$320 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Edinburgh (EDI)
Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
British AirwaysBritish Airways
Aer LingusAer Lingus
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
UnitedUnited
LufthansaLufthansa
Air FranceAir France
IberiaIberia
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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Edinburgh (DSM-EDI)
Alternative airports near Edinburgh
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Des Moines (DSM) to Edinburgh (EDI) at a glance
Travel between Des Moines (DSM) and Edinburgh (EDI) with a range of airlines on this international long-haul route. Compare offerings from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences as you delve into Edinburgh's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Here, you'll find essential information about flights departing from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
- Fastest flight duration: around 9h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 45m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 3,900 miles (6,280 km)
- Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $330–$790, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from Des Moines to Edinburgh, often selected for one-stop and multi-stop itineraries. Common layover points include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with about a 1 hour and 30 minute layover, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) offering around a 2-hour layover, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) also featuring a 1 hour and 30 minute layover. This variety allows you to mix and match options based on price, overall travel time, and cabin class to craft the ideal trip.
- United: This full-service airline provides one-stop travel, with one-way ticket prices generally between $435 and $795. It represents around 44% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 9 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time of about 11 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
- American Airlines: Offering one-stop service, this full-service carrier has one-way fares usually ranging from $405 to $715. It constitutes approximately 16% of flights on this route, with an in-air time of 9 hours and 30 minutes, and a total journey time of roughly 11 hours and 15 minutes when accounting for layovers.
- Virgin Atlantic: Known for its one-stop service, this full-service airline features one-way fares typically priced between $345 and $535. It also makes up about 16% of departures for this route, with an in-flight duration of 9 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of around 11 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
- British Airways: Providing multi-stop service, this full-service carrier offers one-way fares generally ranging from $410 to $500. It accounts for about 16% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 10 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of approximately 15 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
Alternative route from Des Moines (DSM) to Edinburgh (EDI)
- Des Moines to Glasgow (DSM-GLA): Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is located approximately 42 miles from Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Edinburgh (EDI)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Edinburgh is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book at least 2 months ahead. Afternoon departures between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. generally offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Saturday usually provides cheaper rates, even though Friday remains the busiest 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 Edinburgh Airport from Des Moines International Airport
Edinburgh welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Edinburgh efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Edinburgh, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Edinburgh Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Airport, travelers can conveniently access several transport options. The Edinburgh Airport Tram Stop, a metro station, is just 0.1 miles away on foot, while South Gyle Station, a train station, is located about 3.4 miles from the airport by car. For those looking to travel by sea, South Queensferry Seaport is approximately 5.3 miles away by car.
Des Moines to Edinburgh Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Edinburgh
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 Edinburgh are during the month of May. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Des Moines to Edinburgh with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Edinburgh
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Des Moines to Edinburgh: 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 Edinburgh
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 Edinburgh in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $320 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh (EDI) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $320 and cheap return flights $868 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Edinburgh (EDI) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $264 and $3199, and roundtrip flights usually range from $836 to $5162. 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 Edinburgh (EDI) 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 Edinburgh (EDI)?
The cheapest month to fly from DSM to EDI is May 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 Edinburgh (EDI)?
Enter DSM to EDI 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 Edinburgh (EDI)?
Aer Lingus is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Edinburgh (EDI), with round-trip tickets starting from around $881, with a layover in O'Hare Intl. (ORD). 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 Edinburgh (EDI)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Edinburgh (EDI), 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 Edinburgh (EDI)?
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 Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from DSM to EDI. To compare more early flights, use 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 Edinburgh (EDI)?
For flights from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Edinburgh (EDI), the most popular departure times are from noon to 3pm. About 36% of passengers choose to fly during this time. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and Delta, operate flights in this window. This timing works well because it allows you to enjoy your morning before heading to the airport.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Flights from DSM to EDI with one stop typically take around 11 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 3,926 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 Edinburgh (EDI)?
You can fly business class between DSM and EDI. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Edinburgh (EDI) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Edinburgh (EDI) 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.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Edinburgh (EDI) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Edinburgh (EDI) 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 Edinburgh (EDI) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Edinburgh (EDI) Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh (EDI)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Edinburgh (EDI) 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 | Edinburgh Airport |
Distance | 3,925 miles away |
Airlines serving | British Airways, Aer Lingus, American Airlines, United, Lufthansa, Air France, Iberia, KLM, Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Finnair, Air Canada, SAS |
Popular airline | British Airways |
Roundtrip price | $868 |