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$163 Cheap Flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $163 flight on Tue, Sep 1, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Raleigh to Des Moines (RDU-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $163 for one-way flights and $284 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

United
Fri, Sep 11 - Sat, Sep 12
RDU
Raleigh
DSM
Des Moines
$284 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$284
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Raleigh to Des Moines, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $284 found 3 days ago
United
Wed, Oct 14 - Mon, Oct 19
RDU
Raleigh
DSM
Des Moines
$290 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$290
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from Raleigh to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $290 found 5 days ago
United
Thu, Oct 22 - Sat, Oct 24
RDU
Raleigh
DSM
Des Moines
$293 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$293
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Raleigh to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $293 found 5 days ago
United
Tue, Sep 29 - Fri, Oct 2
RDU
Raleigh
DSM
Des Moines
$294 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$294
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Sep 29 from Raleigh to Des Moines, returning Fri, Oct 2, priced at $294 found 3 days ago
United
Thu, Oct 15 - Mon, Oct 19
RDU
Raleigh
DSM
Des Moines
$297 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$297
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Raleigh to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $297 found 5 days ago
United
Thu, Oct 15 - Mon, Oct 19
RDU
Raleigh
DSM
Des Moines
$302 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$302
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Raleigh to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $302 found 5 days ago
American Airlines
Tue, Jan 12 - Tue, Jan 19
RDU
Raleigh
DSM
Des Moines
$325 Roundtrip, just found
$325
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Jan 12 from Raleigh to Des Moines, returning Tue, Jan 19, priced at $325 just found
Delta
Tue, Jan 12 - Tue, Jan 19
RDU
Raleigh
DSM
Des Moines
$325 Roundtrip, just found
$325
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Jan 12 from Raleigh to Des Moines, returning Tue, Jan 19, priced at $325 just found
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Nov 9 - Mon, Nov 16
RDU
Raleigh
DSM
Des Moines
$325 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 9 from Raleigh to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $325 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Sep 6 - Thu, Sep 10
RDU
Raleigh
DSM
Des Moines
$328 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$328
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Sep 6 from Raleigh to Des Moines, returning Thu, Sep 10, priced at $328 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 $412
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $412

Find the cheapest month to fly from Raleigh (RDU) to Des Moines (DSM)

March is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $205 - $518 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Raleigh - Durham Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

Raleigh (RDU) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel between Raleigh (RDU) and Des Moines (DSM) with a selection of airlines catering to this short domestic route. Choose from both full-service and budget-friendly carriers to discover the best itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel plans. As you prepare to explore the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Des Moines, gather essential information about flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

  • Fastest 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 12 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$430, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Raleigh - Durham International Airport (RDU) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Raleigh to Des Moines, primarily for their one-stop options. Popular layover airports include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with around a 1 hour 15 minute layover, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) with a brief layover of about 55 minutes. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to find your ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop travel options, with one-way fares generally between $135 and $430. It represents around 44% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 5 hours, including layover.
  • Delta: As another full-service carrier, Delta offers one-stop service with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from $120 to $445. It accounts for about 27% of the flights on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey of roughly 5 hours, including layovers.
  • Southwest Airlines: This low-cost carrier provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually between $120 and $425. Southwest makes up around 16% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of close to 5 hours, factoring in layovers.
  • United: United is a full-service airline offering one-stop service, with one-way fares that typically range from $135 to $535. It comprises about 14% of the flights on this route, with a flying time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in an overall journey time of approximately 5 hours, including layover.

Travelers have the option to upgrade their flight from Raleigh to Des Moines, with Delta providing both first-class and premium economy service on this route.

Best time to fly from Raleigh (RDU) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Raleigh to Des Moines are April, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 74.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 21.7°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $204. Flight availability peaks in July and August, with approximately 15 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 $204, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: September and April typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $207 to $223.
  • Most flight options: July and August have the highest number of flights from Raleigh to Des Moines, with approximately 15 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)Slightly Low9$230
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Slightly Low9$240
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Average12$282
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Slightly High11$223
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average14$243
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average12$236
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Slightly High15$226
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Slightly High15$204
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average13$207
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Slightly Low13$247
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average12$236
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average13$254

*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 Raleigh (RDU) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Greensboro to Des Moines (GSO-DSM): Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is located approximately 66 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). One-way economy prices for this route generally fall between $125 and $390, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Flights typically involve one stop, with common layover spots being Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Major airlines serving this route include Delta and American Airlines, with first-class service also offered.
  • Fayetteville to Des Moines (FAY-DSM): Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) is about 61 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). For this route, one-way economy fares usually range from $160 to $505, varying based on seasonality and booking timing. Similar to the Greensboro route, it typically features one-stop flights, with popular layovers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). Delta and American Airlines are the leading carriers for this journey, and first-class service is also available.

How to find the best prices for flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Raleigh 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 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM to 12 AM) often provide lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are the most sought after. Additionally, flying on Mondays typically offers better deals, whereas Fridays are the most popular travel days.
  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 Raleigh - Durham International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Raleigh with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Raleigh - Durham International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 15 miles) from central Raleigh. 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $163 and cheap return flights from $284 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $193 and $689, and return flights often range between $327 and $1056. 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average return fares around $321. This is about 21% lower than the average price throughout the year, as September often has less travel activity after the summer. Other affordable months to consider are April and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter RDU to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Des Moines (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $266. 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
When flying from Raleigh (RDU) to Des Moines (DSM), September and August are your best options. With average return flight prices around $321 in September, it's a great time to travel as summer crowds diminish, while August remains popular for those looking to enjoy the last bits of summer.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in November, and an early departure can help you 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
For flights from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 29% of passengers prefer this time window. Major carriers like American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it helps you maximize your day upon arrival in Des Moines.
How long does it take to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
A flight from RDU to DSM with a layover takes around 5 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 890 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can fly first class between RDU and DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU)?
From Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Liberty Intl. (EWR), 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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
Raleigh - Durham Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$284
Distance
889 mi

Book with confidence

Raleigh to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $163 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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.

 

Raleigh to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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