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$150 Cheap Flights from Columbus (CMH) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $150 flight on Thu, Oct 22, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Columbus to Des Moines (CMH-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $150 for one-way flights and $304 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

United
Thu, Oct 8 - Wed, Oct 14
CMH
Columbus
DSM
Des Moines
$304 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$304
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from Columbus to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $304 found 2 hours ago
American Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Sat, Sep 12
CMH
Columbus
DSM
Des Moines
$309 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$309
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Columbus to Des Moines, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $309 found 4 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Oct 8 - Wed, Oct 14
CMH
Columbus
DSM
Des Moines
$309 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$309
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from Columbus to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $309 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 8 - Wed, Oct 14
CMH
Columbus
DSM
Des Moines
$309 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$309
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from Columbus to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $309 found 2 hours ago
United
Thu, Oct 8 - Wed, Oct 14
CMH
Columbus
DSM
Des Moines
$310 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$310
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from Columbus to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $310 found 2 hours ago
United
Thu, Oct 8 - Wed, Oct 14
CMH
Columbus
DSM
Des Moines
$314 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$314
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from Columbus to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $314 found 2 hours ago
United
Fri, Oct 23 - Sat, Oct 24
CMH
Columbus
DSM
Des Moines
$317 Roundtrip, found 21 hours ago
$317
Roundtrip
found 21 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from Columbus to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $317 found 21 hours ago
United
Thu, Oct 8 - Wed, Oct 14
CMH
Columbus
DSM
Des Moines
$319 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$319
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from Columbus to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $319 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 8 - Wed, Oct 14
CMH
Columbus
DSM
Des Moines
$322 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$322
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from Columbus to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $322 found 2 hours ago
United
Thu, Sep 24 - Mon, Sep 28
CMH
Columbus
DSM
Des Moines
$323 Roundtrip, found 19 hours ago
$323
Roundtrip
found 19 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Sep 24 from Columbus to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $323 found 19 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 $309
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $309

Find the cheapest month to fly from Columbus (CMH) to Des Moines (DSM)

October is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $216 - $382 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from John Glenn Columbus Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

Columbus (CMH) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Explore a range of options for flights from Columbus (CMH) to Des Moines (DSM) as you plan your next trip. Whether you prefer full-service airlines or budget-friendly carriers, you can easily compare choices to suit your budget and schedule while discovering the highlights of Des Moines. Check out the essential details for flights departing from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and get ready for your journey.

  • 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 10 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $110–$380, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the most popular airlines flying from Columbus to Des Moines, typically favored for their one-stop services. Common layovers include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with an average layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) at roughly 55 minutes, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with a one-hour layover. This variety allows you to choose based on price, total travel time, and cabin class, helping you find the ideal itinerary.

  • United: This full-service airline provides convenient one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally ranging from $125 to $395. United constitutes around 31% of the departures for this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and an overall travel time of about 4h 30m (including layover).
  • American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically between $110 and $405. It represents approximately 27% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and a total journey duration of around 4h 30m (including a layover).
  • Delta: As a full-service carrier, Delta provides one-stop service with one-way fares commonly ranging from $110 to $360. Delta holds about 24% of the departures for this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and a total travel time close to 4h 30m (including a layover).
  • Southwest Airlines: This low-cost carrier also offers one-stop service, with one-way fares usually spanning from $110 to $380. Southwest Airlines accounts for roughly 19% of the departures on this route, with a flight duration of 3 hours and an estimated total travel time of 4h 30m (including a layover).

Travelers can opt to enhance their journey from Columbus to Des Moines with American Airlines' first-class service on this route, ensuring a more comfortable flying experience.

Best time to fly from Columbus (CMH) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Columbus to Des Moines are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 74.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 66.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $189). Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 13 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $189, roughly 17% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: June, October, and May typically offer average one-way fares of around $200.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Columbus to Des Moines, with approximately 13 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)Average8$252
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Slightly Low9$309
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Slightly High11$275
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Slightly High11$236
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average11$203
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average11$196
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Slightly High13$226
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average12$208
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Slightly Low10$189
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average11$202
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average9$212
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Slightly Low11$255

*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 Columbus (CMH) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Columbus to Des Moines (LCK-DSM): Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) is located roughly 13 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH).
  • Columbus to Marshalltown (CMH-MIW): Marshalltown Municipal Airport (MIW) lies approximately 55 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

How to find the best prices for flights from Columbus (CMH) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Columbus 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 available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Evening departures (6 PM to 12 AM) often come with lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday typically offers cheaper rates, although Thursday is 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 John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Columbus 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $150 and cheap return flights from $304 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $160 and $568, and roundtrip flights usually range from $331 to $993. 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Columbus, OH (CMH) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average return fares around $331. This price is about 17% lower than the average throughout the year, as demand tends to be lower in early fall. Other affordable months to consider are January and April.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter CMH to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best times to fly from Columbus, OH (CMH) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) are January and September. January offers an average price of around $331, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers, while September also provides good pricing and pleasant weather, perfect for exploring.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Columbus, Ohio (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, Iowa (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) typically leaves at 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. An early start like this allows you to arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to explore. 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Columbus (CMH) to Des Moines (DSM) are from 6am to 9am. About 33% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta, United, and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to maximize your day in Des Moines after arriving in the morning.
How long does it take to fly from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flights from CMH to DSM with one stop typically take around 4 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 573 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can fly first class between CMH and DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Liberty Intl. (EWR), 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$304
Distance
572 mi

Book with confidence

Columbus to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $150 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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.

 

Columbus to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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