Des Moines (DSM) to Austin (AUS) at a glance

Discover a range of airlines operating flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Austin (AUS) on this domestic short-haul journey. Whether you're looking for the cheapest flights to Austin or prefer a full-service carrier, you can compare various options to find an itinerary that suits your budget and travel plans. Get ready to explore Austin's vibrant sights and neighborhoods as you check for flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).

• Fastest (typical) flight duration: around 3h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 800 miles (1,290 km)
• Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $115–$440, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from Des Moines to Austin, typically featuring one-stop services. Common layover points include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with about a 1 hour and 15-minute layover, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) also around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This gives you the opportunity to compare prices, travel times, and cabin classes to create the ideal itinerary.

• American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop travel, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $125 and $425. It represents about 50% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 5 hours, including layover.
• United: As a full-service airline, United offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically priced from $140 to $470. It accounts for around 26% of departures for this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of about 5 hours, including layover.
• Delta: This full-service carrier provides one-stop services, with one-way fares usually ranging from $115 to $380. Delta represents roughly 13% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a complete journey time of close to 5 hours, including layover.
• Southwest Airlines: A budget-friendly airline, Southwest offers one-stop routes, with one-way fares generally between $115 and $475. It covers about 9% of the departures for this route, featuring a flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes and an overall travel time of around 5 hours, including layover.
• Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline provides one-stop services, with one-way fares typically ranging from $115 to $265. Frontier offers approximately 3% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a total journey time close to 5 hours, including layover.

Travelers have the option to upgrade their flight from Des Moines to Austin, with United providing first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Austin (AUS)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Austin are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Austin reach up to 68°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider July, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 85.1°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $206. Flight availability peaks in January, April, June, September, and October, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. March and December have the fewest flights, with approximately 9 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $206, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: September and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $212.
• Most flight options: January, April, June, September, and October have the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Austin, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

Month	Temperature	Demand	Weekly Flights	Average one-way Fare
January	51.1°F (10.6°C)	Average	11	$263
February	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Moderately High	10	$238
March	61.7°F (16.5°C)	Moderately High	9	$267
April	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Moderately High	11	$233
May	75.0°F (23.9°C)	Average	10	$260
June	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Moderately Low	11	$244
July	85.1°F (29.5°C)	Moderately Low	10	$227
August	86.5°F (30.3°C)	Average	10	$214
September	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Average	11	$209
October	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Average	11	$206
November	59.9°F (15.5°C)	Moderately Low	10	$292
December	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Average	9	$279

*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 Des Moines (DSM) to Austin (AUS)

• Des Moines to San Antonio (DSM-SAT): San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is located approximately 67 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). One-way economy ticket prices for this route generally fall between $120 and $445, varying based on the season and the time of booking. Typically, this route features one-stop flights, with common layover points at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Major airlines operating on this route include American Airlines and United. Additionally, first-class service is available for travelers seeking a more premium experience.

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Austin (AUS)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Austin 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 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with the timing of most travelers. Evening departures (6 PM-12 AM) generally offer lower prices, although morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) remain the most popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday provides both affordable rates and is the preferred 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 Austin-Bergstrom International Airport from Des Moines International Airport

Austin welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Austin efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Austin, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Austin-Bergstrom 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.
• Public transportation: From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Plaza Saltillo Station, a metro station, is located about 7.7 miles away by car, while Austin Seaport, a seaport, is approximately 8.8 miles away by car, providing convenient transport options for travelers.