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$152 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Pittsburgh (PIT)

View $152 flight on Tue, Sep 1, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Pittsburgh Intl. Airport (PIT)

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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Pittsburgh (DSM-PIT)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $152 for one-way flights and $303 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Delta
Mon, Sep 14 - Tue, Sep 15
DSM
Des Moines
PIT
Pittsburgh
$303 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$303
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Sep 14 from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, returning Tue, Sep 15, priced at $303 found 2 days ago
United
Mon, Sep 14 - Tue, Sep 15
DSM
Des Moines
PIT
Pittsburgh
$307 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$307
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, Sep 14 from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, returning Tue, Sep 15, priced at $307 found 2 days ago
United
Mon, Sep 14 - Tue, Sep 15
DSM
Des Moines
PIT
Pittsburgh
$309 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$309
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, Sep 14 from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, returning Tue, Sep 15, priced at $309 found 2 days ago
United
Mon, Sep 14 - Tue, Sep 15
DSM
Des Moines
PIT
Pittsburgh
$314 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$314
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, Sep 14 from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, returning Tue, Sep 15, priced at $314 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Tue, Sep 1 - Thu, Sep 3
DSM
Des Moines
PIT
Pittsburgh
$314 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$314
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 1 from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, returning Thu, Sep 3, priced at $314 found 1 hour ago
United
Tue, Jul 28 - Wed, Jul 29
DSM
Des Moines
PIT
Pittsburgh
$318 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$318
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Jul 28 from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, returning Wed, Jul 29, priced at $318 found 4 days ago
United
Tue, Sep 1 - Thu, Sep 3
DSM
Des Moines
PIT
Pittsburgh
$319 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$319
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Sep 1 from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, returning Thu, Sep 3, priced at $319 found 1 hour ago
United
Tue, Jul 28 - Wed, Jul 29
DSM
Des Moines
PIT
Pittsburgh
$323 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$323
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Jul 28 from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, returning Wed, Jul 29, priced at $323 found 4 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Oct 31 - Mon, Nov 2
DSM
Des Moines
PIT
Pittsburgh
$325 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 31 from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $325 found 2 hours ago
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 31 - Mon, Nov 2
DSM
Des Moines
PIT
Pittsburgh
$325 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 31 from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $325 found 2 hours ago

Alternative airports near Pittsburgh

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

Select flight to Pittsburgh Intl. PIT. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 24 minutes. Flights from $467
PIT
Pittsburgh Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center24 min
Flights from $467

Find the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Pittsburgh (PIT)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $247 - $511 per traveler.

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

Des Moines (DSM) to Pittsburgh (PIT) at a glance

Travel from Des Moines (DSM) to Pittsburgh (PIT) with a selection of airlines offering weekly flights on this domestic short-haul route. Explore options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover cheap flights from Des Moines that suit your budget and travel schedule. As you plan your journey, get ready to experience Pittsburgh's iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods. Check the essential details for flights departing from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 700 miles (1,130 km)
  • Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $130–$395, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, primarily for their one-stop services. Popular layovers include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with about a 1-hour layover, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), also around 1 hour and 15 minutes. These options allow you to choose the best combination of price, travel time, and cabin class for your journey.

  • United: This full-service airline provides one-stop travel options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $130 and $410. It represents around 37% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes and a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
  • American Airlines: Offering comprehensive service, this carrier features one-stop routes with one-way fares usually ranging from $130 to $380. It makes up about 30% of departures for this journey, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: As a full-service provider, Delta offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically priced from $130 to $530. It accounts for about 25% of the departures on this route, with a flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in an overall journey time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline offers one-stop travel options, with one-way fares that generally range from $130 to $380. It constitutes roughly 8% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey time of around 4 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.

Travelers flying from Des Moines to Pittsburgh can opt to enhance their experience by upgrading to first class or premium economy service offered by Delta on this route.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Pittsburgh (PIT)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Pittsburgh are March, October, and November, when peak temperatures in Pittsburgh reach up to 54.7°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider June, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 69.4°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $191. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 13 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and August have the fewest flights, with approximately 9 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $191, roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $210.
  • Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, with approximately 13 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January28.6°F (-1.9°C)Average9$266
February31.3°F (-0.4°C)Average12$291
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Slightly High10$296
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Average10$237
May61.7°F (16.5°C)Average11$219
June69.4°F (20.8°C)Slightly Low11$214
July73.9°F (23.3°C)Slightly Low10$226
August72.1°F (22.3°C)Average9$210
September66.2°F (19.0°C)Average11$191
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Slightly High13$228
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Slightly High11$217
December35.2°F (1.8°C)Slightly Low10$267

*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.

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Pittsburgh (PIT)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Pittsburgh 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 generally available when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the morning, between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m., tend to have lower prices and are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday often results in cheaper fares and is the favored 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 Pittsburgh International Airport from Des Moines International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Pittsburgh, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Pittsburgh International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Pittsburgh 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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $152 and cheap return flights from $303 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $151 and $655, and roundtrip flights usually range from $324 to $965. 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from DSM to PIT is September 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
Enter DSM to PIT 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT), with round-trip tickets starting from around $358. 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) typically departs at 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This flight is seasonal, available only in March, and an early start can help you maximize your time in Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 34% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to arrive in Pittsburgh with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
A flight from DSM to PIT with a layover takes around 4 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 701 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the DSM to PIT route. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
If you're planning to travel to Pittsburgh from Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Pittsburgh Intl. (PIT) Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Denver Intl. (DEN), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL) before reaching Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.) Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT-Pittsburgh 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
Pittsburgh Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$302
Distance
701 mi

Book with confidence

Des Moines to Pittsburgh Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Pittsburgh

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

 

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

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

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 Pittsburgh in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $152 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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