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$143 Cheap Flights from Sacramento (SMF) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $143 flight on Fri, Oct 9, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Sacramento to Des Moines (SMF-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $143 for one-way flights and $314 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 25 - Mon, Sep 28
SMF
Sacramento
DSM
Des Moines
$314 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$314
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Sacramento to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $314 found 4 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 9 - Tue, Oct 13
SMF
Sacramento
DSM
Des Moines
$321 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$321
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from Sacramento to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 13, priced at $321 found 2 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 12 - Thu, Oct 15
SMF
Sacramento
DSM
Des Moines
$321 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$321
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 12 from Sacramento to Des Moines, returning Thu, Oct 15, priced at $321 found 3 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Mon, Oct 5
SMF
Sacramento
DSM
Des Moines
$325 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from Sacramento to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $325 found 2 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Sep 28 - Thu, Oct 1
SMF
Sacramento
DSM
Des Moines
$326 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$326
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Sep 28 from Sacramento to Des Moines, returning Thu, Oct 1, priced at $326 found 4 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 18 - Mon, Sep 28
SMF
Sacramento
DSM
Des Moines
$335 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$335
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 18 from Sacramento to Des Moines, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $335 found 2 days ago
United
Tue, Oct 6 - Wed, Oct 7
SMF
Sacramento
DSM
Des Moines
$350 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$350
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 6 from Sacramento to Des Moines, returning Wed, Oct 7, priced at $350 found 4 days ago
Delta
Mon, Oct 12 - Thu, Oct 15
SMF
Sacramento
DSM
Des Moines
$355 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$355
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Oct 12 from Sacramento to Des Moines, returning Thu, Oct 15, priced at $355 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Dec 15 - Wed, Dec 16
SMF
Sacramento
DSM
Des Moines
$376 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$376
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Dec 15 from Sacramento to Des Moines, returning Wed, Dec 16, priced at $376 found 3 days ago
American Airlines
Sat, Nov 21 - Mon, Nov 23
SMF
Sacramento
DSM
Des Moines
$383 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$383
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Nov 21 from Sacramento to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 23, priced at $383 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 $577
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $577

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

Sacramento (SMF) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel between Sacramento (SMF) and Des Moines (DSM) with a selection of airlines catering to this domestic short-haul route. Discover cheap flights from Sacramento and low fares from Sacramento by comparing options from both full-service and budget carriers. This way, you can find the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule while exploring the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Des Moines. Here, you can find essential details for flights from Sacramento International Airport to Des Moines International Airport.

  • 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 11 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $135–$495, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Sacramento to Des Moines are often selected for their one-stop services, with popular layover options at Denver International Airport (DEN, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX, around 55 minutes), and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW, about 1 hour 30 minutes). These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class while crafting the ideal itinerary.

  • United: As a comprehensive airline offering one-stop service, United accounts for about 34% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally fall between $160 and $520, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes (including layover).
  • American Airlines: This full-service carrier, providing one-stop flights, represents about 29% of departures for this route. One-way ticket prices typically range from $150 to $485, featuring an in-flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a complete journey time of around 5 hours and 45 minutes (layover included).
  • Southwest Airlines: A budget-friendly option, Southwest Airlines offers one-stop services and is responsible for roughly 19% of departures on this route. One-way fares usually range from $150 to $505, with an in-flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes, culminating in a total travel duration of about 5 hours and 45 minutes (including layover).
  • Delta: Representing around 11% of departures, Delta is a full-service airline offering one-stop journeys. One-way fares are commonly priced between $150 and $590, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, leading to an overall travel time of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes (layover factored in).
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost carrier provides one-stop services and accounts for about 7% of departures on this route. One-way fares are typically between $135 and $295, featuring an in-flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes, with a total journey time of roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes (including layover).

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Sacramento to Des Moines by upgrading to first class with United, which provides premium service on this route.

Best time to fly from Sacramento (SMF) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Sacramento to Des Moines are March, June, and October, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 71.8°F in June. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 73.4°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $239. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 15 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and December have the fewest flights, with approximately 9 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $239, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: September, April, and July typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $242 to $261.
  • Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Sacramento 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)Average9$263
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Slightly Low10$275
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Slightly High12$309
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Average10$253
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average14$273
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Slightly High13$288
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Average12$261
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Slightly Low11$261
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Average13$242
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Slightly High15$239
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average12$321
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Slightly Low9$297

*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 Sacramento (SMF) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Sacramento to Des Moines (SAC-DSM): Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) is located approximately 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF), making it a convenient choice for travelers.
  • Sacramento to Fort Dodge (SMF-FOD): Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) lies about 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), presenting a viable option for those heading to Fort Dodge.
  • Sacramento to Fort Dodge (SAC-FOD): Located roughly 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) offers easy access, while Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is situated around 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

How to find the best prices for flights from Sacramento (SMF) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Sacramento 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 at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book within two to eight weeks. Afternoon departures, from 12 PM to 6 PM, often offer lower prices, while morning flights, between 5 AM and 12 PM, are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Sunday provides both cheaper fares and is 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 Sacramento International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $143 and cheap return flights from $314 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $195 to $699, and return flights typically cost between $374 and $1124. 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Sacramento, CA (SMF) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average round-trip fares around $397. This price is about 10% lower than the average throughout the year, as demand tends to drop after the holiday season. Other affordable months to consider are March and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter SMF to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Sacramento, CA (SMF) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $258 with a layover in Harry Reid Intl. (LAS). 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best time to fly from Sacramento to Des Moines is typically in January or March. During these months, you can find return flights for around $397, making them the cheapest options. January is ideal as it follows the holiday rush, while March offers a pleasant spring atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy your trip without the crowds.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Sacramento (Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines (Des Moines Intl.) usually departs at around 12:30 AM local time, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in April, giving you a chance to arrive in Des Moines early and enjoy a full day ahead. 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Sacramento (SMF) to Des Moines (DSM) are from 6am to 9am. About 42% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it lets you start your day early and arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to enjoy the day.
How long does it take to fly from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying from SMF to DSM with a connection usually takes about 5 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 1,483 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the SMF to DSM route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento Intl. (SMF)?
If you're planning to travel to Des Moines from Sacramento Intl. (SMF), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX) 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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
Sacramento Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$314
Distance
1482 mi

Book with confidence

Sacramento to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $143 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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.

 

Sacramento to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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