$62 Cheap Flights to Story City, IA

Flights to Story City at a glance

Traveling to Story City is easy—select from a variety of full-service or budget airlines, compare flight durations, and choose the option that best aligns with your budget, schedule, and plans to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Story City: Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO)
• Closest (typical) airport to Story City: Des Moines International Airport, DSM (around 45 miles)
• Flights per week: 1,950+ flights arriving across Story City airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Story City: around 10+ carriers

Popular airports near Story City

Story City is a charming destination perfect for family vacations, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. Visitors are drawn to its beautiful scenery and sports activities. The city is conveniently accessible through two major airports, making travel easy for all.

• Des Moines International Airport (DSM): Situated in Polk County, Iowa, approximately 45 miles from Story City, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel. It connects to over 175 domestic cities and more than 45 international locations. Travelers can opt for enhanced comfort with first class and premium economy seating options, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines operating here include American Airlines, United, and Delta.
• Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO): Found in Black Hawk County, Iowa, about 66 miles from Story City, this airport offers domestic flights to roughly 6 U.S. cities. American Airlines is the notable carrier serving this airport, providing travelers with essential connections across the country.

Top routes to Story City

• Denver (DEN) to Story City (DSM), with one-way fares starting at around $45
• Phoenix (PHX) to Story City (DSM), with one-way flights starting at around $90
• Orlando (MCO) to Story City (DSM), with one-way airfare from around $70
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Story City (DSM), with one-way airfare from around $120
• Seattle (SEA) to Story City (ALO/DSM), with one-way fares starting at around $140

Cheapest routes to Story City

• Denver (DEN) to Story City (DSM), with cheap one-way fares from around $45
• St. Louis (STL) to Story City (DSM), with affordable one-way prices from around $50
• Orlando (MCO) to Story City (DSM), with affordable one-way prices from around $70
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Story City (DSM), with low one-way fares from around $85
• Phoenix (PHX) to Story City (DSM), with budget one-way fares from around $90

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Story City

• American Airlines: Provides service to Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) and Des Moines International Airport (DSM), representing approximately 36% of Story City's incoming flights. Average one-way fares hover around $280. Depending on the route, premium cabin options may feature first class.
• United: Operates flights to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), accounting for about 27% of arrivals in Story City. The typical one-way fare is around $300, and premium cabin options may include first class based on the specific route.
• Delta: Flies to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), contributing to roughly 21% of Story City's arrivals. Average one-way fares are close to $270, with premium cabin choices potentially including both premium economy and first class, depending on the route.
• Southwest Airlines: Serves Des Moines International Airport (DSM), making up around 12% of the arrivals into Story City. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of about $250.
• Frontier Airlines: Flies into Des Moines International Airport (DSM), which represents approximately 3% of arrivals to Story City. The average cost for a one-way ticket is around $150, making it a budget-friendly option.

Best time to fly to Story City

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Story City are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Story City can reach up to 48.9°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 65.7°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $228), roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October, May, and August offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $233 to $248, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Story City

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Story City is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Story City hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Story City flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Story City

Story City welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Story City efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Story City, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Story City is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Story City on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Story City

• Nevada: Located 15 miles drive away from Story City, Nevada is a charming city that appeals to those seeking outdoor adventures, romantic getaways, or urban exploration. Visitors can enjoy activities like golfing and shopping at local centers. Key attractions include Iowa State University, known for its modern campus, and Meadow Lane Park, a lovely spot for families to unwind. Sports enthusiasts may also want to check out Cub Stadium, where you can catch a game and soak in the local sports culture.
• Ames: Ames is located 11 miles drive away from Story City and is an inviting city perfect for family trips, cultural experiences, and city life. This vibrant destination offers plenty of educational opportunities and shopping at the local mall. Noteworthy sites include Iowa State University, a hub of activity, and Reiman Gardens, an excellent location for family-friendly outdoor fun. For those interested in events, Stephens Auditorium serves as a prominent conference venue and hosts various performances throughout the year.
• Randall: Randall is located 3 miles away from Story City and offers a quaint atmosphere for travelers looking to explore a small-town vibe. Visitors can appreciate the charm of the Main Street Cultural District, ideal for a leisurely stroll. Iowa State University also has a presence here, enriching the community with educational opportunities. For a touch of nature, Ada Hayden Heritage Park provides a peaceful retreat and a great spot for picnics or outdoor activities.

Tips for short-haul flights to Story City

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Optimize your packing by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating outfits efficiently. This approach also saves you the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself entertained, download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated while saving money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Story City

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is crucial for your comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow you to select your seat for free once online check-in opens, which is usually 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may offer seat selection even earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available for use.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to rest or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Story City

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Story City on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

October is the cheapest month to fly to Story City. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Story City. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Story City, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Story City

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Story City in 2026 starts from $132, while one-way tickets start from from $62. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Story City. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Story City

Allegiant Air, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Story City. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Story City and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Story City, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Story City. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Story City plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Story City

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Story City.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Story City are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Story City. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Story City for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Story City. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Story City flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Story City. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.