$129 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Cincinnati (CVG)
Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Int'l Airport (CVG)
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
DeltaDelta
UnitedUnited
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Cincinnati (DSM-CVG)
Alternative airports near Cincinnati
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Book with confidence
Des Moines (DSM) to Cincinnati (CVG) at a glance
Travel from Des Moines (DSM) to Cincinnati (CVG) with a selection of airlines offering convenient weekly flights on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you prefer a full-service airline or a budget-friendly option, you can easily compare choices to discover the itinerary that suits your budget, schedule, and travel needs. Prepare to explore the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Cincinnati as you gather the essential details for your flight from Des Moines International Airport to Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport.
- Fastest flight duration: around 4h 15m non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 500 miles (800 km)
- Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $130–$365, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from Des Moines to Cincinnati, favored for both one-stop and non-stop flights. Popular layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) also with a 1 hour and 15-minute layover, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a layover of around 1 hour. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.
- United: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way fares generally falling between $135 and $355. United operates about 43% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.
- American Airlines: As a full-service carrier, American Airlines offers one-stop flights with one-way prices typically ranging from $130 to $370. They account for around 36% of total departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total journey time of about 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
- Delta: Delta, another full-service airline, provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually between $140 and $420. This airline represents about 19% of departures for this route, with approximately 3 hours of in-flight time and a total travel duration of roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layovers.
- Southwest Airlines: Known as a low-cost carrier, Southwest Airlines features one-stop services with one-way fares generally ranging from $150 to $310. They make up about 2% of the departures on this route, offering 3 hours of flight time and approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes for the entire journey, including layovers.
Travelers flying from Des Moines to Cincinnati have the option to upgrade their flight, with Delta providing first-class service on this route.
Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Cincinnati (CVG)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Cincinnati are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Cincinnati reach up to 75.9°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 44.6°F. For better deals, June usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $204. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and March have the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.
- Cheapest time to fly: June usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $204, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average.
- More budget-friendly months to fly: September, July, and October typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $207 to $219.
- Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Cincinnati, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 30.9°F (-0.6°C) | Low | 8 | $252 |
| February | 34.0°F (1.1°C) | Average | 9 | $244 |
| March | 44.1°F (6.7°C) | High | 8 | $247 |
| April | 53.8°F (12.1°C) | High | 10 | $256 |
| May | 64.2°F (17.9°C) | Average | 10 | $224 |
| June | 72.3°F (22.4°C) | Average | 10 | $204 |
| July | 75.9°F (24.4°C) | High | 11 | $215 |
| August | 74.7°F (23.7°C) | Average | 10 | $277 |
| September | 68.7°F (20.4°C) | Average | 10 | $207 |
| October | 56.8°F (13.8°C) | Average | 10 | $219 |
| November | 44.6°F (7.0°C) | Low | 9 | $227 |
| December | 37.0°F (2.8°C) | Low | 9 | $249 |
*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 Cincinnati (CVG)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Cincinnati is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., often provide lower prices and are the most popular flight times, while Tuesday generally offers cheaper rates, despite Thursday being the most favored travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport from Des Moines International Airport
Cincinnati welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Cincinnati city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 13 miles) from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Cincinnati efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Cincinnati, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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 Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport, Cincinnati Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Anderson Ferry Terminal, a ferry terminal, is situated approximately 3.8 miles away by car, providing convenient options for both sea and river travel.
Des Moines to Cincinnati Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Cincinnati
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 Cincinnati are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Des Moines to Cincinnati with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Cincinnati
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Des Moines to Cincinnati: 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 Cincinnati
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 Cincinnati in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $129 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $129 and cheap return flights $257 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $183 and $520, and return flights often range between $323 and $907. 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG), with average return fares around $301. This is about 21% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand is generally lower after the summer. Other cheap months to fly from Des Moines to Cincinnati include January and October.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
Enter DSM to CVG 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
Southwest is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG) with a layover in Denver Intl. (DEN) starting from around $242. 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
The ideal times to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG) are in September and January. September is particularly budget-friendly with return flights averaging around $301, while January also offers good prices. These months are great for travelers looking to save while enjoying a less crowded travel experience.
*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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) typically departs at 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. An early departure like this can help you make the most of your day upon arrival. This service operates seasonally in March. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
A flight from DSM to CVG with a layover takes around 4 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 503 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the DSM to CVG route. First class cabins are available on:
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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 Cincinnati from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
From Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. (CVG) to reach Cincinnati. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL), Denver Intl. (DEN) before reaching Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.) flight and hotel package 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 Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Cincinnati, OH (CVG-Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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 International Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Int'l Airport |
Distance | 503 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest Airlines |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $257 |