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$149 Cheap Flights from Rochester (ROC) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $149 flight on Sat, Nov 7, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Greater Rochester Intl. Airport (ROC) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Rochester to Des Moines (ROC-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $149 for one-way flights and $297 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Tue, Oct 13 - Sat, Oct 17
ROC
Rochester
DSM
Des Moines
$297 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$297
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Rochester to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $297 found 14 hours ago
United
Tue, Oct 13 - Sat, Oct 17
ROC
Rochester
DSM
Des Moines
$297 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$297
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Rochester to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $297 found 14 hours ago
United
Tue, Oct 13 - Sat, Oct 17
ROC
Rochester
DSM
Des Moines
$302 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$302
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Rochester to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $302 found 14 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Mon, Oct 26
ROC
Rochester
DSM
Des Moines
$308 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$308
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from Rochester to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $308 found 1 day ago
United
Sat, Oct 10 - Wed, Oct 14
ROC
Rochester
DSM
Des Moines
$321 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$321
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Rochester to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $321 found 1 day ago
United
Sat, Oct 17 - Mon, Oct 19
ROC
Rochester
DSM
Des Moines
$324 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$324
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Rochester to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $324 found 20 hours ago
United
Tue, Oct 13 - Sat, Oct 17
ROC
Rochester
DSM
Des Moines
$326 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$326
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Rochester to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $326 found 14 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Oct 15 - Sat, Oct 17
ROC
Rochester
DSM
Des Moines
$327 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$327
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Rochester to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $327 found 20 hours ago
United
Thu, Oct 15 - Sat, Oct 17
ROC
Rochester
DSM
Des Moines
$330 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$330
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Rochester to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $330 found 20 hours ago
United
Tue, Oct 13 - Sat, Oct 17
ROC
Rochester
DSM
Des Moines
$333 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$333
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Rochester to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $333 found 14 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 $497
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $497

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

Rochester (ROC) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel between Rochester (ROC) and Des Moines (DSM) with a range of airlines offering convenient routes on this domestic short-haul flight. Evaluate choices from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel aspirations as you delve into the attractions and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Get essential information about flights departing from Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 800 miles (1,290 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $140–$385, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from Rochester to Des Moines. Common layover points include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) offering around a 50-minute stop, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a layover of approximately 1 hour. These options allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the best itinerary for your journey.

  • United: This full-service airline provides a convenient one-stop option, with one-way tickets generally priced between $140 and $400. It represents about 34% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of around 5 hours when including layovers.
  • Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta offers one-stop travel with one-way fares usually ranging from $140 to $385. It accounts for roughly 32% of the departures on this route, with a similar in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in an overall journey time of about 5 hours due to layovers.
  • American Airlines: This full-service carrier provides one-stop service, with one-way fares typically falling between $150 and $355. It makes up approximately 28% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time of around 5 hours, including layover periods.
  • Southwest Airlines: A budget-friendly option, Southwest Airlines offers one-stop service with one-way fares generally ranging from $160 to $380. It accounts for about 6% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey time of approximately 5 hours, factoring in layovers.

Best time to fly from Rochester (ROC) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Rochester to Des Moines are April, May, 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, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $206. Flight availability peaks in August and December, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $206, roughly 21% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $229.
  • Most flight options: August and December have the highest number of flights from Rochester 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)Average7$250
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average8$206
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Low8$334
April50.2°F (10.1°C)High8$248
May61.3°F (16.3°C)High9$270
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Low7$317
July74.8°F (23.8°C)High8$242
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average10$229
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Low7$233
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average9$311
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average9$240
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average10$255

*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 Rochester (ROC) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Buffalo to Des Moines (BUF-DSM): Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is located approximately 56 miles from Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC). On this route, one-way economy ticket prices generally fall between $120 and $360, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can typically choose from one-stop flights, with common layover points at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Major airlines serving this route include Delta and United, and first-class service is also available.

How to find the best prices for flights from Rochester (ROC) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Rochester 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 aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM-12 AM) often provide lower prices, while Morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday tends to be cheaper, although Friday remains the most sought-after 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 Greater Rochester International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Rochester 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $149 and cheap return flights from $297 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $157 to $588, and return flights typically cost between $348 and $895. 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Rochester, NY (ROC) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average round-trip fares around $362. This is about 10% lower than the average price throughout the year, as January typically sees a drop in travel demand after the holiday season. Other cheap months to fly from Rochester to Des Moines include February and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter ROC to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Greater Rochester Intl. (ROC) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $206.00 with a layover in Logan Intl. (BOS). 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The ideal months to fly from Rochester, NY (ROC) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) are January and February. You can expect return flights to be around $362 during these months, which are the cheapest times to travel. January is great for avoiding peak travel times, while February offers a chance to enjoy winter activities in Iowa.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from ROC to DSM. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Greater Rochester Intl. (ROC) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 35% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta, United and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying from ROC to DSM with a connection usually takes about 5 hours, traveling roughly 823 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from ROC to DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester 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 Greater Rochester Intl. (ROC)?
From Greater Rochester Intl. (ROC), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI), Liberty Intl. (EWR), Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester 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
Greater Rochester Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$296
Distance
822 mi

Book with confidence

Rochester to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $149 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 Rochester 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 Rochester 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.

 

Rochester to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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