San Francisco (SFO) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel to Des Moines (DSM) from San Francisco (SFO) with a selection of airlines offering diverse options on this short domestic route. You can choose between full-service and budget-friendly carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans. As you plan your visit, take the opportunity to explore the highlights and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Here are the essential details for flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

• Fastest flight duration: around 4h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,600 miles (2,570 km)
• Flights per week: around 12 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$530, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from San Francisco to Des Moines, favored for their one-stop services. Common layover points include Denver International Airport (DEN) with an approximate 1 hour and 15 minute layover, Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) at around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), also about 1 hour and 30 minutes. These options allow you to tailor your journey by balancing cost, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.

• American Airlines: As a full-service airline, American Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally falling between $155 and $530. It represents around 35% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes, and a complete travel time of approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• United: Offering a full-service experience, United Airlines features one-stop flights with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from $175 to $560. This carrier accounts for nearly 27% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey duration of about 6 hours and 15 minutes, including a layover.
• Southwest Airlines: A budget-friendly option, Southwest Airlines provides one-stop service, with one-way fares usually between $120 and $475. This airline makes up around 19% of the flight departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and 45 minutes, and a total travel duration of roughly 6 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in a layover.
• Delta: Delta, a full-service airline, offers one-stop service with one-way fares ranging from $130 to $805. It constitutes about 11% of the departures on this route, featuring a flight time of 4 hours and 45 minutes, alongside a total journey time of approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• Frontier Airlines: As a low-cost airline, Frontier Airlines offers one-stop service with one-way fares typically between $120 and $265. This carrier accounts for around 8% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of about 6 hours and 15 minutes, including a layover.

Travelers flying from San Francisco to Des Moines have the option to upgrade their flight, with Delta providing first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Des Moines are March, April, and June, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 71.8°F in June. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 53.2°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $238. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 17 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 10 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $238, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: July typically offers an average one-way fare of around $247.
• Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Des Moines, with approximately 17 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

Month	Temperature	Demand	Weekly Flights	Average one-way Fare
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	Average	10	$304
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	Average	12	$299
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Moderately High	11	$364
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Moderately High	11	$302
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Average	13	$287
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Moderately High	17	$274
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Average	15	$247
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Average	12	$275
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Average	11	$238
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Moderately Low	13	$269
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Moderately Low	13	$284
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Moderately Low	11	$274

*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 San Francisco (SFO) to Des Moines (DSM)

• Oakland to Des Moines (OAK-DSM): Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). One-way economy fares for this route generally fall between $185 and $485, influenced by the season and time of booking. Flights on this route typically include both one-stop and multi-stop options, with common layover points at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Major airlines servicing this route are Southwest Airlines (a budget carrier) and Delta, with first class service also available.
• San Jose to Des Moines (SJC-DSM): Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is situated around 30 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). One-way economy fares for this journey usually range from $145 to $505, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. This route is primarily served by one-stop flights, featuring popular layovers at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Key airlines on this route include Southwest Airlines (low-cost carrier) and American Airlines, with first class options also available.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco 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 aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5am and 12pm typically offer lower prices and are also the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Monday generally provides cheaper options, while Thursday 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 San Francisco International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from San Francisco 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.