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$114 Cheap Flights from Detroit (DTW) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $114 flight on Mon, Nov 2, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Detroit to Des Moines (DTW-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $114 for one-way flights and $227 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
DTW
Detroit
DSM
Des Moines
$227 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$227
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from Detroit to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $227 found 7 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 30 - Mon, Nov 2
DTW
Detroit
DSM
Des Moines
$235 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$235
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from Detroit to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $235 found 7 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Mon, Oct 26
DTW
Detroit
DSM
Des Moines
$237 Roundtrip, found 21 hours ago
$237
Roundtrip
found 21 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from Detroit to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $237 found 21 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 30 - Mon, Nov 2
DTW
Detroit
DSM
Des Moines
$245 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$245
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from Detroit to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $245 found 7 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Nov 2 - Thu, Nov 5
DTW
Detroit
DSM
Des Moines
$268 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$268
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 2 from Detroit to Des Moines, returning Thu, Nov 5, priced at $268 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Sep 15 - Thu, Sep 17
DTW
Detroit
DSM
Des Moines
$278 Roundtrip, found 16 hours ago
$278
Roundtrip
found 16 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Detroit to Des Moines, returning Thu, Sep 17, priced at $278 found 16 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 30 - Mon, Nov 2
DTW
Detroit
DSM
Des Moines
$282 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$282
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from Detroit to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $282 found 7 hours ago
Delta
Fri, Nov 27 - Mon, Nov 30
DTW
Detroit
DSM
Des Moines
$399 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$399
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Nov 27 from Detroit to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 30, priced at $399 found 1 hour ago
American Airlines
Thu, Oct 15 - Sun, Oct 18
DTW
Detroit
DSM
Des Moines
$419 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$419
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Detroit to Des Moines, returning Sun, Oct 18, priced at $419 found 3 hours ago
United
Fri, Nov 27 - Mon, Nov 30
DTW
Detroit
DSM
Des Moines
$419 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$419
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Nov 27 from Detroit to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 30, priced at $419 found 1 hour ago

Find the cheapest month to fly from Detroit (DTW) to Des Moines (DSM)

October is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $220 - $399 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County to Des Moines Intl.

Detroit (DTW) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel from Detroit (DTW) to Des Moines (DSM) on this convenient domestic route, with a range of options available. Explore weekly flights and compare daily fares from both full-service and low-cost airlines to discover cheap flights from Detroit that align with your budget and itinerary. Whether you're planning to visit Des Moines's iconic attractions or its charming neighborhoods, you'll find all the essential details for flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Des Moines International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 2 hours non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 500 miles (800 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $150–$550, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored by passengers flying from Detroit (DTW) to Des Moines (DSM), particularly for non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layover spots include O'Hare International Airport (ORD, about a 1-hour layover), Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL, around 1 hour and 15 minutes), and Denver International Airport (DEN, approximately 3 hours). These options allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create your ideal travel itinerary.

  • Delta: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, holding approximately 81% of departures on this route. One-way ticket prices usually fall between $165 and $560, with a total travel duration of about 2 hours.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly option, this airline offers one-stop services and represents around 8% of departures. One-way fares typically range from $150 to $375, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and an overall journey time of about 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • American Airlines: A full-service airline that provides one-stop options, accounting for about 5% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally range from $150 to $530, with an in-flight time of approximately 3 hours and a total travel duration of around 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost carrier offers one-stop services and makes up roughly 3% of departures. One-way fares are usually between $150 and $195, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and a total journey time of about 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • United: A full-service carrier that also provides one-stop flights, United represents approximately 3% of departures on this route. One-way fares typically range from $185 to $570, with an in-flight duration of around 3 hours and a total journey time of about 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.

Travelers flying from Detroit to Des Moines have the option to upgrade their flight, with Delta providing first-class and premium economy service on this route for enhanced comfort.

Best time to fly from Detroit (DTW) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Detroit to Des Moines are April, June, and July, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 74.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 66.9°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $284. Flight availability peaks in July and October, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January, February, March, and April have the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $284, roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: August, July, and October typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $293 to $308.
  • Most flight options: July and October have the highest number of flights from Detroit to Des Moines, 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
January21.7°F (-5.7°C)Moderately Low8$338
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average8$357
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Average8$383
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Moderately High8$353
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average9$284
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Moderately High9$325
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Moderately High11$307
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average9$293
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Moderately Low10$331
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average11$308
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average9$325
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Moderately Low9$370

*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 route from Detroit (DTW) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Ann Arbor to Des Moines (ARB-DSM): Located approximately 20 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB) serves as a convenient departure point for travelers heading to Des Moines.

How to find the best prices for flights from Detroit (DTW) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Detroit to Des Moines 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 available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers typically book 2 to 8 weeks ahead. Departures in the morning from 5 AM to 12 PM tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Sunday often yields cheaper fares, while Friday remains 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 Des Moines International Airport from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Des Moines, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Des Moines International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Des Moines 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $114 and cheap return flights from $227 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $289 to $763, and return flights typically cost between $482 and $1228. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from DTW to DSM is November 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Delta offers around 20 weekly direct flights from DTW to DSM.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Delta is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Detroit (DTW) to Des Moines (DSM), with return tickets starting from around $400. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Detroit, MI (DTW) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Delta offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Delta typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from DTW to DSM, 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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.
How many flights per day from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can find approximately 3 nonstop flights per day from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Detroit (DTW) to Des Moines (DSM) typically leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service runs in April, May, and June, allowing you to make the most of your day upon arrival in Des Moines. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 30% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United, and Delta, operate flights during this period. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to enjoy your day.
How long does it take to fly from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Direct flights from DTW to DSM usually take about 2 hours, traveling roughly 532 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 2 hours 20 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can fly first class between DTW and DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
A non-stop, one-way business class flight from Detroit (DTW) to Des Moines (DSM) is usually around $378 - $558. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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 Des Moines from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)?
From Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Liberty Intl. (EWR), Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Midway Intl. (MDW) before reaching Des Moines. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) Des Moines 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines 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

0
Origin airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$227
Distance
531 mi

Book with confidence

Detroit to Des Moines Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Detroit to Des Moines

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

 

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

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

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 Detroit to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $114 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 Detroit to Des Moines 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 Detroit to Des Moines 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.

 

Detroit to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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