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$178 Cheap Flights from Portland (PDX) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $178 flight on Mon, Oct 26, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Portland to Des Moines (PDX-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $178 for one-way flights and $350 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

United
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
PDX
Portland
DSM
Des Moines
$350 Roundtrip, found 15 hours ago
$350
Roundtrip
found 15 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Portland to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $350 found 15 hours ago
American Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
PDX
Portland
DSM
Des Moines
$355 Roundtrip, found 15 hours ago
$355
Roundtrip
found 15 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Portland to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $355 found 15 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Sep 24 - Tue, Sep 29
PDX
Portland
DSM
Des Moines
$355 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$355
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Sep 24 from Portland to Des Moines, returning Tue, Sep 29, priced at $355 found 11 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 15 - Mon, Oct 26
PDX
Portland
DSM
Des Moines
$355 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$355
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Portland to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $355 found 13 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 15 - Mon, Oct 26
PDX
Portland
DSM
Des Moines
$360 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$360
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Portland to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $360 found 13 hours ago
American Airlines
Sat, Dec 12 - Mon, Dec 21
PDX
Portland
DSM
Des Moines
$365 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$365
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Dec 12 from Portland to Des Moines, returning Mon, Dec 21, priced at $365 found 7 hours ago
United
Thu, Dec 3 - Fri, Dec 4
PDX
Portland
DSM
Des Moines
$365 Roundtrip, found 19 hours ago
$365
Roundtrip
found 19 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Dec 3 from Portland to Des Moines, returning Fri, Dec 4, priced at $365 found 19 hours ago
United
Fri, Oct 30 - Mon, Nov 2
PDX
Portland
DSM
Des Moines
$370 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$370
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from Portland to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $370 found 6 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 15 - Mon, Oct 26
PDX
Portland
DSM
Des Moines
$370 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$370
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Portland to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $370 found 13 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Thu, Nov 5 - Mon, Nov 9
PDX
Portland
DSM
Des Moines
$567 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$567
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 5 from Portland to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $567 found 4 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 $466
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $466

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

Portland (PDX) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel between Portland (PDX) and Des Moines (DSM) with a selection of airlines offering various options on this domestic short-haul route. Explore both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the best flights from Portland that align with your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit, take advantage of weekly flights and find the lowest fares from Portland to experience the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Des Moines.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,500 miles (2,410 km)
  • Flights per week: around 12 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$520, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Portland to Des Moines, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop options. Popular layover spots include Denver International Airport (DEN) with an approximate 1 hour and 15 minutes layover, Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) at about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), also around 1 hour and 30 minutes. These choices allow you to tailor your itinerary based on price, total travel time, and cabin class.

  • United: As a full-service airline, United provides comprehensive one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally between $150 and $545. This carrier represents around 35% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time of about 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly approach, Southwest Airlines offers both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way fares usually ranging from $120 to $490. It accounts for roughly 20% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes and a similar total journey duration of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically from $130 to $520. American Airlines makes up about 20% of departures along this route, offering an in-flight experience of 4 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of around 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • Delta: Delta, another full-service carrier, also offers one-stop service, with one-way fares usually ranging from $130 to $510. It holds around 18% of departures for this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline provides one-stop service, with one-way fares typically between $120 and $250. Frontier Airlines accounts for approximately 5% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of about 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Travelers can enhance their journey from Portland to Des Moines by upgrading to first class, with options available from both United Airlines and American Airlines for a more comfortable experience.

Best time to fly from Portland (PDX) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Portland 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 and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 66.9°F. For better deals, September and October usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $236. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 17 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September and October usually offer good deals with average one-way fares around $236, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: February and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $247.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Portland to Des Moines, with approximately 17 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)Average11$277
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average10$245
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Moderately High11$317
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Moderately High13$281
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average14$271
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average13$261
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Moderately High17$291
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average15$249
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Moderately Low10$236
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average15$236
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Moderately Low13$270
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Moderately Low11$290

*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 Portland (PDX) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Troutdale to Des Moines (TTD-DSM): Located roughly 10 miles from Portland International Airport (PDX), Troutdale Airport (TTD) serves as a convenient departure point.
  • Portland to Marshalltown (PDX-MIW): Marshalltown Municipal Airport (MIW) lies approximately 55 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), connecting travelers to central Iowa.
  • Portland to Fort Dodge (PDX-FOD): Situated around 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) offers an alternative route for those heading to the area.

How to find the best prices for flights from Portland (PDX) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Portland 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 to 8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures, between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m., tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday typically provides cheaper rates, although Friday remains the busiest 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 Portland International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Portland 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $178 and cheap return flights from $350 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $180 and $816, and return flights often range between $378 and $1244. 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Portland (PDX) to Des Moines (DSM), with average return fares around $389. This is about 13% lower than the average price throughout the year, as winter months often see less travel activity. Other cheap months to fly from Portland to Des Moines include September and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter PDX to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Portland (PDX) to Des Moines (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $164. 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best time to fly from Portland, OR (PDX) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) is typically in January or September. During these months, you can find return flights at around $389, making them the cheapest options. January is ideal as it follows the holiday rush, while September offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds, ensuring a more enjoyable travel experience.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Des Moines International (DSM) typically leaves at around 12:05 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in June, providing you with an early start to your travel day. 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
For flights from Portland (PDX) to Des Moines (DSM), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 29% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines and American Airlines, offer flights during this time. This timing is favored as it allows you to start your day early and make the most of your time in Des Moines.
How long does it take to fly from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flights from PDX to DSM with one stop typically take around 8 hours 50 minutes, covering approximately 1,468 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the PDX to DSM route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Portland, OR (PDX-Portland 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 Portland Intl. (PDX)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Portland Intl. (PDX), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Denver Intl. (DEN), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX) 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Portland, OR (PDX-Portland 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Portland, OR (PDX-Portland 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 Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Portland, OR (PDX-Portland 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
Portland Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$350
Distance
1467 mi

Book with confidence

Portland to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $178 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 Portland 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 Portland 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.

 

Portland to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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