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$274 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Harrisburg (MDT)

View $274 flight on Mon, Nov 16, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Harrisburg Intl. Airport (MDT)

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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Harrisburg (DSM-MDT)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $274 for one-way flights and $319 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Thu, Nov 12 - Sun, Nov 15
DSM
Des Moines
MDT
Harrisburg
$319 Roundtrip, just found
$319
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 12 from Des Moines to Harrisburg, returning Sun, Nov 15, priced at $319 just found
American Airlines
Sat, Sep 19 - Sat, Sep 26
DSM
Des Moines
MDT
Harrisburg
$334 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$334
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 19 from Des Moines to Harrisburg, returning Sat, Sep 26, priced at $334 found 9 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Dec 3 - Sun, Dec 6
DSM
Des Moines
MDT
Harrisburg
$339 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$339
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Dec 3 from Des Moines to Harrisburg, returning Sun, Dec 6, priced at $339 found 2 hours ago
United
Thu, Dec 3 - Sun, Dec 6
DSM
Des Moines
MDT
Harrisburg
$339 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$339
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Dec 3 from Des Moines to Harrisburg, returning Sun, Dec 6, priced at $339 found 2 hours ago
American Airlines
Fri, Sep 18 - Sat, Sep 19
DSM
Des Moines
MDT
Harrisburg
$349 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$349
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 18 from Des Moines to Harrisburg, returning Sat, Sep 19, priced at $349 found 9 hours ago
American Airlines
Tue, Oct 27 - Tue, Nov 10
DSM
Des Moines
MDT
Harrisburg
$353 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$353
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 27 from Des Moines to Harrisburg, returning Tue, Nov 10, priced at $353 found 9 hours ago
United
Sat, Sep 19 - Sat, Sep 26
DSM
Des Moines
MDT
Harrisburg
$354 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$354
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Sep 19 from Des Moines to Harrisburg, returning Sat, Sep 26, priced at $354 found 9 hours ago
United
Tue, Oct 27 - Tue, Nov 10
DSM
Des Moines
MDT
Harrisburg
$357 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$357
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 27 from Des Moines to Harrisburg, returning Tue, Nov 10, priced at $357 found 9 hours ago
United
Sat, Sep 19 - Sat, Sep 26
DSM
Des Moines
MDT
Harrisburg
$359 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$359
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Sep 19 from Des Moines to Harrisburg, returning Sat, Sep 26, priced at $359 found 9 hours ago
United
Wed, Sep 30 - Mon, Oct 5
DSM
Des Moines
MDT
Harrisburg
$365 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$365
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Sep 30 from Des Moines to Harrisburg, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $365 found 9 hours ago

Alternative airports near Harrisburg

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

Select flight to Harrisburg Intl. MDT. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 16 minutes. Flights from $334
MDT
Harrisburg Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center16 min
Flights from $334

Find the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Harrisburg (MDT)

December is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $248 - $753 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Des Moines Intl. to Harrisburg Intl.

Des Moines (DSM) to Harrisburg (MDT) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines providing harrisburg flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Harrisburg (MDT) on this convenient domestic short-haul route. Evaluate the various options offered by full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule as you prepare to experience the attractions and neighborhoods of Harrisburg. Get all the essential information for flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Harrisburg International Airport (MDT).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 900 miles (1,450 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $125–$430, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from Des Moines to Harrisburg. Common layover points include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) also around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with the same duration. This variety allows you to consider price, total travel time, and cabin class to create your ideal travel itinerary.

  • United: This full-service airline provides a one-stop travel option, with one-way ticket prices generally ranging from $135 to $450. It represents about 37% of the departures along this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • American Airlines: Offering one-stop service as a full-service airline, American Airlines has one-way fares that typically fall between $125 and $430. It accounts for roughly 35% of departures on this route, with the flight lasting about 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey time of around 4 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • Delta: As a full-service carrier, Delta provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually ranging from $125 to $515. It comprises approximately 28% of flight departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, with a total travel duration of about 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover periods.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Des Moines to Harrisburg with upgraded flight choices. United offers first-class service, while Delta provides a premium economy cabin.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Harrisburg (MDT)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Harrisburg are June, August, and November, when peak temperatures in Harrisburg reach up to 72.9°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 55°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $215). Flight availability peaks in November, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $215, roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: November and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $222.
  • Most flight options: November has the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Harrisburg, 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
January29.8°F (-1.2°C)Average7$277
February32.2°F (0.1°C)Average9$266
March40.3°F (4.6°C)Average9$249
April51.3°F (10.7°C)Average10$243
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average9$276
June69.6°F (20.9°C)Slightly High10$254
July75.2°F (24.0°C)Average8$281
August72.9°F (22.7°C)Slightly High8$273
September66.2°F (19.0°C)Slightly Low9$227
October55.0°F (12.8°C)Slightly Low9$215
November42.8°F (6.0°C)Slightly High11$218
December35.6°F (2.0°C)Slightly Low8$238

*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 routes from Des Moines (DSM) to Harrisburg (MDT)

  • Des Moines to Lancaster (DSM-LNS): Lancaster Airport (LNS) lies approximately 25 miles from Harrisburg International Airport (MDT).
  • Fort Dodge to Harrisburg (FOD-MDT): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is located nearly 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Harrisburg (MDT)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Harrisburg 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 typically available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which is also when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. usually offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Saturday tends to be less expensive, even though 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.* Find Harrisburg hotel and flight deals.
  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 Harrisburg International Airport from Des Moines International Airport

Harrisburg welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Harrisburg city center is approximately a 15-minute drive (covering about 12 miles) from Harrisburg International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Harrisburg efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Harrisburg, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Harrisburg International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg International Airport, Middletown Station, a train station, is located about 1.8 miles away by car, providing convenient access for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $274 and cheap return flights from $319 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $269 to $776, and return flights typically cost between $361 and $1093. 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from DSM to MDT 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.)?
Enter DSM to MDT 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Harrisburg, PA (MDT), with round-trip tickets starting from around $698. 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in February, giving you an early start to your journey. 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Harrisburg Intl. (MDT) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 26% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is convenient as it allows you to travel early and arrive in Harrisburg with a full day ahead.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.)?
A flight from DSM to MDT with a layover takes around 4 hours 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 886 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.)?
You can fly first class between DSM and MDT. 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
If you're planning to travel to Harrisburg from Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Harrisburg Intl. (MDT) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) before reaching Harrisburg. 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg 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
Harrisburg Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United
Roundtrip price
$318
Distance
885 mi

Book with confidence

Des Moines to Harrisburg Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Harrisburg

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

 

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

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

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 Harrisburg in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $274 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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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