$140 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Indianapolis (IND)
Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Indianapolis Intl. Airport (IND)
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
UnitedUnited
DeltaDelta
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Indianapolis (DSM-IND)
Alternative airports near Indianapolis
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Des Moines (DSM) to Indianapolis (IND) at a glance
Explore a range of flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Indianapolis (IND) on this popular domestic short-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service airlines or budget options, you can compare fares to discover the best itinerary for your travel needs. As you plan your visit to Indianapolis's renowned attractions and vibrant neighborhoods, be sure to check for the latest details on flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to find the ideal airfare for your next flight.
- Fastest flight duration: around 2h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 400 miles (645 km)
- Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $110–$375, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Des Moines to Indianapolis, primarily offering one-stop service. Popular layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with about a 1 hour and 15 minute layover, Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with roughly a 50-minute layover, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), also with an approximate 1 hour and 15 minute layover. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to tailor the best itinerary for your trip.
- United: This comprehensive airline provides a one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally between $120 and $415. It handles about 53% of departures for this route, featuring a flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes, with a total travel time of approximately 4 hours, including layover.
- American Airlines: As a full-service airline, it offers one-stop journeys at one-way fares typically ranging from $110 to $305. Covering around 28% of the departures on this route, the flight lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, with the overall travel time also close to 4 hours, factoring in the layover.
- Delta: This full-service carrier provides one-stop flights, with one-way fares usually between $125 and $305. It makes up about 18% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes, and a total journey time of roughly 4 hours, including layover.
- Southwest Airlines: Known as a low-cost airline, it offers one-stop services, with one-way fares generally ranging from $115 to $290. It accounts for around 2% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, leading to an overall journey time of about 4 hours, including a layover.
Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Des Moines to Indianapolis by upgrading to first class with either United or American Airlines, ensuring a more comfortable flying experience.
Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Indianapolis (IND)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Indianapolis are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Indianapolis reach up to 52.5°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider December, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 34.9°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $177. Flight availability peaks in June, August, September, and November, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.
- Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $177, roughly 19% cheaper than the yearly average.
- Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $196.
- Most flight options: June, August, September, and November have the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Indianapolis, with approximately 11 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 | 9 | $203 |
| February | 31.5°F (-0.3°C) | Moderately High | 9 | $229 |
| March | 42.6°F (5.9°C) | Moderately High | 10 | $252 |
| April | 52.5°F (11.4°C) | Moderately High | 10 | $220 |
| May | 63.5°F (17.5°C) | Moderately Low | 10 | $231 |
| June | 72.0°F (22.2°C) | Average | 11 | $273 |
| July | 74.8°F (23.8°C) | Average | 10 | $219 |
| August | 73.4°F (23.0°C) | Average | 11 | $177 |
| September | 67.6°F (19.8°C) | Average | 11 | $196 |
| October | 55.9°F (13.3°C) | Average | 10 | $216 |
| November | 43.2°F (6.2°C) | Moderately Low | 11 | $224 |
| December | 34.9°F (1.6°C) | Moderately Low | 9 | $210 |
*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 Indianapolis (IND)
- Des Moines to Columbus (DSM-CLU): Columbus Municipal Airport (CLU) is located approximately 38 miles from Indianapolis International Airport (IND).
How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Indianapolis (IND)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Indianapolis 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM-12 AM) tend to be less expensive, while morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally offers lower prices, though Monday 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 Indianapolis International Airport from Des Moines International Airport
Indianapolis welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Indianapolis efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Indianapolis, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Indianapolis International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis International Airport, Indiana University-Riley Station, a metro station, is located about 7.8 miles away.
Des Moines to Indianapolis Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Indianapolis
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 Indianapolis are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Des Moines to Indianapolis with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Indianapolis
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Des Moines to Indianapolis: 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 Indianapolis
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 Indianapolis in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $140 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $140 and cheap return flights $238 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $154 and $435, and roundtrip flights usually range from $290 to $1118. 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from DSM to IND is November 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?
Enter DSM to IND and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis 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.
What is the earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Indianapolis International Airport (IND) usually departs at around 12:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in August, giving you a chance to arrive in Indianapolis early and make the most of your day. 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?
For flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Indianapolis (IND), the most popular departure times are also in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. This time window accounts for around 34% of total traffic. Major airlines like United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines operate flights during this period, making it a convenient choice for travelers looking to maximize their day.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?
A flight from DSM to IND with a layover takes around 3 hours 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 405 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?
You can fly first class between DSM and IND. First class cabins are available on:
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
If you're planning to travel to Indianapolis from Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Indianapolis Intl. (IND) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL), Denver Intl. (DEN), LaGuardia (LGA) before reaching Indianapolis. 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.) Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Indianapolis, IN (IND-Indianapolis 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 | Indianapolis Intl. Airport |
Distance | 405 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest Airlines |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $238 |