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$163 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Baltimore (BWI)

View $163 flight on Tue, Oct 13, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Baltimore Washington Intl. Airport (BWI)

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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Baltimore (DSM-BWI)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $163 for one-way flights and $325 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Sat, Oct 3 - Wed, Oct 7
DSM
Des Moines
BWI
Baltimore
$325 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 3 from Des Moines to Baltimore, returning Wed, Oct 7, priced at $325 found 1 hour ago
Delta
Thu, Oct 1 - Thu, Oct 8
DSM
Des Moines
BWI
Baltimore
$325 Roundtrip, just found
$325
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Oct 1 from Des Moines to Baltimore, returning Thu, Oct 8, priced at $325 just found
United
Thu, Nov 12 - Tue, Nov 17
DSM
Des Moines
BWI
Baltimore
$325 Roundtrip, just found
$325
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Thu, Nov 12 from Des Moines to Baltimore, returning Tue, Nov 17, priced at $325 just found
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Oct 3 - Wed, Oct 7
DSM
Des Moines
BWI
Baltimore
$325 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 3 from Des Moines to Baltimore, returning Wed, Oct 7, priced at $325 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Nov 12 - Tue, Nov 17
DSM
Des Moines
BWI
Baltimore
$330 Roundtrip, just found
$330
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 12 from Des Moines to Baltimore, returning Tue, Nov 17, priced at $330 just found
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Oct 26 - Wed, Oct 28
DSM
Des Moines
BWI
Baltimore
$335 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$335
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 26 from Des Moines to Baltimore, returning Wed, Oct 28, priced at $335 found 1 hour ago
American Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Tue, Oct 6
DSM
Des Moines
BWI
Baltimore
$338 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$338
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from Des Moines to Baltimore, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $338 found 11 hours ago
United
Mon, Oct 5 - Wed, Oct 7
DSM
Des Moines
BWI
Baltimore
$341 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$341
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Des Moines to Baltimore, returning Wed, Oct 7, priced at $341 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Nov 12 - Tue, Nov 17
DSM
Des Moines
BWI
Baltimore
$343 Roundtrip, just found
$343
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 12 from Des Moines to Baltimore, returning Tue, Nov 17, priced at $343 just found
United
Thu, Oct 29 - Mon, Nov 2
DSM
Des Moines
BWI
Baltimore
$344 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$344
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Des Moines to Baltimore, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $344 found 4 hours ago

Alternative airports near Baltimore

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

Select flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National DCA. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 57 minutes. Flights from $397
DCA
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center57 min
Flights from $397

What you need to know for your flight from Des Moines Intl. to Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall

Des Moines (DSM) to Baltimore (BWI) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Baltimore (BWI) on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service options or are looking for cheap flights from Des Moines, you can easily compare choices to find the itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel schedule. Discover Baltimore's iconic attractions and neighborhoods while planning your next flight from Des Moines International Airport to Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 5 hours non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 900 miles (1,450 km)
  • Flights per week: around 11 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$410, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Recent traveler bookings reveal the top airlines preferred for journeys from Des Moines to Baltimore, highlighting options for both non-stop and one-stop flights. Popular layover choices include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, as well as Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), both featuring around 1 hour and 15 minutes of layover time. This variety allows you to tailor your itinerary based on price, total travel time, and cabin class preferences.

  • Delta: As a comprehensive service provider, Delta offers one-stop flights with one-way fares generally ranging from $135 to $410. This airline operates about 39% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, with an overall travel time of approximately 5 hours, including layovers.
  • American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way ticket prices typically between $120 and $425. They account for around 26% of flights on this route, with an average in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey time of about 5 hours, including layovers.
  • United: Offering both non-stop and one-stop services, United’s one-way fares range from $145 to $450. This airline represents about 20% of departures on this route, with a standard in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of roughly 5 hours.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly options, Southwest Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically priced between $120 and $325. This carrier makes up approximately 14% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey duration of around 5 hours, including layovers.
  • Frontier Airlines: As a low-cost airline, Frontier Airlines offers one-stop service with one-way fares that usually range from $125 to $145. This airline accounts for about 1% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of roughly 5 hours, including layovers.

Travelers flying from Des Moines to Baltimore can opt for an upgraded experience. Delta provides both first class and premium economy seating, while United and American Airlines each offer first class service for a more comfortable journey.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Baltimore (BWI)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Baltimore are March, April, and August, when peak temperatures in Baltimore reach up to 76.1°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 69.8°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $192). Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 14 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 9 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $192, roughly 21% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: October and August typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $198 to $209.
  • Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Baltimore, with approximately 14 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January33.8°F (1.0°C)Moderately Low10$248
February36.1°F (2.3°C)Average9$234
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Moderately High10$263
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Moderately High11$262
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Average12$257
June72.5°F (22.5°C)Moderately Low11$251
July78.1°F (25.6°C)Average12$300
August76.1°F (24.5°C)Moderately High13$209
September69.8°F (21.0°C)Moderately Low10$192
October58.8°F (14.9°C)Average11$198
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Average13$281
December39.4°F (4.1°C)Average14$237

*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 Baltimore (BWI)

  • Des Moines to Washington (DSM-DCA): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) lies approximately 30 miles from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). One-way economy ticket prices for this route usually fall between $125 and $470, influenced by the time of year and when you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights. Major airlines operating on this route include American Airlines and the budget-friendly Southwest Airlines. Additionally, first-class service is available for those seeking an upgraded experience.

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Baltimore (BWI)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Baltimore 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 typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which is also when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5 am and 12 pm tend to offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday usually provides cheaper fares, while Thursday remains the most popular 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 Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport from Des Moines International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Baltimore, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall 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 Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Metro Station (a metro station) is located about 0.3 miles away on foot, while Baltimore-Washington International Airport Station (a train station) is situated approximately 1.7 miles from the airport and is typically reached by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $163 and cheap return flights from $325 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $167 and $643, and return flights often range between $341 and $997. 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Baltimore (BWI), with average round-trip fares around $313. This price is about 21% lower than the average throughout the year, as demand tends to drop after the summer travel season. Other affordable months to consider are May and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall)?
Enter DSM to BWI and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI), with round-trip tickets starting from around $267 with a layover in Denver Intl. (DEN). 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall), 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall)?
For your journey from Des Moines (DSM) to Baltimore (BWI), September and August are the best months to fly. In September, you can find return flights for about $313, which is quite reasonable. August is also a popular month, giving you a good mix of favorable prices and flight options.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in March, giving you an early start to your trip to Baltimore. 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Baltimore (BWI) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 25% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to arrive in Baltimore with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall)?
Flights from DSM to BWI with one stop typically take around 5 hours, covering approximately 907 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall)?
First class seats are offered on the DSM to BWI route. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) 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 Baltimore from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
If you're planning to travel to Baltimore from Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL), Midway Intl. (MDW) before reaching Baltimore. 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) Baltimore 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall) 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
Des Moines Intl.
Destination airport
Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$324
Distance
907 mi

Book with confidence

Des Moines to Baltimore Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Baltimore

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Des Moines to Baltimore: 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 Des Moines to Baltimore

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 Des Moines to Baltimore in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $163 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 Des Moines to Baltimore 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 Des Moines to Baltimore 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.

 

Des Moines to Baltimore Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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