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$47 Cheap Flights from Nashville (BNA) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $47 flight on Thu, Oct 22, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Nashville to Des Moines (BNA-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $47 for one-way flights and $82 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Allegiant Air
Thu, Oct 22 - Sun, Oct 25
BNA
Nashville
DSM
Des Moines
$82 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$82
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Nashville to Des Moines, returning Sun, Oct 25, priced at $82 found 8 hours ago
Allegiant Air
Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
BNA
Nashville
DSM
Des Moines
$84 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$84
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from Nashville to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $84 found 12 hours ago
Allegiant Air
Fri, Oct 16 - Sun, Oct 25
BNA
Nashville
DSM
Des Moines
$87 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$87
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Nashville to Des Moines, returning Sun, Oct 25, priced at $87 found 5 hours ago
Allegiant Air
Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
BNA
Nashville
DSM
Des Moines
$89 Roundtrip, just found
$89
Roundtrip
just found
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from Nashville to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $89 just found
Allegiant Air
Fri, Oct 30 - Sun, Nov 1
BNA
Nashville
DSM
Des Moines
$93 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$93
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from Nashville to Des Moines, returning Sun, Nov 1, priced at $93 found 14 hours ago
Allegiant Air
Fri, Oct 9 - Mon, Oct 12
BNA
Nashville
DSM
Des Moines
$94 Roundtrip, just found
$94
Roundtrip
just found
Select Allegiant Air flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from Nashville to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 12, priced at $94 just found
United
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
BNA
Nashville
DSM
Des Moines
$268 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$268
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Nashville to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $268 found 4 hours ago
American Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
BNA
Nashville
DSM
Des Moines
$273 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$273
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Nashville to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $273 found 4 hours ago
Delta
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
BNA
Nashville
DSM
Des Moines
$273 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$273
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Nashville to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $273 found 4 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
BNA
Nashville
DSM
Des Moines
$273 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$273
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Nashville to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $273 found 4 hours ago

Alternative airports near Des Moines

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Des Moines Intl. DSM. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 10 minutes. Flights from $487
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $487

Find the cheapest month to fly from Nashville (BNA) to Des Moines (DSM)

October is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $84 - $336 per traveler.

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

Nashville (BNA) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) with a selection of airlines providing weekly flights on this domestic short-haul route. Explore the best options from full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the latest deals on flights that align with your budget and schedule as you dive into the attractions and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Use a flight finder to help you plan your perfect itinerary for this journey.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 500 miles (800 km)
  • Flights per week: around 11 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$400, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Nashville to Des Moines, often selected for their one-stop services. Common layover airports include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a typical layover of around 1 hour and 15 minutes, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), also approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with about a 1-hour layover. This allows you to mix and match options based on price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best itinerary.

  • American Airlines: As a full-service airline providing one-stop options, American Airlines features one-way fares generally between $110 and $405. It accounts for about 36% of flights on this route, with an in-air duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • Delta: This full-service carrier also offers one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices typically falling within the range of $100 to $415. Delta represents around 26% of departures on this route, boasting an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of roughly 4 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in a layover.
  • United: Another full-service airline, United provides one-stop service with one-way fares that usually range from $125 to $375. It covers about 19% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of about 4 hours and 45 minutes, including a layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its low-cost offerings, Southwest Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $110 to $400. It accounts for around 18% of the flights on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a full journey time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from Nashville to Des Moines can enhance their journey with an upgrade to first class, featuring exceptional service provided by American Airlines on this route.

Best time to fly from Nashville (BNA) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Nashville to Des Moines are March, April, and September, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 66.9°F in September. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 53.2°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $162. Flight availability peaks in September, with approximately 14 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January, February, May, and June have the fewest flights, with approximately 10 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $162, roughly 29% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $185.
  • Most flight options: September has the highest number of flights from Nashville to Des Moines, with approximately 14 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)Average10$268
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average10$237
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Moderately High13$288
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Moderately High11$255
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Moderately Low10$214
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average10$262
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Moderately Low12$256
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average11$162
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Moderately High14$185
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Moderately Low11$192
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average12$222
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average13$214

*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 route from Nashville (BNA) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Smyrna to Des Moines (MQY-DSM): Smyrna Airport (MQY) is located approximately 12 miles from Nashville International Airport (BNA).

How to find the best prices for flights from Nashville (BNA) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Nashville 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 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures (12pm-6pm) tend to be less expensive, although morning flights (5am-12pm) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday generally offers lower prices, while Sunday remains the busiest 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 Nashville International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Nashville 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 Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $47 and cheap return flights from $82 Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $143 to $523, and return flights typically cost between $339 and $901. 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 Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) 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 Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Nashville (BNA) to Des Moines (DSM), with average round-trip fares around $286. This is about 25% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand typically decreases after the summer. Other budget-friendly months to consider are April and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter BNA to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Nashville (BNA) to Des Moines (DSM) with return tickets starting from around $228. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) 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 Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
For flights from Nashville to Des Moines, September and August are the best months to travel. These months are the cheapest, with return flights averaging around $286, allowing you to enjoy a budget-friendly trip while experiencing the late summer and early fall weather.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This flight is available only in March, making it a perfect choice for early travelers heading to 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 Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Nashville (BNA) to Des Moines (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 32% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flights from BNA to DSM with one stop typically take around 5 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 529 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 Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from BNA to DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) 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 Nashville Intl. (BNA)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Nashville Intl. (BNA), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Tupelo Regional (TUP), Midway Intl. (MDW) 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 Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) 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 Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) 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 Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Nashville, TN (BNA-Nashville Intl.) 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
Nashville Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$82
Distance
529 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 38 mins

Book with confidence

Nashville to Des Moines Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Nashville 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 Nashville to Des Moines are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Nashville to Des Moines with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Nashville 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 Nashville 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 Nashville to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $47 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 Nashville 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 Nashville 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.

 

Nashville to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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