Iowa City car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in Iowa City
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| Minivan |
| Passenger Van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Iowa City
- Opting for a rental car can be the wisest decision a visitor can make while on vacation in Iowa City. You can tour multiple fun attractions in the city with car rentals in Iowa, regardless of whether these attractions are around the city or far from Iowa City. You can tour the gorgeous Pikes Peak State Park in Iowa's city center with your rental car within minutes after hiring a rental vehicle. You can also tour other attractions miles away from the city within an hour. For instance, you can drive your rental car to Clear Lake and experience diverse marine life. The lake is 70 miles from the city center, and you can get there and experience the best of the lake in less than one and a half hours when driving from the city center in your rental car
- Explore all Iowa City has to offer with Iowa City car rentals. You can explore the city at your own pace without relying on public transportation in your rental car. You can also rent a car that fits your specific traveling needs, whether you need a large vehicle when traveling with a family/group or an affordable vehicle from one of the cheap car rentals in Iowa City. In addition, renting a car is often cheaper than using other means of transportation, such as taxis or Uber. Enjoy your car rental and explore multiple Iowa City destinations in one visit, including the 26,000-acre Amana Colonies and the historic Gaslight Village.
- Hiring a rental car to tour the many exciting attractions in Iowa City, like the State Capitol and Iowa State Fair, can be convenient for those coming to Iowa for their vacation. It's, however, wise for visitors to rent car rentals in Iowa that are near or within the airports in the city to save on their rental car budget. Dubuque Regional Airport, for instance, has a car rental agency near Terminal 3. Other airports have car rentals in Iowa nearby where drivers can hire different car types to tour the city.
- In Iowa City, the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for drivers is 0.08. Car renters should be aware of this law and not operate a vehicle after consuming any alcohol that would put their BAC over the legal limit. This is because such alcohol levels cause mental impairment and reduced caution and good judgment, which could lead to accidents. To be safe, ensure to provide an additional driver when booking your preferred rental car, who will drive the car when your BAC escalates.
- Driving in Iowa City is relatively easy, considering that all the roads in this city are in excellent condition. That notwithstanding, drivers should adopt defensive driving techniques while driving on routes passing through crowded places, such as 42nd Street and 56th street in Des Moines. The interstate Highway also passes through crowded public areas. Maintain a 3-meter gap distance when driving behind other vehicles.
- When driving in and around Iowa City, it is important to use appropriate defensive driving skills. This means you must watch other drivers to ensure they are driving safely. In addition, you will have to watch out for other cars entering intersections. Note that winter months can bring with them hazardous road conditions such as snow, so be sure to properly winterize your vehicle and practice caution while on the roads. Be mindful of changing weather conditions and exercise extra care when entering new roads due to possible road restrictions and closures.
- Avoid unnecessary lane changes while driving on busy roads to avoid causing accidents while driving in Iowa City. There are also cameras all over to monitor traffic and you risk getting on the wrong side of the law if you commit a traffic offense.Some roads in Iowa City experience mad traffic during rush hours. Streets such as the East-West IA 7, Red Ball Street, and 56th street in Des Moines have heavy traffic during rush hours, starting between 7 am to 9 am in the morning and 4 pm to 6 pm in the evening. Avoid driving on these roads after or before rush hours.
- Book your rental car in Iowa City at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Mini rental cars in Iowa City are around 91% more expensive than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Iowa City
How much is gas price in Iowa City?
The average gas price in Iowa City is C$ 5.42 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 65 and C$ 87, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Iowa City?
Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Iowa City.
Which car rental companies are at Cedar Rapids airport (CID)?
The only car rental company onsite at Cedar Rapids airport is Hertz.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Cedar Rapids airport (CID)?
The only car rental company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Cedar Rapids airport to off-airport locations is Hertz.
How can I find car rentals near me in Iowa City?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Iowa City?
A Mini car rental in Iowa City costs C$ 174 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Iowa City?
An Intermediate car rental in Iowa City costs C$ 79 per day, on average.
How much does a Special car rental cost in Iowa City?
A Special car rental in Iowa City costs C$ 57 per day, on average.
What type of car is recommended for driving in Iowa?
Although there are multiple Iowa City car rentals, the vehicle you hire while on vacation in Iowa City should depend on factors like the number of occupants in your car and the amount and size of luggage you want to carry during your road trip. An economy car or SUV is ideal for visitors who plan to drive solo with limited luggage. A compact vehicle is suitable for drivers planning to cruise the rugged and mountainous areas of the city, such as the Driftless Area Scenic Zigzags. Smaller vehicles are perfect for visitors driving through the city’s narrow streets.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Iowa City?
When renting a car in Iowa City, you must present an up-to-date driver's license and international passport if you're not a US citizen. Depending on the rental agency, you may also need other documents, such as a credit card that would hold the security deposit. Remember that some cheap car rentals in Iowa City may demand additional documentation to prove your identity as they deem necessary.
What is the speed limit in Iowa City?
The speed limit in Iowa City depends on where you are driving in this city. Drivers traveling on highways outside Iowa City should drive at 70 mph. Those driving on highways within this city shouldn’t exceed a speed limit of around 60 mph. Motorists driving on the crowded streets should be more cautious and must maintain a speed limit of around 25 mph.
What are the child safety and safety belt rules in Iowa City?
Infants under 20 lbs must be securely placed in a properly installed rear-facing infant seat. Children under three years old must be fastened into a car seat that is compliant with current federal safety standards. Anyone under 12 years of age must ride in the back seat, which can help to minimize injury during a crash. Violators may be subject to fines for not abiding by Iowa's Safety-Belt Law.
