Flights to Des Moines, Iowa

Explore Des Moines, United States, where local culture meets regional scenery.

IowaCentral Daylight TimeDSM
Departure
Return
Best round-trip fare
$91.00
Nonstop from
33
Best time to visit
May, Sep
Updated
2026-10-28

Des Moines travel overview

Des Moines is located in United States (region code: US-IA) and is served by candidate airport code(s) DSM. Visitors can explore Des Moines's town center, local markets, cultural sites, and surrounding regional landscapes.

State
Iowa
Population
214,133 (2022)
Time zone
Central Daylight Time
Average stay
2–3 days
Nearest airport
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Straight-line distance
8.4 km

Popular flights to Des Moines

Find the most popular routes to Des Moines, with flight times, airlines and typical prices.

Popular flight routes to Des Moines
FromFlight timeAirlines(main)Weekly flightsFrom priceRoute
Chicago (ORD)88 minAmerican Airlines|United Airlines64$294.00View route
Denver (DEN)100 minFrontier Airlines|United Airlines|Southwest Airlines37$236.00View route
DFW (DFW)110 minAmerican Airlines22$457.00View route
Minneapolis (MSP)75 minDelta Air Lines26$409.00View route
Atlanta (ATL)130 minDelta Air Lines26$469.00View route
Phoenix (PHX)160 minAmerican Airlines|Southwest Airlines21$286.00View route

Airports serving Des Moines

Candidate airport code(s) associated with Des Moines include DSM; verify your ticket's IATA code and ground transport links to central Des Moines.

Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

DSM is the candidate air gateway associated with Des Moines, United States; arrive at least 90–120 minutes before regional flights and 3 hours before international departures.

Distance to downtown
8.4 km
Typical drive time
Approx. 6 min
Terminals
1
Airlines by route coverage
Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines
Ground transport
Ground transport between DSM Airport and central Des Moines includes airport buses/public transit, official terminal taxis, car rentals, and pre-arranged hotel transfers.

Best time to visit Des Moines

No data

Average temperature and rainfall

High (°F)Low (°F)Rainfall (in)
100°7″75°5″50°4″25°2″0°0″1: high 30.4°F, low 13.8°F, rainfall 13.4 mmJan2: high 31.5°F, low 15.6°F, rainfall 16.3 mmFeb3: high 56.1°F, low 34.7°F, rainfall 99.8 mmMar4: high 61.9°F, low 43.9°F, rainfall 109 mmApr5: high 72.1°F, low 52.3°F, rainfall 86.5 mmMay6: high 83.7°F, low 65.7°F, rainfall 169.7 mmJun7: high 85.5°F, low 69.6°F, rainfall 172 mmJul8: high 81.7°F, low 65.5°F, rainfall 60.8 mmAug9: high 79.3°F, low 60.6°F, rainfall 36.2 mmSep10: high 67.6°F, low 50.7°F, rainfall 72.3 mmOct11: high 49.8°F, low 33.8°F, rainfall 44.1 mmNov12: high 36.0°F, low 18.7°F, rainfall 30.4 mmDec

Recommended months

MaySeptember

No data

Seasons

WinterNo data

No data

SpringNo data

No data

SummerNo data

No data

AutumnNo data

No data

Top things to do in Des Moines

Landmarks, outdoor escapes and local culture for your Des Moines itinerary.

Des Moines Central Historic Quarter and Civic Plaza

Explore the central civic plaza, local heritage buildings, and community museums of Des Moines in United States (US-IA).

Des Moines city transport

Compare practical ways to travel from the airport and around the city.

Des Moines transport options
TransportBest forTime to downtownTypical cost
DSM Airport to Central Des Moines Ground TransferTravelers arriving or departing Des Moines via DSM15–50 minUSD 2–35 · estimated one-way airport-to-town; see cost notes · as of 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): 15–50 minutes one-way between DSM and central Des Moines; from USD 2.0 per person by public transit up to USD 35.0 per vehicle by taxi. Original charging basis: one-way DSM to central Des Moines: public bus per person vs taxi per car in USD.

Where to stay in Des Moines

When staying in Des Moines, consider central town districts or areas near main transport corridors and DSM airport connections.

Central Des Moines and Transport Hub Area

Centered around Des Moines's main commercial streets and transport links, offering convenient access to dining, services, and transfers to DSM.

Des Moines trip planning

Spend your first day exploring central Des Moines, local museums, and markets, and dedicate a second day to nearby nature trails or regional landmarks.

Daily budget
USD 110–260 · estimated per person/day in USD; local stay, meals & transit · 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): expect about USD 110–260 per person/day for budget-to-midrange lodging, meals, and local transit in Des Moines (quoted in USD, excluding flights).
Local time
No data
Tipping
In United States, tipping 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is customary at sit-down restaurants and for taxis; check whether a service charge is already included.
Power outlets
United States uses 120 V, 60 Hz power with standard Type A and Type B outlets.
Accessibility
Main terminal facilities at DSM and modern buildings in Des Moines generally provide basic accessible access, while older streets or rural trails may have uneven surfaces.
Suggested stay
2–3 days

Explore more destinations

Pair your visit to Des Moines with regional destination Burlington. Burlington: Burlington shares regional transport links and cultural themes with Des Moines in United States, making a natural multi-city pairing. Cedar Rapids: Cedar Rapids shares regional transport links and cultural themes with Des Moines in United States, making a natural multi-city pairing.

Popular routes from Des Moines

Allow ample buffer time for ground transfers to DSM airport or intercity rail/bus terminals when departing Des Moines.

Frequently asked questions about Des Moines

Which airport codes and payment preparations should I note when visiting Des Moines, United States?

Des Moines is associated with candidate airport code(s) DSM; local transactions use USD, so carry both a major payment card and some USD cash for local transit and markets.