Cleveland (CLE) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Cleveland (CLE) to Des Moines (DSM) on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you're seeking cheap flights from Cleveland or the cheapest flights from Cleveland, you can compare options from both full-service and low-cost carriers. This allows you to find the best itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel schedule as you discover the attractions and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Check out key information for flights from Hopkins International Airport (CLE) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

• Fastest flight duration: around 3 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
• Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $110–$420, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Hopkins International Airport (CLE) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Cleveland to Des Moines, particularly for one-stop routes. Common layover points include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with an approximate 1 hour and 30 minutes layover, Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) offering about a 55-minute layover, and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) with a layover of around 1 hour. This variety allows you to balance cost, total travel time, and cabin class while crafting your ideal itinerary.

• United: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, capturing around 39% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally fall between $115 and $440. Expect an in-flight duration of 3 hours, with an overall travel time of about 4 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
• American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines accounts for roughly 24% of departures here, offering one-stop services with one-way rates typically ranging from $115 to $375. The flight time is about 3 hours, leading to a total journey of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layovers.
• Delta: Delta operates as a full-service carrier with one-stop offerings, comprising around 23% of this route's departures. The fares for one-way journeys usually range from $120 to $395. In-flight duration is about 3 hours, with total travel time close to 4 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
• Southwest Airlines: This low-cost airline provides one-stop service, making up about 12% of departures on this route. One-way fares are typically between $110 and $570. Travelers can expect around 3 hours in the air, resulting in a total journey time of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
• Frontier Airlines: A budget-friendly option, Frontier Airlines offers one-stop service and represents about 2% of departures on this route. One-way tickets usually range from $130 to $180. The in-flight experience lasts around 3 hours, with a total travel duration of roughly 4 hours and 30 minutes, including layover periods.

Travelers flying from Cleveland to Des Moines can enhance their journey by upgrading to first class, with American Airlines providing premium service on this route.

Best time to fly from Cleveland (CLE) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Cleveland to Des Moines are March, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 74.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider December, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 29.3°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $192. Flight availability peaks in August, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January, February, March, April, July, and October have the fewest flights, with approximately 9 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $192, roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $209.
• Most flight options: August has the highest number of flights from Cleveland to Des Moines, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

Month	Temperature	Demand	Weekly Flights	Average one-way Fare
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	Average	9	$214
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	Average	9	$262
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	High	9	$299
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Average	9	$284
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Average	10	$241
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Average	10	$230
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	High	9	$231
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	High	11	$192
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Average	10	$209
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Low	9	$247
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Low	10	$238
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Low	10	$235

*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 Cleveland (CLE) to Des Moines (DSM)

• Akron to Des Moines (CAK-DSM): Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) lies approximately 40 miles from Hopkins International Airport (CLE). One-way economy fares for this route generally vary between $125 and $430, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can expect one-stop options, often with layovers at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). Major airlines serving this route include United and American Airlines.

How to find the best prices for flights from Cleveland (CLE) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Cleveland 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 to 8 weeks in advance, coinciding with when most travelers make their reservations. Additionally, morning departures from 5 AM to 12 PM tend to be the most affordable and are also the most sought-after times. While flying on Wednesday generally offers lower prices, Thursday remains the most popular 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 Hopkins International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Cleveland 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.