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$149 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Sacramento (SMF)

View $149 flight on Mon, Oct 5, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF)

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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Sacramento (DSM-SMF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $149 for one-way flights and $271 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Mon, Oct 12
DSM
Des Moines
SMF
Sacramento
$271 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$271
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Des Moines to Sacramento, returning Mon, Oct 12, priced at $271 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Mon, Nov 2
DSM
Des Moines
SMF
Sacramento
$306 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$306
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Des Moines to Sacramento, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $306 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Mon, Nov 2
DSM
Des Moines
SMF
Sacramento
$311 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$311
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Des Moines to Sacramento, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $311 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Oct 4 - Mon, Oct 12
DSM
Des Moines
SMF
Sacramento
$320 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$320
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Oct 4 from Des Moines to Sacramento, returning Mon, Oct 12, priced at $320 found 1 day ago
Delta
Tue, Oct 6 - Fri, Oct 9
DSM
Des Moines
SMF
Sacramento
$321 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$321
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Oct 6 from Des Moines to Sacramento, returning Fri, Oct 9, priced at $321 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Mon, Oct 19
DSM
Des Moines
SMF
Sacramento
$321 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$321
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Des Moines to Sacramento, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $321 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 24 - Fri, Oct 30
DSM
Des Moines
SMF
Sacramento
$326 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$326
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 24 from Des Moines to Sacramento, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $326 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Oct 24 - Fri, Oct 30
DSM
Des Moines
SMF
Sacramento
$331 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$331
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 24 from Des Moines to Sacramento, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $331 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Oct 4 - Fri, Oct 9
DSM
Des Moines
SMF
Sacramento
$335 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$335
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Oct 4 from Des Moines to Sacramento, returning Fri, Oct 9, priced at $335 found 1 day ago
United
Thu, Oct 29 - Mon, Nov 2
DSM
Des Moines
SMF
Sacramento
$351 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$351
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Des Moines to Sacramento, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $351 found 1 day ago

Alternative airports near Sacramento

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

Select flight to Sacramento Intl. SMF. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 15 minutes. Flights from $577
SMF
Sacramento Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center15 min
Flights from $577

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

Des Moines (DSM) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Travel from Des Moines (DSM) to Sacramento (SMF) with a range of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. You can explore options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the best flights that align with your budget and schedule. As you plan your trip to experience Sacramento's iconic attractions and neighborhoods, you'll find essential information on flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 5 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1 hour layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,500 miles (2,410 km)
  • Flights per week: around 11 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $135–$520, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Recent traveler bookings reveal the top airlines favored for flights from Des Moines to Sacramento, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Many passengers opt for layovers at major hubs like Denver International Airport (DEN) with about a 1-hour layover, Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) at roughly 50 minutes, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with a 1-hour layover. This variety allows you to compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to create the ideal itinerary tailored to your needs.

  • United: This comprehensive airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $150 and $520. United constitutes around 41% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 5 hours and a total travel time of approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
  • American Airlines: A robust option in the market, American Airlines offers one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $135 to $485. It represents about 32% of departures along this route, providing around 5 hours of flight time and a total journey duration of roughly 6 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly carrier, Southwest Airlines features one-stop services with one-way fares usually between $135 and $525. It accounts for approximately 20% of the flights on this route, with an in-flight time of 5 hours and an overall travel duration of about 6 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layover periods.
  • Delta: Delta, another full-service carrier, offers one-stop flights with one-way prices that typically range from $135 to $405. It makes up around 7% of departures on this route, providing about 5 hours of in-flight time and a total journey time of roughly 6 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.

Travelers flying from Des Moines to Sacramento have the option to upgrade their experience, as United Airlines provides first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Sacramento (SMF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Sacramento are March, June, and October, when peak temperatures in Sacramento reach up to 74.5°F in June. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 54.9°F. For better deals, October and November usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $229. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 15 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 9 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October and November usually offer good deals with average one-way fares around $229, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Sacramento, with approximately 15 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January48.6°F (9.2°C)Average9$264
February50.5°F (10.3°C)Average10$308
March53.6°F (12.0°C)Slightly High10$311
April59.7°F (15.4°C)Average10$274
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Slightly Low12$297
June74.5°F (23.6°C)Slightly High13$287
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Slightly Low11$268
August76.8°F (24.9°C)Average12$253
September74.5°F (23.6°C)Average12$255
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Slightly High15$229
November54.9°F (12.7°C)Slightly Low10$229
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Average12$318

*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 Sacramento (SMF)

  • Des Moines to Sacramento (DSM-SAC): Located about 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) serves as a nearby alternative.
  • Des Moines to Sacramento (DSM-MHR): Sacramento Mather Airport (MHR) lies roughly 18 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF), offering a convenient option for travelers.
  • Fort Dodge to Sacramento (FOD-SMF): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is approximately 76 miles away from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), providing access to the Sacramento area.

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Sacramento 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 usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the afternoon (12 PM-6 PM) often come at lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday typically offers cheaper rates, although Thursday is 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.*
  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 Sacramento International Airport from Des Moines International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Sacramento, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Sacramento International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Sacramento 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 Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento Valley Station, a train station, is about 9 miles away, while 7th & Richards/Township 9 Station, a metro station, is approximately 8.6 miles from the airport, providing convenient access to regional transit options.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $149 and cheap return flights from $271 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $188 and $693, and return flights often range between $378 and $1110. 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
August is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Sacramento (SMF), with average round-trip fares around $336. This is about 21% lower than the average price throughout the year, as travel demand tends to dip during late summer. Other economical months to consider are September and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Enter DSM to SMF 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Sacramento (SMF), with round-trip tickets starting from around $599 with a layover in Denver Intl. (DEN). 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
For your journey from Des Moines to Sacramento, August and September are the best months to fly. Return flights during these months are around $336, providing a good balance of price and availability. August is great for summer travel, while September offers a more relaxed atmosphere as the season winds down.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Sacramento, CA (SMF) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. An early flight like this allows you to arrive in Sacramento with plenty of time to explore the city. 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) are in the early afternoon, from 12pm to 3pm. About 25% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to travel after lunch and arrive in Sacramento in the evening.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
A flight from DSM to SMF with a layover takes around 9 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 1,483 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the DSM to SMF route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
If you're planning to travel to Sacramento from Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Sacramento Intl. (SMF) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Harry Reid Intl. (LAS), O'Hare Intl. (ORD) before reaching Sacramento. 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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
Sacramento Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$271
Distance
1482 mi

Book with confidence

Des Moines to Sacramento Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Sacramento

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

 

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

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

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 Sacramento in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $149 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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