$61 Cheap Flights to Urbandale, IA

Flights to Urbandale at a glance

Traveling to Urbandale is straightforward: choose between full-service and budget airlines, compare flight schedules, and select the journey that fits your budget and itinerary. Whether you’re looking for cheap flights to Urbandale or flights to Des Moines, you’ll find options to explore the city’s attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Urbandale: Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO)
• Closest airport to Urbandale: Des Moines International Airport, DSM (around 7 miles)
• Flights per week: 1,950+ flights arriving across Urbandale airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Urbandale: around 10+ carriers

Popular airports near Urbandale

Urbandale is a vibrant city that caters to families, business travelers, and those seeking a getaway. Visitors are drawn to its attractions for family fun, entertainment, romance, and stunning outdoor scenery. The area is conveniently accessible via two major airports, making it easy to plan your journey to Urbandale.

• Des Moines International Airport (DSM): Situated in Polk County, Iowa, approximately 7 miles from Urbandale, this airport offers both domestic and international flights, linking to more than 175 U.S. cities and over 45 worldwide destinations. Travelers can opt for enhanced seating options like first class or premium economy for greater comfort, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines include American Airlines, United, and Delta.
• Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO): Found in Black Hawk County, Iowa, around 93 miles from Urbandale, this airport primarily handles domestic flights, connecting passengers to about 6 cities throughout the nation. American Airlines is the prominent carrier operating from this location.

Top routes to Urbandale

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

Cheapest routes to Urbandale

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

• American Airlines: This airline operates flights to Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) and Des Moines International Airport (DSM), contributing roughly 36% of arrivals in Urbandale. The average one-way ticket costs about $280, with first-class available on certain routes.
• United: Flying into Des Moines International Airport (DSM), United Airlines accounts for nearly 27% of arrivals at Urbandale. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of around $300, and first-class may be available based on the specific route.
• Delta: Delta Airlines services Des Moines International Airport (DSM), making up approximately 21% of Urbandale's arrivals. The average fare for a one-way ticket is about $270, with options for premium economy and first-class service depending on the route.
• Southwest Airlines: This airline operates flights to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and represents about 12% of arrivals to Urbandale. Travelers can anticipate an average one-way fare of roughly $250.
• Frontier Airlines: Flying to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Frontier Airlines accounts for around 3% of Urbandale's arrivals. It typically offers a budget-friendly option, with one-way fares averaging about $150.

Best time to fly to Urbandale

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Urbandale are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Urbandale can reach up to 50.2°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 66.7°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 Urbandale

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Urbandale 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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Urbandale

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Urbandale, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Urbandale is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Urbandale 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 Urbandale

• Clive: Located 4 miles away from Urbandale, Clive is a vibrant city that offers a mix of family-friendly activities and urban experiences. Visitors can enjoy shopping at the West Glen Town Center or explore the Living History Farms to learn about Iowa's agricultural past. For those seeking education, Drake University is a notable local landmark, while the nearby theme park provides a fun day out for all ages. Clive is a great choice for travelers looking to balance leisure and city life.
• Johnston: Johnston is located 3 miles away from Urbandale and is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The area features Saylorville Lake, ideal for scenic views and romantic strolls. For entertainment, Casey's Center hosts various events, making it a great spot for family outings. The local shopping centers offer a range of options, while Drake University stands as a modern educational hub. Johnston's combination of city and outdoor experiences makes it a delightful destination.
• Merle Hay: Merle Hay is located 1 mile away from Urbandale and is a charming neighborhood that caters to families and city explorers alike. With access to educational venues and lively music concerts, there’s always something happening in this area. The Iowa Events Center is a key location for business and entertainment events, while the proximity to Drake University adds an academic flair. Merle Hay’s welcoming atmosphere and variety of activities make it a convenient stop for travelers.

Tips for short-haul flights to Urbandale

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, it's often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This strategy also allows you to avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself entertained. Remember to charge your devices fully 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 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 and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Urbandale

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

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide complimentary seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may allow seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, find a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or a departure lounge, if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to sleep 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 Urbandale

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Urbandale 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

December is the cheapest month to fly to Urbandale. 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 Urbandale. 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 Urbandale, 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 Urbandale

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Urbandale in 2026 starts from $114, while one-way tickets start from from $61. 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 Urbandale. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Urbandale

Allegiant Air, United, Southwest Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Urbandale. 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 Urbandale and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Urbandale, 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 Urbandale. 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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale

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 Urbandale.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Urbandale are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Urbandale. 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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Urbandale 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 Urbandale. 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.