$117 Cheap Flights from Tulsa (TUL) to Des Moines (DSM)
Popular airlines from Tulsa International Airport (TUL) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
DeltaDelta
UnitedUnited
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Cheap Flights from Tulsa to Des Moines (TUL-DSM)
Alternative airports near Des Moines
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Find the cheapest month to fly from Tulsa (TUL) to Des Moines (DSM)
February is typically the cheapest month to flyFebruary is typically the cheapest month to fly
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Tulsa (TUL) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance
Travel between Tulsa (TUL) and Des Moines (DSM) with a range of airlines offering convenient options on this domestic short-haul route. You can explore weekly flights from Tulsa to Des Moines, comparing both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the best fit for your itinerary, budget, and schedule. Get ready to uncover the highlights of Des Moines as you plan your next flight from Tulsa International Airport to Des Moines International Airport.
- Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 400 miles (645 km)
- Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $110–$405, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Tulsa International Airport (TUL) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from Tulsa to Des Moines, often selected for their one-stop services. Popular layover airports include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with approximately a 1 hour 30 minute layover, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offering around a 1 hour layover, and Denver International Airport (DEN) with about a 2 hour 15 minute layover. These options allow you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best travel experience.
- American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop options, with typical one-way fares between $115 and $420. It represents around 49% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and an overall travel time of approximately 5 hours, including layover.
- United: As another full-service carrier, United offers one-stop service with one-way ticket prices generally ranging from $125 to $380. It accounts for roughly 34% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey duration of about 5 hours, factoring in layover.
- Southwest Airlines: This low-cost airline provides one-stop service, with one-way fares usually falling between $155 and $445. It makes up about 13% of departures on this route, featuring a flying time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of around 5 hours, including layover.
Alternative route from Tulsa (TUL) to Des Moines (DSM)
- Tulsa to Des Moines (RVS-DSM): Richard Lloyd Jones Jr Airport (RVS) lies approximately 12 miles from Tulsa International Airport (TUL), providing convenient access for travelers heading to Des Moines.
How to find the best prices for flights from Tulsa (TUL) to Des Moines (DSM)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Tulsa to Des Moines is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, yet most travelers tend to book within 2 weeks. Afternoon departures between 12pm and 6pm often provide lower prices, while morning flights from 5am to 12pm are more popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday offers both better prices and popularity among travelers.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 Tulsa International Airport
Des Moines welcomes travelers from Tulsa 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.
Tulsa to Des Moines Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Tulsa 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 Tulsa to Des Moines are during the month of February. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Tulsa to Des Moines with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Tulsa to Des Moines
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Tulsa 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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $117 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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $117 and cheap return flights $249 Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $250 and $976, and return flights often range between $330 and $1317. 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 Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa 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 Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from TUL to DSM is February 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 Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter TUL to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa 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 Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa 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.
What is the earliest flight from Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in March, allowing you to make the most of your day 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 Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Tulsa (TUL) to Des Moines (DSM) are in the morning, from 6am to 9am. About 32% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored because it lets you arrive in Des Moines with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
A flight from TUL to DSM with a layover takes around 6 hours 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 388 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 Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from TUL to DSM. First class cabins are available on:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
How do I earn miles on a Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa 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 Tulsa Intl. (TUL)?
From Tulsa Intl. (TUL), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW), Love Field (DAL) 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 Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa 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 Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa 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 Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Tulsa, OK (TUL-Tulsa 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 | Tulsa International Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Des Moines International Airport |
Distance | 388 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta, United |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $249 |