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$178 Cheap Flights from Richmond (RIC) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $178 flight on Fri, Oct 23, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Richmond Intl. Airport (RIC) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Richmond to Des Moines (RIC-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $178 for one-way flights and $325 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Wed, Nov 18 - Thu, Nov 26
RIC
Richmond
DSM
Des Moines
$325 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 18 from Richmond to Des Moines, returning Thu, Nov 26, priced at $325 found 22 hours ago
United
Wed, Nov 18 - Thu, Nov 26
RIC
Richmond
DSM
Des Moines
$325 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Nov 18 from Richmond to Des Moines, returning Thu, Nov 26, priced at $325 found 22 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 11 - Sat, Nov 14
RIC
Richmond
DSM
Des Moines
$330 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$330
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 11 from Richmond to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 14, priced at $330 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 18 - Thu, Nov 26
RIC
Richmond
DSM
Des Moines
$335 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$335
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 18 from Richmond to Des Moines, returning Thu, Nov 26, priced at $335 found 22 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 11 - Sat, Nov 14
RIC
Richmond
DSM
Des Moines
$335 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$335
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 11 from Richmond to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 14, priced at $335 found 1 day ago
Delta
Wed, Nov 18 - Thu, Nov 26
RIC
Richmond
DSM
Des Moines
$345 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$345
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Nov 18 from Richmond to Des Moines, returning Thu, Nov 26, priced at $345 found 22 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Nov 9 - Fri, Nov 13
RIC
Richmond
DSM
Des Moines
$345 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$345
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 9 from Richmond to Des Moines, returning Fri, Nov 13, priced at $345 found 2 days ago
United
Wed, Nov 18 - Thu, Nov 26
RIC
Richmond
DSM
Des Moines
$346 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$346
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Nov 18 from Richmond to Des Moines, returning Thu, Nov 26, priced at $346 found 22 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Nov 12 - Mon, Nov 16
RIC
Richmond
DSM
Des Moines
$349 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$349
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 12 from Richmond to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $349 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 18 - Fri, Nov 27
RIC
Richmond
DSM
Des Moines
$350 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$350
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 18 from Richmond to Des Moines, returning Fri, Nov 27, priced at $350 found 1 day 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 $497
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $497

Find the cheapest month to fly from Richmond (RIC) to Des Moines (DSM)

October is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $254 - $403 per traveler.

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

Richmond (RIC) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Explore a range of flights from Richmond (RIC) to Des Moines (DSM) on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or full-service airlines, you can compare various itineraries to find the best fit for your travel plans, schedule, and budget. As you prepare to uncover the attractions and neighborhoods of Des Moines, be sure to check out the key details for flights from Richmond International Airport to Des Moines International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 900 miles (1,450 km)
  • Flights per week: around 10 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 Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from Richmond to Des Moines. Popular layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with an approximately 1h 15m stop, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) at about 1h 30m, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a 1-hour layover. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to craft the ideal itinerary for your journey.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, featuring one-way fares generally falling between $120 and $365. It represents about 39% of departures along this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and a total travel time of roughly 5 hours and 15 minutes, including a layover.
  • Delta: Another full-service option, Delta also offers one-stop service, with one-way fares typically ranging from $120 to $440. Accounting for around 37% of departures on this route, passengers can anticipate an in-flight time of 4 hours and an overall journey duration of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in a layover.
  • United: As a full-service carrier, United presents one-stop flights with one-way fares usually between $150 and $460. This airline comprises roughly 22% of departures for this route, featuring a flight time of 4 hours and a total journey time of about 5 hours and 15 minutes, including a layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: Offering a budget-friendly option, Southwest Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $135 to $275. It represents about 2% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and a total travel time of around 5 hours and 15 minutes, including a layover.

Best time to fly from Richmond (RIC) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Richmond to Des Moines are June, July, and October, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 74.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 40.5°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $216. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 13 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. March has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $216, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: October, August, and April typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $218 to $229.
  • Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Richmond to Des Moines, with approximately 13 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)Low8$252
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average8$313
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Low7$339
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Average8$229
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average9$216
June71.8°F (22.1°C)High13$251
July74.8°F (23.8°C)High11$234
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average11$228
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average11$249
October53.2°F (11.8°C)High9$218
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Low9$247
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average11$242

*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 Richmond (RIC) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Richmond to Marshalltown (RIC-MIW): Located approximately 55 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Marshalltown Municipal Airport (MIW) serves as a convenient travel point.
  • Richmond to Fort Dodge (RIC-FOD): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is about 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), providing access to this central Iowa destination.

How to find the best prices for flights from Richmond (RIC) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Richmond 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. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often offer better prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally provides cheaper options, though 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 Richmond International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Richmond with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Richmond International Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 9 miles) from central Richmond. 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $178 and cheap return flights from $325 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $181 and $620, and return flights often range between $353 and $1145. 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from RIC to DSM is November 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter RIC to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Richmond Intl. (RIC) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $611 with a layover in Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI). 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond 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.
What is the earliest flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Richmond (RIC) to Des Moines (DSM) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in August, making it a good option if you're traveling during that month. An early departure allows you to 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) are also in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 35% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta, United Airlines and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Des Moines with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying from RIC to DSM with a connection usually takes about 4 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 911 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the RIC to DSM route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond 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 Richmond Intl. (RIC)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Richmond Intl. (RIC), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), Liberty Intl. (EWR), Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI) 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond 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
Richmond Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$324
Distance
911 mi

Book with confidence

Richmond to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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.

 

Richmond to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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