A modern building with a glass dome, surrounded by lush gardens and a clear blue sky with clouds.

$198 Cheap Flights from San Jose (SJC) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $198 flight on Wed, Nov 18, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

  • Be in the know

    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*

  • Book smarter

    Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*

  • Earn twice

    Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash
    Learn about One Key

Cheap Flights from San Jose to Des Moines (SJC-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $198 for one-way flights and $369 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Wed, Oct 28 - Mon, Nov 2
SJC
San Jose
DSM
Des Moines
$369 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$369
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from San Jose to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $369 found 3 days ago
Delta
Sat, Oct 3 - Mon, Oct 5
SJC
San Jose
DSM
Des Moines
$369 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$369
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Oct 3 from San Jose to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $369 found 2 days ago
United
Thu, Oct 29 - Sat, Oct 31
SJC
San Jose
DSM
Des Moines
$369 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$369
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from San Jose to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $369 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Oct 28 - Mon, Nov 2
SJC
San Jose
DSM
Des Moines
$369 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$369
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from San Jose to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $369 found 3 days ago
United
Wed, Oct 28 - Mon, Nov 2
SJC
San Jose
DSM
Des Moines
$374 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$374
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from San Jose to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $374 found 3 days ago
United
Wed, Dec 2 - Wed, Dec 9
SJC
San Jose
DSM
Des Moines
$379 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$379
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Dec 2 from San Jose to Des Moines, returning Wed, Dec 9, priced at $379 found 4 days ago
United
Thu, Oct 29 - Sat, Oct 31
SJC
San Jose
DSM
Des Moines
$381 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$381
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from San Jose to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $381 found 2 days ago
United
Thu, Oct 29 - Sat, Oct 31
SJC
San Jose
DSM
Des Moines
$386 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$386
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from San Jose to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $386 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 3 - Mon, Oct 5
SJC
San Jose
DSM
Des Moines
$389 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$389
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 3 from San Jose to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $389 found 2 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Thu, Nov 12 - Mon, Nov 16
SJC
San Jose
DSM
Des Moines
$577 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$577
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 12 from San Jose to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $577 found 12 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 $617
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $617

What you need to know for your flight from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

San Jose (SJC) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from San Jose (SJC) to Des Moines (DSM) on this domestic short-haul route. You can choose between full-service and budget carriers to find options that suit your travel plans and budget. As you prepare to discover the notable sights and neighborhoods of Des Moines, gather essential information for your journey from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

  • Fastest (typical) 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 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $145–$505, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines for flights from San Jose to Des Moines, primarily selected for their one-stop services. Common layover locations include Denver International Airport (DEN) with a typical layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) at around 55 minutes, and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. These options provide the flexibility to choose based on price, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.

  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices usually between $145 and $505. Southwest handles about 31% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time that roughly totals 5 hours and 45 minutes, including a layover.
  • American Airlines: A comprehensive airline that offers one-stop flights, American Airlines has one-way fares generally ranging from $150 to $495. It represents close to 27% of the flights on this route, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes, making the overall journey time around 5 hours and 45 minutes, inclusive of a layover.
  • United: As a full-service airline also providing one-stop options, United's one-way fares typically fall between $150 and $690. It covers around 25% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of about 5 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • Delta: This full-service airline offers one-stop service, with one-way fares usually ranging from $145 to $545. Delta accounts for approximately 17% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey time of roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.

Best time to fly from San Jose (SJC) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Jose to Des Moines are July, August, and October, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 74.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider February, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 24.1°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $245). Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. March, April, May, and December have the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $245, roughly 17% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: May typically offers an average one-way fare of around $258.
  • Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from San Jose 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)Average9$275
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Moderately Low9$245
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Average8$382
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Average8$296
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Moderately Low8$258
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average9$294
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Moderately High9$305
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Moderately High9$289
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average9$276
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Moderately High10$332
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Moderately Low9$328
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average8$281

*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 San Jose (SJC) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Oakland to Des Moines (OAK-DSM): Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located approximately 28 miles from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). One-way economy ticket prices for this route generally fall between $185 and $485, varying with the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both one-stop and multi-stop flight options, with common layovers at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Major airlines operating on this route include Southwest Airlines, a budget-friendly choice, and Delta. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Jose (SJC) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Jose 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 at least 2 months in advance, although most travelers tend to book 2-8 weeks ahead. Afternoon departures (12pm-6pm) generally offer lower prices, while Morning flights (5am-12pm) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday provides both cost savings and is the most favored 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 Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from San Jose 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 San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $198 and cheap return flights from $369 San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $213 to $1081, and return flights typically cost between $379 and $1320. 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 San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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 San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
August is the cheapest month to fly from San Jose, CA (SJC) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average return fares around $391. This price is about 21% lower than the average throughout the year, as summer travel often sees a decrease in demand. Other budget-friendly months include March and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter SJC to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. (SJC) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM) with a layover in San Diego Intl. (SAN), with round-trip tickets starting from around $677. 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 San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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 San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best time to fly from San Jose (SJC) to Des Moines (DSM) is in August or March. August offers return flights at around $391, making it a great time to travel during the summer. March is also a popular month, providing a chance to enjoy the early spring weather in Des Moines.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) usually departs at 5:45 AM, operated by Delta. This seasonal service is available in June and December, making it perfect for early travelers looking to reach Des Moines in the morning. 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 San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. (SJC) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 50% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. Many travelers prefer this because it allows for a full day upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying from SJC to DSM with a connection usually takes about 5 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 1,529 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 San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can fly first class between SJC and DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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 Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. (SJC)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. (SJC), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Harry Reid Intl. (LAS), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) 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 San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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 San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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 San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$368
Distance
1528 mi

Book with confidence

San Jose to Des Moines Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from San Jose to Des Moines

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $198 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 San Jose 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 San Jose 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.

 

San Jose to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

Explore a world of travel with Expedia