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$89 Cheap Flights from Minneapolis (MSP) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $89 flight on Mon, Oct 26, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. Airport (MSP) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Minneapolis to Des Moines (MSP-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $89 for one-way flights and $189 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 26 - Fri, Oct 30
MSP
Minneapolis
DSM
Des Moines
$189 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$189
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 26 from Minneapolis to Des Moines, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $189 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 26 - Fri, Oct 30
MSP
Minneapolis
DSM
Des Moines
$195 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$195
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 26 from Minneapolis to Des Moines, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $195 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 26 - Fri, Oct 30
MSP
Minneapolis
DSM
Des Moines
$231 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$231
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 26 from Minneapolis to Des Moines, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $231 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 26 - Fri, Oct 30
MSP
Minneapolis
DSM
Des Moines
$237 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$237
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 26 from Minneapolis to Des Moines, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $237 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 25 - Mon, Sep 28
MSP
Minneapolis
DSM
Des Moines
$239 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$239
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Minneapolis to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $239 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Fri, Sep 11
MSP
Minneapolis
DSM
Des Moines
$251 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$251
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Minneapolis to Des Moines, returning Fri, Sep 11, priced at $251 found 6 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Sep 14 - Thu, Oct 1
MSP
Minneapolis
DSM
Des Moines
$259 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$259
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Sep 14 from Minneapolis to Des Moines, returning Thu, Oct 1, priced at $259 found 6 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 26 - Fri, Oct 30
MSP
Minneapolis
DSM
Des Moines
$269 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$269
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 26 from Minneapolis to Des Moines, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $269 found 1 day ago
Delta
Fri, Sep 18 - Sun, Sep 20
MSP
Minneapolis
DSM
Des Moines
$309 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$309
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Sep 18 from Minneapolis to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 20, priced at $309 found 1 hour ago
American Airlines
Fri, Sep 18 - Sun, Sep 20
MSP
Minneapolis
DSM
Des Moines
$329 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$329
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 18 from Minneapolis to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 20, priced at $329 found 1 hour 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 $379
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $379

Find the cheapest month to fly from Minneapolis (MSP) to Des Moines (DSM)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $206 - $538 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

Minneapolis (MSP) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Minneapolis (MSP) to Des Moines (DSM) on this convenient domestic short-haul route. Whether you're looking for full-service options or low-cost alternatives, you can compare various choices to find the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. With weekly flights available, planning your visit to discover the highlights and neighborhoods of Des Moines has never been easier. Find all the essential details for your journey from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport to Des Moines International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 250 miles (400 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$450, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from Minneapolis to Des Moines, focusing on non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover spots include Denver International Airport (DEN), with approximately a 3-hour layover, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), also around 3 hours, and O'Hare International Airport (ORD), which offers a shorter layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. These choices allow you to tailor your itinerary based on price, total travel time, and cabin class.

  • Delta: As a premier full-service airline, Delta provides non-stop flights with one-way fares generally between $115 and $475. It dominates this route, representing around 82% of all departures, and the total travel time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly options, Southwest Airlines offers one-stop service with one-way tickets typically priced from $180 to $300. This airline accounts for about 8% of the flights on this route, with a flight duration of 3 hours and an overall journey time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Frontier Airlines: Another economical choice, Frontier Airlines provides one-stop services with one-way fares ranging from $100 to $195. It covers roughly 6% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total travel time of nearly 5 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in a layover.

Best time to fly from Minneapolis (MSP) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Minneapolis to Des Moines are March, October, and December, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 53.2°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider February, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 24.1°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $208. Flight availability peaks in April and October, with approximately 11 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 $208, roughly 25% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: October typically offers an average one-way fare of around $218.
  • Most flight options: April and October have the highest number of flights from Minneapolis 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$324
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Slightly Low7$266
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Slightly High8$427
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Average11$255
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average7$233
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average8$285
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Average7$265
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Slightly Low7$301
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average10$208
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Slightly High11$218
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Slightly Low7$298
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Slightly High9$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 route from Minneapolis (MSP) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • St. Paul to Des Moines (STP-DSM): St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) is located approximately 8 miles from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP), making it a convenient choice for travelers.

How to find the best prices for flights from Minneapolis (MSP) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Minneapolis 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 often found when booking within two weeks, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures, specifically between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m., typically offer lower prices and are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday usually provides cheaper options, 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 Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $89 and cheap return flights from $189 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $191 to $698, and return flights typically cost between $339 and $874. 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from MSP 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Delta offers around 22 weekly direct flights from MSP to DSM.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Minneapolis (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines (DSM-Des Moines Intl.), starting from around $208 for a round-trip ticket. 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 airline to fly with from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Minneapolis, MN (MSP) 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. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from Minneapolis to Des Moines, 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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.
How many flights per day from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can find approximately 3 nonstop flights per day from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) usually leaves at around 5:00 AM. This early departure allows you to arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to explore the city. 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Minneapolis (MSP) to Des Moines (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 25% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows travelers to arrive in Des Moines with a full day ahead of them.
How long does it take to fly from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Direct flights from MSP to DSM usually take about 1 hour 20 minutes, traveling roughly 233 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 5 hours 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the MSP to DSM route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Gogebic County (IWD), Midway Intl. (MDW), Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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
Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$189
Distance
232 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 13 mins

Book with confidence

Minneapolis to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $89 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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.

 

Minneapolis to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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