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Popular airlines from Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Int'l Airport (CVG) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Cincinnati to Des Moines (CVG-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $158 for one-way flights and $332 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

All deals

One way

Roundtrip

Fri, Oct 16 - Tue, Nov 3

CVG

Cincinnati

DSM

Des Moines

$332

Roundtrip

found 23 hours ago

Fri, Oct 16 - Tue, Nov 3

CVG

Cincinnati

DSM

Des Moines

$342

Roundtrip

found 23 hours ago

Wed, Oct 28 - Sat, Oct 31

CVG

Cincinnati

DSM

Des Moines

$350

Roundtrip

found 1 day ago

Fri, Oct 16 - Tue, Nov 3

CVG

Cincinnati

DSM

Des Moines

$352

Roundtrip

found 23 hours ago

Fri, Oct 16 - Tue, Nov 3

CVG

Cincinnati

DSM

Des Moines

$353

Roundtrip

found 23 hours ago

Fri, Oct 16 - Tue, Nov 3

CVG

Cincinnati

DSM

Des Moines

$355

Roundtrip

found 23 hours ago

Wed, Oct 21 - Wed, Nov 4

CVG

Cincinnati

DSM

Des Moines

$355

Roundtrip

found 3 days ago

Thu, Oct 29 - Sun, Nov 1

CVG

Cincinnati

DSM

Des Moines

$358

Roundtrip

found 4 days ago

Wed, Dec 16 - Wed, Dec 23

CVG

Cincinnati

DSM

Des Moines

$360

Roundtrip

found 3 days ago

Mon, Dec 21 - Mon, Dec 28

CVG

Cincinnati

DSM

Des Moines

$361

Roundtrip

found 1 day ago

Alternative airports near Des Moines

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

DSM

Des Moines Intl.

CheapestClosest

10 min

Flights from $393

What you need to know for your flight from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

Cincinnati (CVG) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel between Cincinnati (CVG) and Des Moines (DSM) with various airlines offering convenient weekly flights on this short domestic route. Evaluate options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that suits your budget and schedule as you prepare to explore the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Below, you’ll find essential details for flights departing from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) 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 500 miles (800 km)
Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $130–$380, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Cincinnati to Des Moines are favored for their one-stop services, often featuring popular layovers at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with about a 55-minute stop, and Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with a layover of around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This variety allows travelers to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class in order to secure the best itinerary.

American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally between $140 and $360. It represents about 39% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes (including a layover).
United: A full-service airline that offers one-stop flights, United's one-way fares usually range from $140 to $430. This carrier accounts for around 32% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and an overall journey time of roughly 4 hours and 30 minutes (including a layover).
Delta: Another full-service carrier providing one-stop options, Delta's one-way fares typically fall between $130 and $390. It makes up about 25% of departures on this route, with a flight duration of 3 hours and a total travel time of around 4 hours and 30 minutes (including a layover).
Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline offers one-stop service, with one-way fares commonly ranging from $180 to $375. Southwest comprises about 3% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and a total journey time of around 4 hours and 30 minutes (including a layover).
Frontier Airlines: As a low-cost carrier providing one-stop service, Frontier's one-way fares generally vary from $130 to $160. It accounts for approximately 2% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and a total travel duration of about 4 hours and 30 minutes (including a layover).

Best time to fly from Cincinnati (CVG) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Cincinnati to Des Moines are March, June, 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 and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 66.9°F. For better deals, July usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $205. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 12 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. December has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

Cheapest time to fly: July usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $205, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average.
More budget-friendly months to fly: August, September, and May typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $207 to $225.
Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Cincinnati to Des Moines, with approximately 12 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	8	$257
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	Average	8	$254
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Moderately High	8	$287
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Average	8	$226
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Average	10	$225
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Moderately High	10	$236
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Moderately High	12	$205
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Average	8	$207
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Moderately Low	9	$219
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Moderately Low	8	$239
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Average	8	$269
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Moderately Low	7	$228

*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 Cincinnati (CVG) to Des Moines (DSM)

Cincinnati to Des Moines (LUK-DSM): Cincinnati Municipal - Lunken Field Airport (LUK) lies approximately 13 miles from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).
Hamilton to Des Moines (HAO-DSM): Butler County Regional Airport (HAO) is located about 22 miles away from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).

How to find the best prices for flights from Cincinnati (CVG) to Des Moines (DSM)

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

Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. are not only the most popular flight times but also tend to offer lower prices. Additionally, flying on Sunday provides both affordable rates and ranks as the most favored travel day.
Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
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.
Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
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 Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Cincinnati with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 13 miles) from central Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?

You can find cheap one-way flights from $158 and cheap return flights from $332 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $171 to $536, and return flights typically cost between $349 and $864. 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?

The cheapest month to fly from CVG to DSM is October when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.

Which airlines fly direct from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?

Enter CVG to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.

How do I find cheap flights from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?

To find a cheap flight from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?

The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.

What is the earliest flight from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?

The earliest flight from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) typically departs at 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in March, and an early flight can help you make the most of your day in Des Moines. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.

How long does it take to fly from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?

Flying from CVG to DSM with a connection usually takes about 6 hours 20 minutes, traveling roughly 503 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?

First class is available on flights from CVG to DSM. First class cabins are available on:

United Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?

It's easy to earn miles on a Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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 Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. (CVG)?

If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. (CVG), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Midway Intl. (MDW), Nashville Intl. (BNA) 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?

Typically, booking a last minute flight from Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?

Securing a Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?

If you booked your Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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	Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.
Destination airport	Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving	American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price	$331
Distance	503 mi

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Cincinnati to Des Moines Flights

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

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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.

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

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Flights

$158 Cheap Flights from Cincinnati (CVG) to Des Moines (DSM)

Popular airlines from Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Int'l Airport (CVG) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Cincinnati to Des Moines (CVG-DSM)

Alternative airports near Des Moines

What you need to know for your flight from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

Cincinnati (CVG) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Flights from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Best time to fly from Cincinnati (CVG) to Des Moines (DSM)

Alternative routes from Cincinnati (CVG) to Des Moines (DSM)

How to find the best prices for flights from Cincinnati (CVG) to Des Moines (DSM)

Arriving at Des Moines International Airport from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Travel information

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Cincinnati to Des Moines Flights

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