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$158 Cheap Flights from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $158 flight on Tue, Nov 17, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Albuquerque to Des Moines (ABQ-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $158 for one-way flights and $353 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Mon, Oct 19
ABQ
Albuquerque
DSM
Des Moines
$353 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$353
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Albuquerque to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $353 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Mon, Oct 19
ABQ
Albuquerque
DSM
Des Moines
$358 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$358
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Albuquerque to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $358 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Mon, Oct 19
ABQ
Albuquerque
DSM
Des Moines
$370 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$370
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Albuquerque to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $370 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 15 - Sat, Oct 17
ABQ
Albuquerque
DSM
Des Moines
$375 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$375
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Albuquerque to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $375 found 4 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 15 - Sun, Oct 18
ABQ
Albuquerque
DSM
Des Moines
$386 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$386
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Albuquerque to Des Moines, returning Sun, Oct 18, priced at $386 found 3 days ago
United
Fri, Oct 2 - Tue, Oct 6
ABQ
Albuquerque
DSM
Des Moines
$387 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$387
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from Albuquerque to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $387 found 4 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Mon, Oct 19
ABQ
Albuquerque
DSM
Des Moines
$388 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$388
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Albuquerque to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $388 found 2 days ago
United
Tue, Oct 27 - Wed, Nov 4
ABQ
Albuquerque
DSM
Des Moines
$390 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$390
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 27 from Albuquerque to Des Moines, returning Wed, Nov 4, priced at $390 found 1 hour ago
American Airlines
Tue, Oct 27 - Wed, Nov 4
ABQ
Albuquerque
DSM
Des Moines
$391 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$391
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 27 from Albuquerque to Des Moines, returning Wed, Nov 4, priced at $391 found 1 hour ago
Delta
Sat, Nov 14 - Tue, Nov 17
ABQ
Albuquerque
DSM
Des Moines
$411 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$411
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Nov 14 from Albuquerque to Des Moines, returning Tue, Nov 17, priced at $411 found 3 hours ago

What you need to know for your flight from Albuquerque Intl. Sunport to Des Moines Intl.

Albuquerque (ABQ) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Des Moines (DSM) on this popular short-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service or low-cost options, you can easily find the best itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. Dive into the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Des Moines while comparing available flights to ensure a smooth travel experience. Get ready to uncover the key details for your journey from Albuquerque International Sunport Airport to Des Moines International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 800 miles (1,290 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $135–$445, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from Albuquerque to Des Moines, often selected for their one-stop services. Popular layovers include Denver International Airport (DEN) with an approximately 1 hour and 15-minute layover, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) at about 1 hour and 45 minutes, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD), also around 1 hour and 15 minutes. These options allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to craft the ideal itinerary.

  • United: As a comprehensive airline providing one-stop services, United typically offers one-way ticket prices ranging from $140 to $480. It holds about 44% of the departures for this route, with a flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 5 hours, including layover.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline also provides one-stop options, with one-way fares generally falling between $135 and $370. American Airlines represents around 35% of the departures on this route, featuring the same in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, for an overall journey time of about 5 hours, including layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known as a budget-friendly carrier, Southwest offers one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $135 to $520. It accounts for about 17% of departures on this route, providing an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of roughly 5 hours, including layover.
  • Delta: A full-service option, Delta provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually between $135 and $310. It holds around 5% of the departures for this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of close to 5 hours, including layover.

Travelers can enhance their journey from Albuquerque to Des Moines by upgrading to first class with United, enjoying premium service along the way.

Best time to fly from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Albuquerque to Des Moines are June, August, and October, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 73.4°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 61.3°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $199. Flight availability peaks in August, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January, April, November, and December have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $199, roughly 23% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: May typically offers an average one-way fare of around $217.
  • Most flight options: August has the highest number of flights from Albuquerque to Des Moines, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January21.7°F (-5.7°C)Average7$231
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average8$228
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Average8$421
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Average7$283
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Moderately Low9$217
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Moderately High8$239
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Average9$264
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Moderately High11$245
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average8$199
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Moderately High9$247
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Moderately Low7$267
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Moderately Low7$282

*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.

Alternative routes from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Santa Fe to Des Moines (SAF-DSM): Located approximately 49 miles from Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ), Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF) serves as a convenient departure point for your travels.
  • Albuquerque to Fort Dodge (ABQ-FOD): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is roughly 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), making it an accessible choice for flights originating in Albuquerque.

How to find the best prices for flights from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Des Moines (DSM)

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

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Departures in the morning, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., often offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Thursday provides both cheaper rates and is a favored travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. 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.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Des Moines International Airport from Albuquerque International Sunport Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Albuquerque with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Des Moines efficiently:

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

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $158 and cheap return flights from $353 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $144 and $794, and roundtrip flights usually range from $330 to $1014. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average round-trip fares around $314. This price is about 15% lower than the average fare throughout the year, as January often sees reduced travel activity. Other budget-friendly months include April and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter ABQ to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best time to fly from Albuquerque to Des Moines is typically in January or October. January offers the cheapest average price at around $314 for a return flight, making it a budget-friendly option. October is popular for travel, providing a good balance of flight availability and moderate prices, ensuring you have plenty of options.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Des Moines International (DSM) usually departs at around 1:55 AM local time, operated by Delta. This seasonal service is active in October, giving you an early start to your travels in Iowa. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 42% of passengers prefer this time window. Major carriers like American Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer flights during this window. This timing works well for travelers looking to start their day early.
How long does it take to fly from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying from ABQ to DSM with a connection usually takes about 7 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 832 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can fly first class between ABQ and DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Des Moines from Albuquerque Intl. Sunport (ABQ)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Albuquerque Intl. Sunport (ABQ), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), Love Field (DAL) before reaching Des Moines. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) Des Moines Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Albuquerque Intl. Sunport
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$353
Distance
832 mi

Book with confidence

Albuquerque to Des Moines Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Albuquerque to Des Moines

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Albuquerque to Des Moines are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Albuquerque to Des Moines with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Albuquerque to Des Moines

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Albuquerque to Des Moines: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Albuquerque to Des Moines

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Albuquerque to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $158 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Albuquerque to Des Moines flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Albuquerque to Des Moines airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

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

 

Albuquerque to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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