$186 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Madison (MSN)

View $186 flight on Wed, May 20, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)

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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Madison (DSM-MSN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $186 for one-way flights and $264 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Tue, Mar 24 - Tue, Mar 31
DSM
Des Moines
MSN
Madison
$264 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$264
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Mar 24 from Des Moines to Madison, returning Tue, Mar 31, priced at $264 found 4 days ago
United
Fri, Apr 10 - Sun, Apr 12
DSM
Des Moines
MSN
Madison
$279 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$279
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Apr 10 from Des Moines to Madison, returning Sun, Apr 12, priced at $279 found 1 day ago
United
Thu, Mar 26 - Thu, Apr 2
DSM
Des Moines
MSN
Madison
$284 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$284
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Mar 26 from Des Moines to Madison, returning Thu, Apr 2, priced at $284 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Fri, Mar 27 - Sun, Mar 29
DSM
Des Moines
MSN
Madison
$289 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$289
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Mar 27 from Des Moines to Madison, returning Sun, Mar 29, priced at $289 found 1 day ago
United
Fri, Apr 3 - Sun, Apr 5
DSM
Des Moines
MSN
Madison
$292 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$292
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Apr 3 from Des Moines to Madison, returning Sun, Apr 5, priced at $292 found 1 day ago
United
Fri, Apr 10 - Sun, Apr 12
DSM
Des Moines
MSN
Madison
$293 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$293
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Apr 10 from Des Moines to Madison, returning Sun, Apr 12, priced at $293 found 1 day ago
United
Thu, Mar 26 - Sun, Mar 29
DSM
Des Moines
MSN
Madison
$299 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$299
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Mar 26 from Des Moines to Madison, returning Sun, Mar 29, priced at $299 found 3 days ago
Delta
Fri, Apr 3 - Sun, Apr 5
DSM
Des Moines
MSN
Madison
$299 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$299
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Apr 3 from Des Moines to Madison, returning Sun, Apr 5, priced at $299 found 1 day ago
United
Fri, Mar 27 - Sun, Mar 29
DSM
Des Moines
MSN
Madison
$307 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$307
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Mar 27 from Des Moines to Madison, returning Sun, Mar 29, priced at $307 found 1 day ago
United
Tue, Mar 24 - Tue, Mar 31
DSM
Des Moines
MSN
Madison
$309 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$309
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Mar 24 from Des Moines to Madison, returning Tue, Mar 31, priced at $309 found 4 days ago

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $186 and cheap return flights from $264 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $130 and $563, and return flights often range between $285 and $857. 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
The cheapest month to fly from DSM to MSN is March 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
Enter DSM to MSN 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
United is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Dane County Regional (MSN), with round-trip tickets starting from around $198.37. 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional), 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) typically departs at 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in March, making it a convenient option for travelers heading to Madison. 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) are in the late morning, from 9am to noon. About 31% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored because it allows you to start your day without an early wake-up call.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
Flying from DSM to MSN with a connection usually takes about 5 hours 30 minutes, traveling roughly 246 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
First class is available on flights from DSM to MSN. 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) 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 Madison from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
From Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Dane County Regional (MSN) to reach Madison. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP) before reaching Madison. 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) Madison 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 Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional) 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
Dane County Regional
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United
Roundtrip price
$263
Distance
246 mi

Book with confidence

Des Moines to Madison Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Madison

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

 

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

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

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 Madison in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $186 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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*Available to One Key members.