A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and a calm river in the foreground.

$169 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Detroit (DTW)

View $169 flight on Mon, Oct 26, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

  • Be in the know

    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*

  • Book smarter

    Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*

  • Earn twice

    Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash
    Learn about One Key

Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Detroit (DSM-DTW)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $169 for one-way flights and $329 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Tue, Oct 6
DSM
Des Moines
DTW
Detroit
$329 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$329
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 1 from Des Moines to Detroit, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $329 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Nov 16 - Thu, Nov 19
DSM
Des Moines
DTW
Detroit
$337 Roundtrip, found 18 hours ago
$337
Roundtrip
found 18 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 16 from Des Moines to Detroit, returning Thu, Nov 19, priced at $337 found 18 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
DSM
Des Moines
DTW
Detroit
$346 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$346
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from Des Moines to Detroit, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $346 found 9 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Mon, Oct 5
DSM
Des Moines
DTW
Detroit
$348 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$348
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 1 from Des Moines to Detroit, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $348 found 2 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Mon, Oct 5
DSM
Des Moines
DTW
Detroit
$349 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$349
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 1 from Des Moines to Detroit, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $349 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Dec 10 - Sun, Dec 13
DSM
Des Moines
DTW
Detroit
$355 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$355
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 10 from Des Moines to Detroit, returning Sun, Dec 13, priced at $355 found 5 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Oct 12 - Fri, Oct 16
DSM
Des Moines
DTW
Detroit
$357 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$357
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 12 from Des Moines to Detroit, returning Fri, Oct 16, priced at $357 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Wed, Oct 21
DSM
Des Moines
DTW
Detroit
$385 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$385
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Des Moines to Detroit, returning Wed, Oct 21, priced at $385 found 20 hours ago
Delta
Fri, Feb 26 - Sun, Feb 28
DSM
Des Moines
DTW
Detroit
$399 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$399
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Feb 26 from Des Moines to Detroit, returning Sun, Feb 28, priced at $399 found 1 hour ago
United
Fri, Feb 26 - Sun, Feb 28
DSM
Des Moines
DTW
Detroit
$439 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$439
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Feb 26 from Des Moines to Detroit, returning Sun, Feb 28, priced at $439 found 1 hour ago

Alternative airports near Detroit

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

Select flight to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County DTW. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 26 minutes. Flights from $420
DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center26 min
Flights from $420

Find the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Detroit (DTW)

November is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $227 - $418 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Des Moines Intl. to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

Des Moines (DSM) to Detroit (DTW) at a glance

Explore a range of options for Detroit flights as you travel from Des Moines (DSM) to Detroit (DTW) on this domestic short-haul route. Compare the choices between full-service and budget airlines to discover the best fit for your travel plans, budget, and schedule. Whether you're aiming to experience Detroit's iconic attractions or vibrant neighborhoods, you'll find essential information on flights from Des Moines International Airport to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to help plan your journey.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 500 miles (800 km)
  • Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $165–$540, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

According to recent traveler bookings, the most popular airlines for flights from Des Moines to Detroit often include options for both non-stop and one-stop journeys. Common layover airports for connecting flights are O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with an approximate 1 hour and 15 minute layover, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) featuring a 50 minute layover, and Midway International Airport (MDW) where the layover lasts about 1 hour. This variety allows you to tailor your itinerary based on price, total travel time, and cabin class.

  • Delta: As a comprehensive service airline, Delta provides non-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices usually falling between $165 and $550. This carrier dominates the route, making up roughly 83% of departures, and offers a total travel time of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline features one-stop options, with one-way fares generally ranging from $170 to $395. Southwest accounts for about 10% of flights on this route, boasting an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes and a total trip time of approximately 4 hours, including layover time.
  • United: A full-service airline providing one-stop service, United's one-way fares typically vary from $165 to $560. It comprises around 4% of departures along this route, with an in-flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey duration of about 4 hours when factoring in layovers.
  • American Airlines: This established full-service carrier offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares usually priced between $165 and $405. American Airlines represents approximately 3% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time close to 4 hours, including layover.

Travelers flying from Des Moines to Detroit can opt for an upgrade, as Delta provides both first class and premium economy service on this route for a more comfortable journey.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Detroit (DTW)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Detroit are April, July, and October, when peak temperatures in Detroit reach up to 74.1°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 59.4°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $287). Flight availability peaks in May, June, August, September, and November, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and April have the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $287, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: July, September, and June typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $295 to $314.
  • Most flight options: May, June, August, September, and November have the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Detroit, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January25.3°F (-3.7°C)Average8$318
February26.2°F (-3.2°C)Average9$353
March36.3°F (2.4°C)Average9$428
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Slightly High8$325
May59.4°F (15.2°C)Slightly Low11$287
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Slightly Low11$314
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Slightly High9$295
August72.9°F (22.7°C)Average11$341
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Average11$297
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Slightly High10$315
November41.9°F (5.5°C)Average11$362
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Slightly Low9$346

*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 Detroit (DTW)

  • Des Moines to Ann Arbor (DSM-ARB): Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB) lies roughly 20 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), making it a convenient option for travelers.

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Detroit (DTW)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Detroit 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 often found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM usually offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally provides cheaper rates, although Friday 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 Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport from Des Moines International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Detroit, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County 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 Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Dearborn Station, a train station, is located about 8.3 miles from the airport.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $169 and cheap return flights from $329 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $284 and $918, and roundtrip flights usually range from $479 to $1208. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The cheapest month to fly from DSM to DTW 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
Delta offers around 21 weekly direct flights from DSM to DTW.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
Delta is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Detroit, MI (DTW), starting from around $299. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County), 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The best airline to fly with from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Detroit, MI (DTW) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Delta offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Delta typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from DSM to DTW, 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
On average, there are around 3 nonstop flights per day from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) typically departs at around 5:00 AM. This seasonal service is operated by American Airlines, allowing you to make the most of your day in Detroit. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Detroit (DTW) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 30% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Detroit with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
Direct flights from DSM to DTW usually take about 1 hour 50 minutes, traveling roughly 532 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 2 hours 10 minutes to your journey. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
You can fly first class between DSM and DTW. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) 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 Detroit from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
If you're planning to travel to Detroit from Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP) before reaching Detroit. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) Detroit 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) 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
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$329
Distance
531 mi
Average flight time
2 hours 49 mins

Book with confidence

Des Moines to Detroit Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Detroit

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

 

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

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

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 Detroit in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $169 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 Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

Explore a world of travel with Expedia