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$140 Cheap Flights from Little Rock (LIT) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $140 flight on Tue, Oct 13, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Clinton National Airport Airport (LIT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Little Rock to Des Moines (LIT-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $140 for one-way flights and $279 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

United
Tue, Oct 6 - Tue, Oct 20
LIT
Little Rock
DSM
Des Moines
$279 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$279
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 6 from Little Rock to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $279 found 1 day ago
Delta
Wed, Oct 28 - Thu, Oct 29
LIT
Little Rock
DSM
Des Moines
$279 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$279
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from Little Rock to Des Moines, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $279 found 22 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Oct 28 - Thu, Oct 29
LIT
Little Rock
DSM
Des Moines
$290 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$290
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from Little Rock to Des Moines, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $290 found 22 hours ago
United
Sat, Oct 10 - Sat, Oct 17
LIT
Little Rock
DSM
Des Moines
$296 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$296
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Little Rock to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $296 found 1 day ago
United
Tue, Oct 6 - Tue, Oct 20
LIT
Little Rock
DSM
Des Moines
$297 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$297
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 6 from Little Rock to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $297 found 1 day ago
United
Wed, Oct 28 - Thu, Oct 29
LIT
Little Rock
DSM
Des Moines
$299 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$299
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from Little Rock to Des Moines, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $299 found 22 hours ago
United
Tue, Oct 6 - Tue, Oct 20
LIT
Little Rock
DSM
Des Moines
$304 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$304
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 6 from Little Rock to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $304 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Mon, Oct 5
LIT
Little Rock
DSM
Des Moines
$304 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$304
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from Little Rock to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $304 found 1 day ago
Delta
Wed, Oct 28 - Thu, Oct 29
LIT
Little Rock
DSM
Des Moines
$306 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$306
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from Little Rock to Des Moines, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $306 found 22 hours ago
American Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
LIT
Little Rock
DSM
Des Moines
$309 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$309
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from Little Rock to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $309 found 1 day ago

Find the cheapest month to fly from Little Rock (LIT) to Des Moines (DSM)

January is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $176 - $598 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Clinton National Airport to Des Moines Intl.

Little Rock (LIT) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Explore a range of options for flights from Little Rock (LIT) to Des Moines (DSM) on this domestic short-haul route. You can choose between full-service and low-cost carriers to find the best fit for your budget and schedule. Whether you're looking for cheap flights from Little Rock or planning your itinerary to discover Des Moines's renowned attractions, this guide provides essential details for your journey from Clinton National Airport to Des Moines International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 45m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 500 miles (805 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $90–$360, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Clinton National Airport (LIT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Little Rock to Des Moines, often selected for their one-stop service. Common layover spots include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offering around 2 hours, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) also featuring a 1 hour and 15-minute stop. These options allow you to tailor your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This established full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $110 and $360. It operates about 53% of departures for this route, featuring a flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and an overall travel time of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
  • United: Another reputable full-service carrier, United offers one-stop service with one-way fares that typically range from $110 to $350. It makes up around 24% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of roughly 5 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • Delta: As a prominent full-service airline, Delta provides one-stop flights with one-way fares typically ranging from $100 to $300. It accounts for around 15% of the departures on this route, maintaining an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a complete travel time of about 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: This popular low-cost carrier offers one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices usually between $90 and $360. It represents about 8% of the departures along this route, showcasing an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes and an overall journey time of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including the layover.

Best time to fly from Little Rock (LIT) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Little Rock to Des Moines are March, August, and September, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 73.4°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider June, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 71.8°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $139. Flight availability peaks in March, April, July, August, and October, with approximately 9 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 $139, roughly 40% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Most flight options: March, April, July, August, and October have the highest number of flights from Little Rock to Des Moines, with approximately 9 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$294
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average7$267
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Moderately High9$253
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Average9$234
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Moderately Low8$243
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Moderately Low7$239
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Average9$260
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Moderately High9$139
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Moderately High8$187
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average9$161
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average8$252
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Moderately Low7$278

*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.

How to find the best prices for flights from Little Rock (LIT) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Little Rock 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures (12pm-6pm) tend to be less expensive, even though Morning flights (5am-12pm) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday often leads to lower prices, while Sunday remains the most sought-after 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 Clinton National Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Little Rock 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 Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $140 and cheap return flights from $279 Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $140 and $495, and return flights often range between $373 and $942. 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 Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) 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 Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from LIT to DSM is October 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 Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter LIT to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) 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 Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) 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 Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Little Rock (LIT) to Des Moines (DSM) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in April and May, allowing you to make the most of your day 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 Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Little Rock, AR (LIT) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 27% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flights from LIT to DSM with one stop typically take around 6 hours 50 minutes, covering approximately 477 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 Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from LIT to DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) 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 Clinton National Airport (LIT)?
From Clinton National Airport (LIT), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW), Love Field (DAL) 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 Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) 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 Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) 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 Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Little Rock, AR (LIT-Clinton National Airport) 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
Clinton National Airport
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$278
Distance
476 mi

Book with confidence

Little Rock to Des Moines Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Little Rock to Des Moines

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Little Rock 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 Little Rock 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 Little Rock to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $140 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 Little Rock 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 Little Rock 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.

 

Little Rock to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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