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$274 Cheap Flights from Harrisburg (MDT) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $274 flight on Tue, Nov 24, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Harrisburg Intl. Airport (MDT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Harrisburg to Des Moines (MDT-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $274 for one-way flights and $319 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Thu, Nov 12 - Mon, Nov 16
MDT
Harrisburg
DSM
Des Moines
$319 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$319
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 12 from Harrisburg to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $319 found 13 hours ago
United
Thu, Oct 22 - Wed, Oct 28
MDT
Harrisburg
DSM
Des Moines
$324 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$324
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Harrisburg to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 28, priced at $324 found 1 day ago
United
Tue, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 27
MDT
Harrisburg
DSM
Des Moines
$336 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$336
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Harrisburg to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $336 found 1 day ago
Delta
Tue, Dec 22 - Sun, Dec 27
MDT
Harrisburg
DSM
Des Moines
$339 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$339
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Dec 22 from Harrisburg to Des Moines, returning Sun, Dec 27, priced at $339 found 1 day ago
United
Tue, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 27
MDT
Harrisburg
DSM
Des Moines
$341 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$341
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Harrisburg to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $341 found 1 day ago
United
Thu, Oct 22 - Wed, Oct 28
MDT
Harrisburg
DSM
Des Moines
$344 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$344
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Harrisburg to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 28, priced at $344 found 1 day ago
United
Thu, Nov 12 - Sun, Nov 15
MDT
Harrisburg
DSM
Des Moines
$344 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$344
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Nov 12 from Harrisburg to Des Moines, returning Sun, Nov 15, priced at $344 found 7 hours ago
American Airlines
Tue, Dec 29 - Mon, Jan 11
MDT
Harrisburg
DSM
Des Moines
$349 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$349
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Dec 29 from Harrisburg to Des Moines, returning Mon, Jan 11, priced at $349 found 5 hours ago
United
Thu, Oct 15 - Sun, Oct 18
MDT
Harrisburg
DSM
Des Moines
$350 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$350
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Harrisburg to Des Moines, returning Sun, Oct 18, priced at $350 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Tue, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 27
MDT
Harrisburg
DSM
Des Moines
$353 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$353
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Harrisburg to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $353 found 1 day ago

Find the cheapest month to fly from Harrisburg (MDT) to Des Moines (DSM)

January is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $242 - $572 per traveler.

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

Harrisburg (MDT) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Traveling from Harrisburg (MDT) to Des Moines (DSM) offers a range of options with various airlines catering to this domestic short-haul route. You can easily compare flights from Harrisburg to Des Moines, whether you're looking for full-service providers or budget-friendly carriers. This way, you can choose the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule while planning your exploration of Des Moines's notable attractions and neighborhoods. Discover essential information about flights from Harrisburg International Airport to Des Moines International Airport.

  • Fastest (typical) flight duration: around 3h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m 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 $125–$415, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airline choices for flights from Harrisburg to Des Moines are typically those offering one-stop services. Popular layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with approximately a 1-hour layover, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), also around 1 hour and 15 minutes. These choices allow you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the best itinerary for your journey.

  • United: As a full-service airline, United provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally between $125 and $440. This carrier makes up about 34% of departures on this route, offering an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 5 hours, including layover.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline also offers one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices usually ranging from $125 to $380. American Airlines accounts for around 34% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of roughly 5 hours, including layover.
  • Delta: Another full-service option, Delta presents one-stop flights with one-way fares typically from $125 to $470. This airline constitutes about 32% of the departures for this route, providing an in-flight experience of 3 hours and 45 minutes, with a total travel duration of approximately 5 hours, factoring in layover time.

Best time to fly from Harrisburg (MDT) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Harrisburg to Des Moines are March, April, 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 time to visit with temperatures around 66.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $203). Flight availability peaks in May, July, August, October, and December, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $203, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: April and November typically offer average one-way fares of around $220.
  • Most flight options: May, July, August, October, and December have the highest number of flights from Harrisburg to Des Moines, with approximately 10 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 Low9$274
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Moderately Low8$243
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Moderately High9$260
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Moderately High8$220
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average10$231
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average8$232
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Moderately High10$242
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average10$240
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Moderately Low8$203
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average10$258
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average9$221
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average10$252

*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 Harrisburg (MDT) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Lancaster to Des Moines (LNS-DSM): Lancaster Airport (LNS) lies approximately 25 miles from Harrisburg International Airport (MDT).
  • Reading to Des Moines (RDG-DSM): Reading Regional Airport (RDG) is about 44 miles distant from Harrisburg International Airport (MDT).
  • Harrisburg to Fort Dodge (MDT-FOD): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is located roughly 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

How to find the best prices for flights from Harrisburg (MDT) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Harrisburg 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 to eight weeks. Departures in the morning, from 5 AM to 12 PM, often offer lower prices and are also the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Saturday typically results in cheaper prices, while Friday remains the most popular 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 Harrisburg International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Harrisburg with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Harrisburg International Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 12 miles) from central Harrisburg. 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $274 and cheap return flights from $319 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $248 and $658, and roundtrip flights usually range from $363 to $1101. 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
April is the cheapest month to fly from Harrisburg, PA (MDT) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average return fares around $334. This price is about 21% lower than the average throughout the year, as spring typically sees lower travel demand. Other economical months for this route include September and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter MDT to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Harrisburg, PA (MDT) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $248. 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
When flying from Harrisburg (MDT) to Des Moines (DSM), April and September are your best bets. Return flights in these months average around $334, making them the most economical choices. April offers a refreshing spring atmosphere, while September is known for its pleasant weather, making both months enjoyable for travel.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in August, 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Harrisburg, PA (MDT) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 43% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to maximize your day upon arrival in Des Moines.
How long does it take to fly from Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying from MDT to DSM with a connection usually takes about 5 hours, traveling roughly 886 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Select the "Business class" and "First class" filters when looking for MDT to DSM flights on Expedia. This is the easiest way to compare prices, routes and flight times for your trip.
How do I earn miles on a Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg Intl. (MDT)?
From Harrisburg Intl. (MDT), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Logan Intl. (BOS) 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Harrisburg, PA (MDT-Harrisburg 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
Harrisburg Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United
Roundtrip price
$318
Distance
885 mi

Book with confidence

Harrisburg to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $274 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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg 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.

 

Harrisburg to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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