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$182 Cheap Flights from Washington (IAD) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $182 flight on Tue, Sep 15, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Washington Dulles Intl. Airport (IAD) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Des Moines (IAD-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $182 for one-way flights and $377 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Delta
Sun, Sep 13 - Mon, Sep 14
IAD
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$377 Roundtrip, just found
$377
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Sun, Sep 13 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $377 just found
Delta
Mon, Oct 5 - Fri, Oct 9
IAD
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$387 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$387
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Fri, Oct 9, priced at $387 found 1 day ago
Delta
Sun, Oct 11 - Sat, Oct 24
IAD
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$390 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$390
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sun, Oct 11 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $390 found 1 day ago
Delta
Mon, Oct 5 - Fri, Oct 9
IAD
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$397 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$397
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Fri, Oct 9, priced at $397 found 1 day ago
Delta
Sun, Oct 11 - Sat, Oct 24
IAD
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$400 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$400
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sun, Oct 11 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $400 found 1 day ago
Delta
Sun, Sep 13 - Mon, Sep 14
IAD
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$407 Roundtrip, just found
$407
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Sun, Sep 13 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $407 just found
Delta
Sat, May 29 - Mon, May 31
IAD
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$413 Roundtrip, found 21 hours ago
$413
Roundtrip
found 21 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, May 29 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Mon, May 31, priced at $413 found 21 hours ago
Delta
Mon, Oct 5 - Fri, Oct 9
IAD
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$417 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$417
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Fri, Oct 9, priced at $417 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Wed, May 26 - Sat, Jul 10
IAD
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$417 Roundtrip, found 21 hours ago
$417
Roundtrip
found 21 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, May 26 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Sat, Jul 10, priced at $417 found 21 hours ago
United
Wed, Nov 4 - Tue, Nov 10
IAD
Washington
DSM
Des Moines
$417 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$417
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Washington to Des Moines, returning Tue, Nov 10, priced at $417 found 10 hours ago

Alternative airports near Des Moines

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

Select flight to Des Moines Intl. DSM. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 10 minutes. Flights from $528
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $528

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

Washington (IAD) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines providing flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) on this domestic short-haul route. Compare your options to find the best prices and schedules among various carriers, whether you're looking for cheap flights from Washington or prefer full-service options. With weekly flights available, you can easily plan your visit to discover the renowned attractions and neighborhoods of Des Moines.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 900 miles (1,450 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $135–$465, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Washington to Des Moines, particularly those offering one-stop services. Key layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 45 minutes, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with approximately a 1-hour layover, and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with a 1 hour and 15 minutes layover. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

  • Delta: This full-service airline commands around 40% of departures on the route, providing one-stop flights with typical one-way rates ranging from $135 to $475. Passengers can expect an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to an overall travel time of about 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • United: Representing approximately 35% of flights, United is a full-service carrier that offers one-stop options with one-way fares usually between $170 and $470. Travelers can anticipate 3 hours and 45 minutes in the air, with a total journey time of roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layover periods.
  • American Airlines: This full-service carrier accounts for roughly 13% of departures, providing one-stop flights with one-way fares typically from $135 to $405. The flying time is around 3 hours and 45 minutes, while the complete travel experience takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • Southwest Airlines: A low-cost option representing about 11% of departures, Southwest offers one-stop service with one-way fares generally ranging from $135 to $460. Passengers can expect an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, with a total journey time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.

Travelers flying from Washington to Des Moines can opt for an upgrade, with Delta providing first-class and premium economy service on this route for a more comfortable journey.

Best time to fly from Washington (IAD) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Washington to Des Moines are March, April, and May, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 61.3°F in May. 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, April usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $239. Flight availability peaks in May and July, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: April usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $239, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: August and September typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $244 to $255.
  • Most flight options: May and July have the highest number of flights from Washington 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)Average8$300
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average8$300
March39.6°F (4.2°C)High8$276
April50.2°F (10.1°C)High9$239
May61.3°F (16.3°C)High11$300
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average9$318
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Average11$305
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average8$244
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Low7$255
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average7$270
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Low8$286
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Low7$323

*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 Washington (IAD) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Washington to Des Moines (DCA-DSM): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located approximately 23 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). One-way economy ticket prices for this journey generally fall between $105 and $480, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights, with leading airlines on this route being American Airlines and the budget-friendly Southwest Airlines. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from Washington (IAD) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Washington 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 tend to book within two weeks. Departures in the afternoon (12 PM to 6 PM) often offer lower prices and are the most popular, while flying on Wednesday generally results in cheaper fares, despite Thursday being 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 Washington Dulles International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Washington with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Washington Dulles International Airport is roughly a 40-minute drive (covering about 29 miles) from central Washington. 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $182 and cheap return flights from $377 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $226 and $846, and return flights often range between $507 and $1428. 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from IAD to DSM 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter IAD to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $373 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) 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 time to fly from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) 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.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Washington, DC (IAD) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) typically departs at 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in March, allowing you to maximize your time 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
When flying from Washington, DC (IAD) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), the most popular departure times are also in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 47% of travelers prefer this time window. United Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines operate flights during this period. This timing is popular because it allows you to make the most of your day in Des Moines upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flights from IAD to DSM with one stop typically take around 7 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 871 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from IAD to DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) 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 Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD)?
From Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Pittsburgh Intl. (PIT), Indianapolis Intl. (IND), Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT) 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) 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

Origin airport
Washington Dulles Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United
Roundtrip price
$376
Distance
871 mi

Book with confidence

Washington to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $182 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.

 

Washington to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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