$80 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $80 flight on Mon, Apr 20, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Des Moines (DCA-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $80 for one-way flights and $154 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Wed, Feb 25 - Wed, Mar 18
DCA
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$154 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$154
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Feb 25 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Wed, Mar 18, priced at $154 found 3 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Feb 26 - Mon, Mar 2
DCA
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$158 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$158
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Feb 26 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Mon, Mar 2, priced at $158 found 3 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Feb 26 - Wed, Mar 18
DCA
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$164 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$164
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Feb 26 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Wed, Mar 18, priced at $164 found 3 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Mar 11 - Wed, Mar 25
DCA
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$170 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$170
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Mar 11 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Wed, Mar 25, priced at $170 found 4 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Feb 25 - Thu, Mar 5
DCA
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$173 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$173
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Feb 25 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Thu, Mar 5, priced at $173 found 3 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Feb 25 - Mon, Mar 16
DCA
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$183 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$183
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Feb 25 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Mon, Mar 16, priced at $183 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Feb 25 - Mon, Mar 2
DCA
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$277 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$277
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Feb 25 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Mon, Mar 2, priced at $277 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 3 - Sat, Oct 17
DCA
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$327 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$327
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 3 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $327 found 1 hour ago
United
Sat, Oct 3 - Sat, Oct 17
DCA
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$342 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$342
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Oct 3 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $342 found 1 hour ago
Delta
Sat, Oct 3 - Sat, Oct 17
DCA
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$347 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$347
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Oct 3 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $347 found 1 hour 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 $461
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $461

Find the cheapest month to fly from Washington (DCA) to Des Moines (DSM)

November is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $166 - $491 per traveler.
Flights from Washington (DCA) to Des Moines (DSM)
Origin airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$154
Distance
894 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 58 mins

Washington to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $80 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.

 

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $80 and cheap return flights from $154 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $233 and $898, and roundtrip flights usually range from $432 to $1217. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
March is typically the cheapest month to fly from Washington, DC (DCA) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average round-trip fares around $373. This price is about 20% lower than the average throughout the year, as March often sees a dip in travel demand after the winter months. Other budget-friendly months to fly from DCA to DSM include February and April.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
American Airlines operates around 20 direct flights from DCA to DSM every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Washington, DC (DCA) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $199. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 airline to fly with from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Washington, DC (DCA) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, American Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, American Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from Washington, DC to Des Moines, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The ideal months to fly from Washington, DC (DCA) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) are March and April. Return flights during these months average around $373, providing a good balance of price and travel experience. March and April are great for enjoying spring weather while avoiding the summer rush.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
On average, there are around 3 nonstop flights per day from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) usually departs at around 5:00 AM local time, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in April and May, and an early departure allows you to 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.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
When flying from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 34% of passengers prefer this time window. Many travelers like this timing as it helps them make the most of their day in Des Moines.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Direct flights from DCA to DSM usually take about 3 hours, traveling roughly 894 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 4 hours to your journey. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from DCA to DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Liberty Intl. (EWR), Indianapolis Intl. (IND), 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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.

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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*Available to One Key members.