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$173 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Columbus (CMH)

View $173 flight on Thu, Nov 12, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH)

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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Columbus (DSM-CMH)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $173 for one-way flights and $332 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 9 - Mon, Oct 12
DSM
Des Moines
CMH
Columbus
$332 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$332
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from Des Moines to Columbus, returning Mon, Oct 12, priced at $332 found 14 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Sep 25 - Mon, Sep 28
DSM
Des Moines
CMH
Columbus
$333 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$333
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Des Moines to Columbus, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $333 found 1 day ago
United
Thu, Nov 5 - Fri, Nov 6
DSM
Des Moines
CMH
Columbus
$335 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$335
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Nov 5 from Des Moines to Columbus, returning Fri, Nov 6, priced at $335 found 1 day ago
United
Fri, Nov 13 - Sat, Nov 14
DSM
Des Moines
CMH
Columbus
$342 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$342
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Nov 13 from Des Moines to Columbus, returning Sat, Nov 14, priced at $342 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Nov 24 - Fri, Nov 27
DSM
Des Moines
CMH
Columbus
$346 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$346
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Nov 24 from Des Moines to Columbus, returning Fri, Nov 27, priced at $346 found 2 days ago
United
Sat, Oct 17 - Tue, Oct 20
DSM
Des Moines
CMH
Columbus
$350 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$350
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Des Moines to Columbus, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $350 found 4 days ago
United
Wed, Nov 25 - Thu, Nov 26
DSM
Des Moines
CMH
Columbus
$352 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$352
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Nov 25 from Des Moines to Columbus, returning Thu, Nov 26, priced at $352 found 2 days ago
United
Thu, Nov 5 - Fri, Nov 6
DSM
Des Moines
CMH
Columbus
$354 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$354
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Nov 5 from Des Moines to Columbus, returning Fri, Nov 6, priced at $354 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Wed, Sep 30 - Tue, Oct 6
DSM
Des Moines
CMH
Columbus
$362 Roundtrip, just found
$362
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 30 from Des Moines to Columbus, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $362 just found
Delta
Wed, Sep 30 - Tue, Oct 6
DSM
Des Moines
CMH
Columbus
$382 Roundtrip, just found
$382
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Sep 30 from Des Moines to Columbus, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $382 just found

Alternative airports near Columbus

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

Select flight to John Glenn Columbus Intl. CMH. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 10 minutes. Flights from $427
CMH
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $427

Find the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Columbus (CMH)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $188 - $346 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Des Moines Intl. to John Glenn Columbus Intl.

Des Moines (DSM) to Columbus (CMH) at a glance

Explore a range of options for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Columbus (CMH) on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service airlines or budget-friendly carriers, you can compare daily fares to find the itinerary that suits your schedule and travel plans. Discover Columbus's renowned attractions and neighborhoods while easily accessing key details for flights from Des Moines International Airport to John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
  • Flights per week: around 11 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$380, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for one-stop flights from Des Moines to Columbus. Popular layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) at roughly 1 hour, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with around 1 hour and 30 minutes. These choices provide the flexibility to balance price, overall travel time, and cabin class to create the best travel itinerary.

  • United: As a comprehensive carrier providing one-stop service, United offers one-way fares generally between $120 and $390. This airline makes up about 37% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total travel time of around 4h 15m, including layovers.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline also provides one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices usually ranging from $120 to $380. Representing around 23% of the departures on this route, American Airlines boasts a flight time of 3 hours and a complete journey duration of approximately 4h 15m, including layovers.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known as a low-cost carrier, Southwest offers one-stop services with one-way fares typically between $120 and $400. It accounts for roughly 21% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and an overall travel duration of about 4h 15m, including layovers.
  • Delta: Another full-service option, Delta offers one-stop flights with one-way fares usually falling between $120 and $380. This airline contributes to about 18% of the departures for this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and a total travel time close to 4h 15m, including layovers.

Travelers flying from Des Moines to Columbus have the option to upgrade to first class with either United or American Airlines, both providing a premium service for this route.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Columbus (CMH)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Columbus are March, April, and September, when peak temperatures in Columbus reach up to 67.3°F in September. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 73°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $191). Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 13 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: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $191, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: May typically offers an average one-way fare of around $216.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Columbus, with approximately 13 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January28.6°F (-1.9°C)Average10$256
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Slightly Low9$255
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Slightly High10$258
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Slightly High10$246
May63.1°F (17.3°C)Average11$216
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Average10$240
July74.7°F (23.7°C)Average13$232
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Slightly Low12$191
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Slightly High12$228
October55.8°F (13.2°C)Average12$225
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Average11$233
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Slightly Low10$240

*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.

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Columbus (CMH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Columbus 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 generally available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Evening departures from 6 PM to midnight often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to noon are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday typically provides cheaper options, even though Sunday 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 John Glenn Columbus International Airport from Des Moines International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Columbus, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from John Glenn Columbus International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at John Glenn Columbus 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 John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus Bus Station, a bus station, is located about 8.6 miles away by car, providing convenient access for travelers looking to reach the city.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $173 and cheap return flights from $332 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $128 and $526, and return flights often range between $326 and $917. 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from DSM to CMH 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Enter DSM to CMH 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Columbus (CMH), with round-trip tickets starting from around $204. You can expect a layover in Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL). 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Columbus, OH (CMH) usually departs at 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in March, allowing you to start your day early and make the most of your time in Columbus. 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) are in the morning, from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored because it allows you to arrive in Columbus with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
Flying from DSM to CMH with a connection usually takes about 6 hours 20 minutes, traveling roughly 573 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the DSM to CMH 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 Columbus from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
When traveling from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Columbus, you can fly into John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH), Columbus Metropolitan (CSG) and Golden Triangle Regional (GTR). Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL), Denver Intl. (DEN) before reaching Columbus. 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) Columbus 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 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus 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
Des Moines Intl.
Destination airport
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$308
Distance
572 mi

Book with confidence

Des Moines to Columbus Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Columbus

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

 

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

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

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 Columbus in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $173 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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