. If your driver's license is foreign (for example, in Chinese), you must bring a translation with you. Only your original passport and driver's license will be accepted - a copy is not sufficient.

Are there any additional costs?

In general, our rates are all-inclusive. Should there be any additional costs, our booking department will get in touch with you before issuing the invoice. Should you object, you can always cancel your reservation with no obligations attached (at least 48 hours in advance).

What kind of insurance is applicable to my car rental?

In general, Liability Insurance, Fire Insurance, All-Risks Insurance and Theft Insurance are included in the cost of your rental car.

What is a worry-free label?

Only rental companies with a high level of customer satisfaction are eligible to be included in our Worry-Free selection. This rate includes excess cover and unlimited kilometres. Your vehicle will be provided and must be returned with a full tank of fuel. With a vehicle from our Worry-Free selection, you can travel with peace of mind and no hidden costs.

How can I change or cancel my reservation?

You can cancel your reservation through "My Account". We recommend contacting us by phone if your changes to your booking or cancellation takes place at short notice (48 hours or less).

When will I get a confirmation of my booking?

Most reservations will receive confirmation within minutes after payment takes place. We recommend contacting our Booking Department for last minute reservations (pick-up within 48 hours).