$110 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Denver (DEN)
Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Denver Intl. Airport (DEN)
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
DeltaDelta
UnitedUnited
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
Frontier AirlinesFrontier Airlines
Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Denver (DSM-DEN)
Alternative airports near Denver
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Find the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Denver (DEN)
January is typically the cheapest month to flyJanuary is typically the cheapest month to fly
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Des Moines (DSM) to Denver (DEN) at a glance
Travel from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Denver International Airport (DEN) with a selection of airlines catering to this domestic short-haul route. Evaluate options from both full-service and budget carriers to discover the best fit for your travel plans, schedule, and budget, all while preparing to explore Denver's iconic attractions and neighborhoods. Find essential information about flights from Des Moines to Denver, including flight times and airfare, to help you plan your journey.
- Fastest flight duration: around 2 hours non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
- Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $45–$395, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Denver International Airport (DEN)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Des Moines to Denver are favored for their non-stop and one-stop services. Popular layover spots include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW, with about a 1-hour layover), Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP, around 2 hours and 30 minutes), and O'Hare International Airport (ORD, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). These options provide you with the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary for your trip.
- United: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally between $80 and $395. United operates about 65% of the departures on this route, with non-stop flights averaging a duration of 2 hours.
- Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly carrier, Southwest offers both non-stop and one-stop travel, with one-way fares typically falling between $70 and $380. They account for around 20% of flights on this route, with non-stop journeys usually taking about 2 hours.
- Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline specializes in non-stop flights, with one-way fares usually ranging from $45 to $210. Frontier makes up approximately 11% of the departures on this route, and total flight time is around 2 hours.
- American Airlines: A full-service option, American offers one-stop service with one-way fares that generally range from $90 to $405. They represent about 2% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 5 hours and 30 minutes, including the layover.
- Delta: Delta is another full-service carrier providing one-stop journeys, with one-way prices typically between $100 and $500. They account for roughly 1% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in a layover.
Travelers flying from Des Moines to Denver can opt for an upgrade to first class, with United Airlines offering premium service on this route.
Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Denver (DEN)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Denver are March, August, and September, when peak temperatures in Denver reach up to 71.2°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 38.5°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $127. Flight availability peaks in August and September, with approximately 34 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 17 flights per week.
- Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $127, roughly 23% cheaper than the yearly average.
- Another budget-friendly time to fly: October typically offers an average one-way fare of around $135.
- Most flight options: August and September have the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Denver, with approximately 34 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 28.4°F (-2.0°C) | Average | 17 | $194 |
| February | 28.6°F (-1.9°C) | Average | 18 | $173 |
| March | 38.5°F (3.6°C) | Slightly High | 20 | $175 |
| April | 45.3°F (7.4°C) | Average | 21 | $187 |
| May | 54.0°F (12.2°C) | Slightly Low | 28 | $178 |
| June | 66.9°F (19.4°C) | Average | 33 | $177 |
| July | 72.1°F (22.3°C) | Average | 32 | $164 |
| August | 71.2°F (21.8°C) | Slightly High | 34 | $158 |
| September | 65.1°F (18.4°C) | Slightly High | 34 | $127 |
| October | 50.2°F (10.1°C) | Average | 31 | $135 |
| November | 38.5°F (3.6°C) | Slightly Low | 23 | $145 |
| December | 28.9°F (-1.7°C) | Slightly Low | 21 | $164 |
*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 Denver (DEN)
- Des Moines to Denver (DSM-APA): Centennial Airport (APA) is located approximately 21 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN).
How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Denver (DEN)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Denver 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 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM-12 AM) often provide lower prices, although Afternoon flights (12 PM-6 PM) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Monday generally results in cheaper fares, while Friday remains the most popular 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 Denver International Airport from Des Moines International Airport
Denver welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Denver efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Denver, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Denver International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Denver 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 Denver International Airport, Jeppesen Terminal Station, a metro station, is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, providing convenient access for travelers heading into the city.
Des Moines to Denver Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Denver
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 Denver are during the month of January. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Des Moines to Denver with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Denver
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Des Moines to Denver: 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 Denver
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 Denver in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $110 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 Denver 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 Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $110 and cheap return flights $117 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $125 and $1002, and roundtrip flights usually range from $235 to $1082. 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from DSM to DEN is January 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.)?
2 airlines operate nonstop service from DSM to DEN:
- United operates around 46 direct flights from DSM to DEN every week
- Frontier Airlines operates around 7 direct flights from DSM to DEN every week
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Denver (DEN), starting from around $117. 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 airline to fly with from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Denver, CO (DEN) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Frontier Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from Des Moines to Denver, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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.
How many flights per day from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.)?
On average, there are around 9 nonstop flights per day from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Denver Intl. (DEN). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines (DSM) to Denver (DEN) usually leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in March and April, giving you a great opportunity to maximize your time in Denver. 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Denver, CO (DEN) are in the late morning, from 9am to noon. About 24% of passengers choose this time window. Many major carriers, including United and American Airlines, offer flights during this period. This timing is favored as it allows you to travel after the morning rush and arrive in Denver with ample time to explore.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from DSM to DEN takes around 2 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 589 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 3 hours 10 minutes longer than direct options. 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from DSM to DEN. First class cabins are available on:
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
How much is a business class flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Denver, CO (DEN) typically costs between $747 - $1,181 per adult. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $506 - $696 per adult. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 Denver from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
From Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Denver Intl. (DEN) to reach Denver. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL), Harry Reid Intl. (LAS), O'Hare Intl. (ORD) before reaching Denver. 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 | Denver Intl. Airport |
Distance | 588 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $117 |
Average flight time | 2 hours 8 mins |