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$105 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Tampa (TPA)

View $105 flight on Thu, Sep 17, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA)

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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Tampa (DSM-TPA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $105 for one-way flights and $223 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Thu, Sep 17 - Mon, Sep 21
DSM
Des Moines
TPA
Tampa
$223 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$223
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 17 from Des Moines to Tampa, returning Mon, Sep 21, priced at $223 found 12 hours ago
United
Sat, Jan 9 - Sat, Jan 16
DSM
Des Moines
TPA
Tampa
$232 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$232
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Jan 9 from Des Moines to Tampa, returning Sat, Jan 16, priced at $232 found 1 day ago
Delta
Tue, Sep 29 - Sat, Oct 3
DSM
Des Moines
TPA
Tampa
$237 Roundtrip, just found
$237
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Sep 29 from Des Moines to Tampa, returning Sat, Oct 3, priced at $237 just found
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Sep 29 - Sat, Oct 3
DSM
Des Moines
TPA
Tampa
$237 Roundtrip, just found
$237
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 29 from Des Moines to Tampa, returning Sat, Oct 3, priced at $237 just found
American Airlines
Tue, Sep 29 - Sat, Oct 3
DSM
Des Moines
TPA
Tampa
$237 Roundtrip, just found
$237
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 29 from Des Moines to Tampa, returning Sat, Oct 3, priced at $237 just found
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Nov 22 - Sun, Nov 29
DSM
Des Moines
TPA
Tampa
$864 Roundtrip, found 16 hours ago
$864
Roundtrip
found 16 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Nov 22 from Des Moines to Tampa, returning Sun, Nov 29, priced at $864 found 16 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Fri, Nov 20 - Sat, Nov 28
DSM
Des Moines
TPA
Tampa
$2,711 Roundtrip, found 16 hours ago
$2,711
Roundtrip
found 16 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 20 from Des Moines to Tampa, returning Sat, Nov 28, priced at $2,711 found 16 hours ago

Alternative airports near Tampa

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

Select flight to Tampa Intl. TPA. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 10 minutes. Flights from $380
TPA
Tampa Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $380

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

Des Moines (DSM) to Tampa (TPA) at a glance

Travel from Des Moines (DSM) to Tampa (TPA) with a selection of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. You can compare options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the best itinerary that suits your budget and schedule. Whether you're looking for the cheapest airfares or planning your next flight, you’ll find essential details for flights departing from Des Moines International Airport to Tampa International Airport as you prepare to explore Tampa's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Fastest (typical) flight duration: around 4h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,100 miles (1,770 km)
  • Flights per week: around 13 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$490, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Tampa International Airport (TPA)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Des Moines to Tampa, particularly for those seeking one-stop service. Popular layover options include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with about a 55-minute connection, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD), also with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This variety allows you to choose based on price, total travel time, and cabin class for your ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This established full-service airline dominates the route with about 40% of departures. Expect one-stop services with one-way fares generally between $120 and $445. The in-flight duration is around 4 hours and 15 minutes, totaling approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes for the entire journey, including layover.
  • Delta: Another major player in this route, Delta provides one-stop services, accounting for nearly 31% of flights. One-way ticket prices usually range from $120 to $510. The flight time is about 4 hours and 15 minutes, and the overall travel time is roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in a layover.
  • United: A significant carrier with about 15% of the departures, United offers one-stop journeys priced between $150 and $625 for one-way flights. Passengers can expect an in-flight time of 4 hours and 15 minutes, with a total travel duration of around 5 hours and 30 minutes, including any layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly options, Southwest Airlines operates one-stop flights on this route, representing approximately 13% of departures. One-way fares fall between $120 and $490. The flight lasts about 4 hours and 15 minutes, and the total trip time is around 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
  • Frontier Airlines: A low-cost option, Frontier Airlines accounts for about 2% of departures on this route, offering one-stop services with one-way fares ranging from $120 to $395. The in-flight time is approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, with a total journey time of about 5 hours and 30 minutes, including the layover.

Travelers flying from Des Moines to Tampa have the option to enhance their experience by upgrading their flight. Delta provides first class and premium economy class services, while American Airlines also offers first class seating.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Tampa (TPA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Tampa are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Tampa reach up to 73.4°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 78.1°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $214. Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 20 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $214, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: February, November, and May typically offer average one-way fares of around $221.
  • Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Tampa, with approximately 20 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January60.8°F (16.0°C)Average12$266
February64.4°F (18.0°C)High15$220
March67.6°F (19.8°C)High14$301
April73.4°F (23.0°C)High13$242
May78.1°F (25.6°C)Low10$222
June82.0°F (27.8°C)Low10$236
July83.1°F (28.4°C)Average11$246
August83.5°F (28.6°C)Average11$214
September81.3°F (27.4°C)Low11$247
October76.1°F (24.5°C)Average13$238
November68.9°F (20.5°C)Average13$220
December64.9°F (18.3°C)Average20$407

*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 Tampa (TPA)

  • Des Moines to St. Petersburg (DSM-PIE): St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is located roughly 11 miles from Tampa International Airport (TPA), offering convenient access to the region.
  • Fort Dodge to Tampa (FOD-TPA): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) lies approximately 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), making it a viable departure point for travelers heading to Tampa.
  • Fort Dodge to St. Petersburg (FOD-PIE): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is about 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), while St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is just 11 miles from Tampa International Airport (TPA).

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Tampa (TPA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines to Tampa 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 coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM - 12 AM) tend to offer lower prices, while Morning flights (5 AM - 12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally provides cheaper rates, although Thursday remains 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 Tampa International Airport from Des Moines International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Tampa, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Tampa International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Tampa 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 Tampa International Airport, Tampa Seaport, a seaport, is located about 9 miles away by car, while Tampa Union Station, a train station, is approximately 9.2 miles from the airport and is also best accessed by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $105 and cheap return flights from $223 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $154 and $676, and roundtrip flights usually range from $335 to $1282. 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Tampa, FL (TPA), with average return fares around $321. This price is about 20% lower than the average for the year, as travel demand typically drops after the summer. Other budget-friendly months include January 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
Enter DSM to TPA 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to Tampa Intl. (TPA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $166 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
The best months to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Tampa (TPA) are September and January. In September, you can find return flights for about $321, which is a great deal as summer ends. January is also popular, providing a nice escape to warmer weather during the winter months.*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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Tampa, FL (TPA) usually leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in March and April, making it a great choice for early travelers. Departing early allows you to arrive in Tampa with plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine. 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Tampa, FL (TPA) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 33% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows you to arrive in Tampa with plenty of time to explore the city.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
A flight from DSM to TPA with a layover takes around 5 hours 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 1,127 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
You can fly first class between DSM and TPA. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa 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 Tampa from Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
From Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Tampa Intl. (TPA) to reach Tampa. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Denver Intl. (DEN), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL) before reaching Tampa. 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.) Tampa 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 Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa 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
Tampa Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$223
Distance
1126 mi

Book with confidence

Des Moines to Tampa Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Tampa

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

 

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

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

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 Tampa in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $105 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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