How to find a cheap car hire deal in Iowa City
Pick up a cheap rental car in Iowa City for around $213 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top providers, making it easy to compare prices and book.
$189 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Iowa City.
Staying a little longer? Book a weekly rental from $1,320 and say yes to more adventures.
Snap up the best price on a Iowa City car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal and more choice.
Browse the offers available with Hertz, Enterprise and Dollar. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage Hertz or another company includes with your Iowa City car hire can differ, so be sure to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can snag some excellent one-way prices on a car for rent in Iowa City.
Spend less on fuel by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with prices averaging $209 a day.
Not far behind, [this provider](this provider) offers daily rates of around $210.
The third option also keeps costs reasonable. Expect to pay roughly $221 a day for one of their rentals.
The Economy rental category is a dependable choice if you can't decide which ride is right for you. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Iowa City.
Compare car hire types in Iowa City
Small: These cheap rental cars in Iowa City may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, light on fuel, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for small families and couples.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Iowa City car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Iowa City that makes light work of heavy loads. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different Iowa City car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Iowa City.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is typically 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so always read your rental company's terms to make sure you meet the requirements.
Kids coming with you? Car seat requirements vary depending on where you are, and the best setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Make sure you add the right one to your Iowa City car hire reservation.
Come prepared to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) and another form of photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
If it's your first time driving in the United States, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everyday expenses here. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards so you always have a backup option.
Best hotels in Iowa City for drivers
Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time settling into the comfort of Holiday Inn Coralville - Iowa City by IHG. About 5 kilometres from central Iowa City, it comes with accessible parking, a 24-hour front desk and a laundry.
Staybridge Suites Iowa City - Coralville by IHG is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features parking, plus a teahouse and a barbeque. Check in here and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas? Browse through the full list of hotels in Iowa City. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If you're driving electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Iowa City and the right hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to explore first. Get things started with major attractions like Stanley Museum of Art, Iowa Avenue Literary Walk and The Black Angel.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Iowa City
Cedar Rapids should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit African American Museum of Iowa and Indian Creek Nature Centre. This city is around 40 kilometres north of central Iowa City.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Cedar Rapids include Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids Cid Eastern Iowa Airport and Tru by Hilton Cedar Rapids Westdale.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Iowa City and then head for Davenport. About 80 kilometres east of Iowa City, Davenport Skybridge and Vandevere Conservatory are top attractions that make the extra drive worth it.
DoubleTree by Hilton Davenport and Best Western Plus Steeplegate Inn are comfy places to stay in Davenport if you're hanging around for a while. Book one of these and skip the stress of finding somewhere to leave your ride.
Want to head even further out? Aurora is a top road trip destination that's about 274 kilometres east of Iowa City. Consider making a few pit stops at Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple and Aurora Historical Museum.
The only thing calling your name now is a bed. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aurora - Naperville by IHG and Comfort Inn & Suites North Aurora - Naperville have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Aurora.
