A modern building with a glass dome, surrounded by lush gardens and a clear blue sky with clouds.

$64 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $64 flight on Mon, Sep 21, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Denver Intl. Airport (DEN) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

  • Be in the know

    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*

  • Book smarter

    Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*

  • Earn twice

    Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash
    Learn about One Key

Cheap Flights from Denver to Des Moines (DEN-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $64 for one-way flights and $128 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Mon, Sep 21 - Mon, Sep 28
DEN
Denver
DSM
Des Moines
$128 Roundtrip, just found
$128
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Sep 21 from Denver to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $128 just found
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 25 - Mon, Sep 28
DEN
Denver
DSM
Des Moines
$138 Roundtrip, just found
$138
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Denver to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $138 just found
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
DEN
Denver
DSM
Des Moines
$148 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$148
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from Denver to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $148 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Mon, Oct 19
DEN
Denver
DSM
Des Moines
$153 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$153
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Denver to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $153 found 2 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Nov 13 - Mon, Nov 16
DEN
Denver
DSM
Des Moines
$158 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$158
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 13 from Denver to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $158 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Mon, Oct 19
DEN
Denver
DSM
Des Moines
$162 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$162
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Denver to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $162 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Mon, Oct 19
DEN
Denver
DSM
Des Moines
$172 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$172
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Denver to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $172 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Thu, Nov 5 - Mon, Nov 9
DEN
Denver
DSM
Des Moines
$198 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$198
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 5 from Denver to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $198 found 7 hours ago
United
Thu, Sep 17 - Mon, Sep 21
DEN
Denver
DSM
Des Moines
$237 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$237
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Sep 17 from Denver to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 21, priced at $237 found 2 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Sep 30 - Tue, Oct 6
DEN
Denver
DSM
Des Moines
$257 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$257
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Sep 30 from Denver to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $257 found 5 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 $409
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $409

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

Denver (DEN) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel from Denver (DEN) to Des Moines (DSM) with a selection of airlines offering this short domestic route. You can compare options between full-service and budget carriers to discover the best itinerary that suits your travel plans and budget. Keep an eye on flight times and weekly flights as you plan your visit to explore the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Find essential details for your flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
  • Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $45–$395, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

According to recent bookings by travelers, the most popular airlines for flights from Denver to Des Moines include options for both non-stop and one-stop routes. Common layover airports are Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with an average layover of about 50 minutes, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) at approximately 55 minutes, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with a layover of around 1 hour and 15 minutes. This variety allows you to customize your travel experience by balancing cost, total travel time, and cabin class to find the ideal itinerary.

  • United: As a comprehensive airline providing non-stop flights, United represents about 59% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices usually range from $80 to $405, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: This budget airline offers both non-stop and one-stop options, capturing around 23% of the flights on this route. One-way fares typically fall between $70 and $405, with non-stop travel taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Frontier Airlines: A low-cost alternative, Frontier provides non-stop services and holds a share of roughly 15% of departures. Fares for one-way trips generally range from $45 to $200, with the total flying time being 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Delta: A full-service airline, Delta offers one-stop flights on this route, accounting for around 2% of departures. Ticket prices typically range from $100 to $455, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes, making the total travel time about 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • American Airlines: Another full-service provider, American Airlines features one-stop services and represents about 1% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally range from $90 to $430, with a flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes and an overall journey duration of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layovers.

Travelers flying from Denver to Des Moines can opt for an upgrade, as United provides first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Denver (DEN) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Denver to Des Moines are March, April, and August, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 73.4°F in August. 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, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $126. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 28 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 14 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $126, roughly 24% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Denver to Des Moines, with approximately 28 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)Slightly Low14$193
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Slightly Low15$166
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Slightly High16$164
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Slightly High17$184
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average25$177
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average26$178
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Average28$183
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Slightly High26$158
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average27$126
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average26$146
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average20$152
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Slightly Low19$161

*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 Denver (DEN) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Broomfield to Des Moines (BJC-DSM): Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) is located approximately 24 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN).

How to find the best prices for flights from Denver (DEN) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Denver 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, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures, between 12 PM and 6 PM, tend to be more affordable and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Thursday often results in lower prices, although Friday 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 Denver International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $64 and cheap return flights from $128 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $133 and $736, and return flights often range between $251 and $1145. 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Denver, CO (DEN) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average round-trip fares around $248. This is about 22% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand tends to drop after the summer travel season. Other budget-friendly months for this route include February and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
2 airlines operate nonstop service from DEN to DSM:

  • United operates around 41 direct flights from DEN to DSM every week
  • Frontier Airlines operates around 7 direct flights from DEN to DSM every week

How do I find cheap flights from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 airline to fly with from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Denver, CO (DEN) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Frontier Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from DEN to DSM, 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
For flights from Denver, CO (DEN) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), September and February are your best bets. These months feature return flights averaging around $248, making them the most affordable times to travel. September offers lovely early autumn weather, while February typically sees lower travel demand, ensuring a smoother journey.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can find approximately 8 nonstop flights per day from Denver Intl. (DEN) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Denver Intl. (DEN) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM) usually departs at around 12:10 AM, operated by Frontier Airlines. This seasonal service is active in February, giving you a chance to start your journey early and make the most of your time in 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Denver Intl. (DEN) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. This time window accounts for around 24% of total traffic. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta, offer flights during this window. Many travelers prefer this because it allows for a full day of activities upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from DEN to DSM takes around 1 hour 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 589 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 3 hours 40 minutes longer than direct options. 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from DEN to DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How much is a business class flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Denver (DEN) to Des Moines (DSM) typically costs between $1,161 - $1,562. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $203 - $333. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 Denver Intl. (DEN)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Denver Intl. (DEN), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National (ICT), Love Field (DAL), Clinton National Airport (LIT) 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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
Denver Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$116
Distance
588 mi
Average flight time
2 hours 45 mins

Book with confidence

Denver to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Denver 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 Denver 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 Denver to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $64 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 Denver 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 Denver 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.

 

Denver to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

Explore a world of travel with Expedia