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$136 Cheap Flights from St. Louis (STL) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $136 flight on Tue, Dec 1, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from St. Louis Lambert Intl. Airport (STL) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from St. Louis to Des Moines (STL-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $136 for one-way flights and $271 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Tue, Oct 6
STL
St. Louis
DSM
Des Moines
$271 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$271
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from St. Louis to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $271 found 14 hours ago
Delta
Sat, Sep 12 - Wed, Sep 16
STL
St. Louis
DSM
Des Moines
$271 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$271
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Sep 12 from St. Louis to Des Moines, returning Wed, Sep 16, priced at $271 found 1 day ago
United
Mon, Oct 5 - Tue, Oct 6
STL
St. Louis
DSM
Des Moines
$271 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$271
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from St. Louis to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $271 found 14 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Tue, Oct 6
STL
St. Louis
DSM
Des Moines
$271 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$271
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from St. Louis to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $271 found 14 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Tue, Oct 6
STL
St. Louis
DSM
Des Moines
$276 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$276
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from St. Louis to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $276 found 14 hours ago
United
Tue, Oct 13 - Thu, Oct 15
STL
St. Louis
DSM
Des Moines
$279 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$279
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from St. Louis to Des Moines, returning Thu, Oct 15, priced at $279 found 2 days ago
United
Mon, Oct 5 - Tue, Oct 6
STL
St. Louis
DSM
Des Moines
$281 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$281
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from St. Louis to Des Moines, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $281 found 14 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
STL
St. Louis
DSM
Des Moines
$282 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$282
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from St. Louis to Des Moines, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $282 found 2 days ago
United
Mon, Nov 9 - Wed, Nov 11
STL
St. Louis
DSM
Des Moines
$285 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$285
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, Nov 9 from St. Louis to Des Moines, returning Wed, Nov 11, priced at $285 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Sep 18 - Wed, Sep 23
STL
St. Louis
DSM
Des Moines
$285 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$285
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 18 from St. Louis to Des Moines, returning Wed, Sep 23, priced at $285 found 20 hours ago

Find the cheapest month to fly from St. Louis (STL) to Des Moines (DSM)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $149 - $328 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Lambert-St. Louis Intl. to Des Moines Intl.

St. Louis (STL) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel between St. Louis (STL) and Des Moines (DSM) with a selection of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Discover cheap flights from St. Louis and compare options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to find an itinerary that suits your budget and schedule. With the flight time being relatively short, you’ll be well on your way to exploring the highlights and neighborhoods of Des Moines in no time. Get ready for your journey from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 250 miles (400 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $50–$360, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for journeys from St. Louis to Des Moines, particularly for non-stop and one-stop flights. Popular layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with about a 45-minute layover, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with a roughly 1-hour layover. These choices allow you to customize your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class.

  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly fares, Southwest provides non-stop flights with one-way prices generally between $50 and $360. It dominates this route with about 57% of total departures, and the entire travel duration is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline offers one-stop flights with typical one-way fares ranging from $80 to $315. Accounting for approximately 17% of the route's departures, travelers can expect about 3 hours of flying time, culminating in a total journey of roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Delta: As another full-service option, Delta features one-stop services with one-way ticket prices usually between $85 and $310. It makes up about 14% of the departures for this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a comprehensive travel time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • United: United Airlines is also a full-service carrier that offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically ranging from $90 to $410. Representing around 12% of the route’s departures, the in-flight experience lasts about 3 hours, leading to a total journey time of roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes when including the layover.

Best time to fly from St. Louis (STL) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from St. Louis to Des Moines are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 74.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 21.7°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $164). Flight availability peaks in November, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: January usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $164, roughly 22% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: October typically offers an average one-way fare of around $181.
  • Most flight options: November has the highest number of flights from St. Louis 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)Low7$164
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)Average7$230
March39.6°F (4.2°C)High7$221
April50.2°F (10.1°C)High8$214
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Average8$210
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Average8$309
July74.8°F (23.8°C)High8$210
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average8$192
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Low7$188
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average8$181
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average10$227
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Low9$187

*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 St. Louis (STL) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • St. Louis to Des Moines (SUS-DSM): Located approximately 16 miles from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), Spirit of St. Louis Airport (SUS) provides a convenient departure point for travelers.

How to find the best prices for flights from St. Louis (STL) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from St. Louis 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 to 8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday provides both cheaper rates and high demand.
  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 Lambert-St. Louis International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $136 and cheap return flights from $271 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $126 and $593, and roundtrip flights usually range from $289 to $903. 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from STL to DSM is October 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter STL to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $134. 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis 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 airline to fly with from St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from St. Louis, MO (STL) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, WN offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, WN typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from St. Louis to Des Moines, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis 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.
How many flights per day from St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can find approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) generally departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in November, making it a good choice for early travelers. An early flight can help you 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from St. Louis (STL) to Des Moines (DSM) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 29% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from STL to DSM takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 259 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 5 hours longer than direct options. 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
You can fly first class between STL and DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines

How do I earn miles on a St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis 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 Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL)?
From Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field (UIN), Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL), Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National (ICT) 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your St. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis 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
Lambert-St. Louis Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$270
Distance
259 mi

Book with confidence

St. Louis to Des Moines Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from St. Louis to Des Moines

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $136 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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.

 

St. Louis to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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