$159 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Cincinnati (CVG)

View $159 flight on Wed, Jun 24, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Int'l Airport (CVG)

Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Cincinnati (DSM-CVG)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $159 for one-way flights and $317 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Wed, Jun 17 - Wed, Jun 24
DSM
Des Moines
CVG
Cincinnati
$317 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$317
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Jun 17 from Des Moines to Cincinnati, returning Wed, Jun 24, priced at $317 found 10 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Jun 17 - Wed, Jun 24
DSM
Des Moines
CVG
Cincinnati
$317 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$317
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Jun 17 from Des Moines to Cincinnati, returning Wed, Jun 24, priced at $317 found 10 hours ago
United
Wed, Jun 17 - Wed, Jun 24
DSM
Des Moines
CVG
Cincinnati
$317 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$317
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Jun 17 from Des Moines to Cincinnati, returning Wed, Jun 24, priced at $317 found 10 hours ago
United
Wed, Jun 17 - Wed, Jun 24
DSM
Des Moines
CVG
Cincinnati
$329 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$329
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Jun 17 from Des Moines to Cincinnati, returning Wed, Jun 24, priced at $329 found 10 hours ago
United
Wed, Jun 17 - Wed, Jun 24
DSM
Des Moines
CVG
Cincinnati
$331 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$331
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Jun 17 from Des Moines to Cincinnati, returning Wed, Jun 24, priced at $331 found 10 hours ago
Delta
Tue, Jun 2 - Tue, Jun 16
DSM
Des Moines
CVG
Cincinnati
$333 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$333
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Jun 2 from Des Moines to Cincinnati, returning Tue, Jun 16, priced at $333 found 6 days ago
United
Tue, Jun 2 - Tue, Jun 16
DSM
Des Moines
CVG
Cincinnati
$335 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$335
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Jun 2 from Des Moines to Cincinnati, returning Tue, Jun 16, priced at $335 found 6 days ago
American Airlines
Wed, Jun 17 - Wed, Jun 24
DSM
Des Moines
CVG
Cincinnati
$338 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$338
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Jun 17 from Des Moines to Cincinnati, returning Wed, Jun 24, priced at $338 found 10 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Aug 6 - Wed, Aug 12
DSM
Des Moines
CVG
Cincinnati
$340 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$340
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Aug 6 from Des Moines to Cincinnati, returning Wed, Aug 12, priced at $340 found 6 days ago
United
Wed, Jun 17 - Wed, Jun 24
DSM
Des Moines
CVG
Cincinnati
$343 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$343
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Jun 17 from Des Moines to Cincinnati, returning Wed, Jun 24, priced at $343 found 10 hours ago

Alternative airports near Cincinnati

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

Select flight to Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. CVG. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 17 minutes. Flights from $392
CVG
Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center17 min
Flights from $392

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 and cheap return flights from $317 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 Intl.
Destination airport
Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$316
Distance
503 mi

Book with confidence

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 June. 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 $159 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.

 

Des Moines to Cincinnati Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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