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$141 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to St. Louis (STL)

View $141 flight on Wed, Oct 28, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to St. Louis Lambert Intl. Airport (STL)

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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to St. Louis (DSM-STL)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $141 for one-way flights and $281 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

United
Tue, Oct 6 - Thu, Oct 8
DSM
Des Moines
STL
St. Louis
$281 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$281
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 6 from Des Moines to St. Louis, returning Thu, Oct 8, priced at $281 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Sep 30 - Fri, Oct 2
DSM
Des Moines
STL
St. Louis
$305 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$305
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 30 from Des Moines to St. Louis, returning Fri, Oct 2, priced at $305 found 4 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 30 - Sun, Nov 1
DSM
Des Moines
STL
St. Louis
$333 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$333
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from Des Moines to St. Louis, returning Sun, Nov 1, priced at $333 found 5 days ago
United
Fri, Oct 9 - Mon, Oct 12
DSM
Des Moines
STL
St. Louis
$336 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$336
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from Des Moines to St. Louis, returning Mon, Oct 12, priced at $336 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Nov 16 - Wed, Nov 18
DSM
Des Moines
STL
St. Louis
$339 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$339
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 16 from Des Moines to St. Louis, returning Wed, Nov 18, priced at $339 found 1 day ago
United
Fri, Oct 9 - Mon, Oct 12
DSM
Des Moines
STL
St. Louis
$341 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$341
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from Des Moines to St. Louis, returning Mon, Oct 12, priced at $341 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Nov 16 - Wed, Nov 18
DSM
Des Moines
STL
St. Louis
$344 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$344
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 16 from Des Moines to St. Louis, returning Wed, Nov 18, priced at $344 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Thu, Nov 19 - Thu, Nov 26
DSM
Des Moines
STL
St. Louis
$349 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$349
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 19 from Des Moines to St. Louis, returning Thu, Nov 26, priced at $349 found 2 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Nov 19 - Thu, Nov 26
DSM
Des Moines
STL
St. Louis
$354 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$354
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Nov 19 from Des Moines to St. Louis, returning Thu, Nov 26, priced at $354 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Fri, Oct 9
DSM
Des Moines
STL
St. Louis
$354 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$354
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Des Moines to St. Louis, returning Fri, Oct 9, priced at $354 found 4 hours ago

What you need to know for your flight from Des Moines Intl. to Lambert-St. Louis Intl.

Des Moines (DSM) to St. Louis (STL) at a glance

Travel from Des Moines (DSM) to St. Louis (STL) with a selection of airlines offering a range of options on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you’re looking for cheap flights from Des Moines or prefer full-service carriers, you can compare itineraries to find the one that best aligns with your budget and schedule. Prepare to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of St. Louis as you check out the key details for flights from Des Moines International Airport to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1 hour non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 250 miles (400 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $50–$345, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Des Moines to St. Louis, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover points include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) at roughly 55 minutes, and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with an hour-long layover. This variety allows you to tailor your travel plans by balancing price, total journey time, and cabin class for the best itinerary.

  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $50 and $345. Southwest constitutes about 64% of the departures for this route, featuring a total travel time of 1 hour.
  • Delta: A major airline known for its full-service offerings, Delta provides one-stop flights with one-way fares typically ranging from $85 to $375. It makes up roughly 13% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and an overall journey time of about 4 hours, including layover.
  • American Airlines: As a full-service carrier, American Airlines offers one-stop service, with one-way fares usually priced between $95 and $345. It accounts for approximately 13% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and a total travel time of nearly 4 hours, factoring in the layover.
  • United: Another full-service option, United Airlines provides one-stop flights with one-way fares averaging between $105 and $325. This airline represents around 10% of the departures for this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and a total journey time close to 4 hours, including any layover.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to St. Louis (STL)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to St. Louis are March, April, and August, when peak temperatures in St. Louis reach up to 77°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 70.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $145). Flight availability peaks in March, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. May, August, and December have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $145, roughly 24% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $164.
  • Most flight options: March has the highest number of flights from Des Moines to St. Louis, 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
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Average8$175
February34.9°F (1.6°C)Average9$196
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Moderately High11$239
April56.1°F (13.4°C)Moderately High9$174
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Moderately Low7$183
June76.1°F (24.5°C)Average8$171
July78.6°F (25.9°C)Average8$254
August77.0°F (25.0°C)Moderately High7$164
September70.9°F (21.6°C)Moderately Low8$145
October58.6°F (14.8°C)Average9$224
November46.2°F (7.9°C)Average9$207
December37.8°F (3.2°C)Moderately Low7$179

*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 St. Louis (STL)

  • Des Moines to St. Louis (DSM-SUS): Spirit of St. Louis Airport (SUS) is located approximately 16 miles from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), offering convenient access to the region.
  • Des Moines to St. Louis (DSM-CPS): St. Louis Downtown Airport (CPS) lies around 16 miles from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), providing another viable travel option.

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to St. Louis (STL)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to St. Louis 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures, from 5 AM to 12 PM, generally offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Monday usually results in cheaper prices, while Thursday is the most 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 Lambert-St. Louis International Airport from Des Moines International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in St. Louis, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Lambert-St. Louis 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 Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, Lambert Main Terminal Station, a metro station, is conveniently located just 0.1 miles away on foot, providing easy access to public transportation options.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $141 and cheap return flights from $281 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $134 to $455, and return flights typically cost between $251 and $858. 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to St. Louis, MO (STL), with average round-trip fares around $197. This is about 38% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand typically decreases after the summer travel season. Other cheap months to fly from Des Moines to St. Louis include January and February.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)?
Enter DSM to STL 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Des Moines (DSM) to St. Louis (STL), with round-trip tickets starting from around $77. This gives you a direct route to your destination without any layovers. 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis 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 airline to fly with from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to St. Louis, MO (STL) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, WN offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, WN typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from Des Moines to St. Louis, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)?
For flights from Des Moines (DSM) to St. Louis (STL), September and January are the best months to consider, with average return flight prices around $197. These months offer a combination of affordability and favorable travel conditions.*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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines International (DSM) to Lambert-St. Louis International (STL) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines and Southern Airways Express. This is a seasonal service active in August, making it a great option for early risers looking to start their day in St. Louis. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)?
Direct flights from DSM to STL usually take about 1 hour 20 minutes, traveling roughly 259 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 5 hours 10 minutes to your journey. 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the DSM to STL 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis 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 St. Louis from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
If you're planning to travel to St. Louis from Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL) Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Denver Intl. (DEN), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX) before reaching St. Louis. 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) St Louis 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis 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
Lambert-St. Louis Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$280
Distance
259 mi

Book with confidence

Des Moines to St. Louis Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to St. Louis

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to St. Louis

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

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 St. Louis in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $141 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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