Which are the best places to park in Iowa City?
Most drivers park their vehicles in parking lots while vacationing in Iowa City. Others park in the parking areas in their hotels. You should be ready to pay for parking if you aren't parking your rental car in your hotel or a parking lot. Some of the best and cheap parking places in Iowa City include Capitol Street Garage, Iowa City Parking, and Harrison Street Parking Ramp. They charge around $5 for parking. It’s good to walk to your destination if it’s near your hotel because you won’t have to pay for parking once you get to the destination. Or, you can use public transportation if you want to travel within the city and thus you don’t need parking space.
Iowa City car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.0
Very good
41 reviewsCleanliness
8.3
Comfort
8.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
8.0
2 locations in Iowa City
Locations in Iowa City
1275 Highway 1 West
+1 319 358 7000
2121 Arthur Collins Pkwy Sw
+1 833 511 1750
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Dec. 2020
Pros:
The agent at the Cedar Rapids airport (CID) was early for her shift. None of the competitive companies showed up on time. Cheers to Her!!!! The staff at the drop off site near Allen Road in Peoria were friendly, efficient-- great team.Cons:
Nothing-- all good10.0 Wonderful
Apr. 2020
Pros:
The employees were very helpful, professional and friendly.2.0 Poor
Dec. 2019
Cons:
They didn’t even have the car I reserved. I was forced to cancel my trip.7.6 Good
Dec. 2019
Pros:
Staff was friendly. Decently easy to pick up and drop off.Cons:
Chevy Spark was super small for $50 a day.9.2 Wonderful
Oct. 2019
Pros:
The staff is friendly and helpfully fast10.0 Wonderful
Sep. 2019
Cons:
Dear sir When I try from my user to book scar from or to airport Chicago and Iowa it’s difficulteis to booked And customer services in Chicago not provisionally as Iowa city groupHertz
6.2
Okay
33 reviewsCleanliness
5.9
Comfort
5.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.2
Value for money
5.9
One location in Iowa City
Locations in Iowa City
1029 S Riverside Drive
+1 319 337 6615
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Dec. 2021
4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
A car was availableCons:
Cleaner car, better mechanical safety. The car was making weird noises7.6 Good
Oct. 2020
Pros:
Super easy pick up and drop off.Cons:
My vehicle was clearly used by a family before us. When gathering our personal items we found old chips and toys shoved under the seats. Not to big of a deal. But thought it should be mentioned.8.4 Very good
Sep. 2019
Pros:
Staff was very friendly and helpful2.0 Poor
Aug. 2019
Cons:
There was no car available when I went to pick up. No one called to let me know.10.0 Wonderful
Jun. 2019
Pros:
Great Price. Good Vehicle. Great service.Budget
9.4
Wonderful
20 reviewsCleanliness
9.5
Comfort
9.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.5
Value for money
9.5
2 locations in Iowa City
Locations in Iowa City
2121 Arthur Collins Pkwy Sw
+1 319 366 6434
265 Stevens Drive
+1 319 351 4529
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jul. 2020
Pros:
great friendly staff, super easy pick-up and drop off.4.8 Mediocre
Jun. 2019
Pros:
The pick up was not easy, I had to move my trip a day later because there weren't any cars available. When I arrived, the lady had the wrong reservation and I think this because the series of issues that i had.Cons:
I waited so long at pick up for the lady to find and clarify my reservation. The rental car was fine. Then when I returned the car the charge was over $100 more. The I wish I was charged the rate service, she not could not help me!!8.8 Very good
Sep. 2017
Pros:
I liked the car (Buick Regal). It was clean. The staff answered my questions and offered advice about getting to my destination that was beyond the rental experience. There was no waiting and the car was in immediate proximity to the rental desk.10.0 Wonderful
Apr. 2017
Pros:
Prompt, friendly service. Easy pickup and drop off. Very happy.5.6 Fair
Jan. 2017
Pros:
Straightforward pickupCons:
We reserved an SUV but they didn't have it when we went to pick it up and gave us a minivan instead. The minivan was older and not as clean as I have come to expect from most rental locations. They ended up charging us more than what I had expected.10.0 Wonderful
Nov. 2016
Pros:
Super fast pick up and very simple drop-off. Car immaculately clean, in great condition, with full tank. Pleasant staff. I was able to make sure I received a car that fit me (I am a small person and not all drivers' seats work for me, even among compact sedans).Easirent
4.6
Mediocre
No reviews available
One location in Iowa City
Locations in Iowa City
Filters
No reviews available
Avis
No score available yet
One location in Iowa City
Locations in Iowa City
2121 Arthur Collins Parkway
+1 319 366 6418
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Mar. 2024
2.0 Poor
Nov. 2023
9.6 Wonderful
Nov. 2020
Pros:
Staff was great, pick up and drop off we’re quick and easyCons:
Seemed expensive10.0 Wonderful
Oct. 2020
Pros:
Very excellent staff!10.0 Wonderful
Feb. 2020
Pros:
Very friendly staff7.6 Good
Dec. 2019
Cons:
Very basic economy car.VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
2 locations in Iowa City
Locations in Iowa City
2121 Arthur Collins Pkwy Sw#14, Cedar Rapids, , USA Iowa
+1 914 368 0091
5800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, , USA Iowa
+1 914 368 0091
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Iowa City
Locations in Iowa City
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near Iowa City
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
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