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$170 Cheap Flights from Tucson (TUS) to Des Moines (DSM)

View $170 flight on Thu, Nov 12, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Tucson International Airport (TUS) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

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Cheap Flights from Tucson to Des Moines (TUS-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $170 for one-way flights and $349 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Delta
Tue, Oct 27 - Sat, Oct 31
TUS
Tucson
DSM
Des Moines
$349 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$349
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Oct 27 from Tucson to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $349 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Nov 19 - Mon, Nov 23
TUS
Tucson
DSM
Des Moines
$359 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$359
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 19 from Tucson to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 23, priced at $359 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
TUS
Tucson
DSM
Des Moines
$376 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$376
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from Tucson to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $376 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Nov 19 - Mon, Nov 23
TUS
Tucson
DSM
Des Moines
$381 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$381
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 19 from Tucson to Des Moines, returning Mon, Nov 23, priced at $381 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Tue, Oct 20 - Sat, Oct 24
TUS
Tucson
DSM
Des Moines
$391 Roundtrip, found 16 hours ago
$391
Roundtrip
found 16 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Tucson to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $391 found 16 hours ago
United
Tue, Nov 10 - Sat, Nov 14
TUS
Tucson
DSM
Des Moines
$391 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$391
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Nov 10 from Tucson to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 14, priced at $391 found 9 hours ago
United
Tue, Nov 10 - Sat, Nov 14
TUS
Tucson
DSM
Des Moines
$396 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$396
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Nov 10 from Tucson to Des Moines, returning Sat, Nov 14, priced at $396 found 9 hours ago
American Airlines
Sat, Nov 7 - Wed, Nov 11
TUS
Tucson
DSM
Des Moines
$403 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$403
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Nov 7 from Tucson to Des Moines, returning Wed, Nov 11, priced at $403 found 11 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Mon, Oct 26
TUS
Tucson
DSM
Des Moines
$403 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$403
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from Tucson to Des Moines, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $403 found 3 hours ago
United
Thu, Oct 8 - Sat, Oct 17
TUS
Tucson
DSM
Des Moines
$403 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$403
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from Tucson to Des Moines, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $403 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 $537
DSM
Des Moines Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center10 min
Flights from $537

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

Tucson (TUS) to Des Moines (DSM) at a glance

Travel between Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Des Moines International Airport (DSM) with a range of airlines offering convenient options on this domestic short-haul route. Explore various choices, whether you prefer full-service carriers or budget-friendly options, to secure the best itinerary for your schedule and budget. Take advantage of the opportunity to discover the sights and neighborhoods of Des Moines while finding the right flights from Tucson to Des Moines that meet your travel needs.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,200 miles (1,930 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $105–$430, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Tucson International Airport (TUS) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Tucson to Des Moines, primarily offering one-stop service. Popular layovers include Denver International Airport (DEN) with an average layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), also around 1 hour and 15 minutes. This variety allows you to compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to find the ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: As a comprehensive airline, American Airlines provides one-stop services with one-way ticket prices generally between $140 and $520. It operates around 51% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
  • United: This full-service airline, United, offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically from $150 to $510. It is responsible for about 24% of departures on this route. Expect an in-flight experience of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey time of roughly 5 hours and 15 minutes, including the layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: A budget-friendly option, Southwest Airlines provides one-stop services with fares ranging from $155 to $400 for one-way trips. It accounts for around 17% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, and a total travel duration of about 5 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline, Frontier Airlines, offers one-stop service, with one-way fares generally between $105 and $325. It represents approximately 7% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of about 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta provides one-stop services with one-way prices typically ranging from $190 to $490. It accounts for roughly 2% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes and an overall journey time of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Tucson to Des Moines with an upgrade. American Airlines offers first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Tucson (TUS) to Des Moines (DSM)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Tucson to Des Moines are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Des Moines reach up to 39.6°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 66.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $214). Flight availability peaks in February, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $214, roughly 17% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $238.
  • Most flight options: February has the highest number of flights from Tucson 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)High9$244
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)High10$242
March39.6°F (4.2°C)High9$270
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Average9$274
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Low8$269
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Low8$279
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Average9$246
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Average9$238
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Low8$214
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average9$259
November40.5°F (4.7°C)Average9$280
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Average9$301

*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 Tucson (TUS) to Des Moines (DSM)

  • Tucson to Fort Dodge (TUS-FOD): Located approximately 76 miles from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) serves as a convenient option.
  • Bisbee to Des Moines (BSQ-DSM): About 81 miles from Tucson International Airport (TUS), Bisbee Municipal Airport (BSQ) provides an accessible route.
  • Mesa to Des Moines (AZA-DSM): Phoenix - Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) is roughly 92 miles away from Tucson International Airport (TUS), making it another viable choice.

How to find the best prices for flights from Tucson (TUS) to Des Moines (DSM)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Tucson 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 between two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures (5 am to 12 pm) are not only the most popular flight times but also tend to offer lower prices, while flying on Monday often results in cheaper fares, despite Sunday being the most popular 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 Tucson International Airport

Des Moines welcomes travelers from Tucson 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 Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $170 and cheap return flights from $349 Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $173 and $775, and roundtrip flights usually range from $365 to $1172. 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 Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson 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 Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Tucson, AZ (TUS) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with average return fares around $328. This fare is about 18% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand typically decreases after the summer. Other affordable months to consider are January and November.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Enter TUS to DSM and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Tucson, AZ (TUS) to Des Moines, IA (DSM), with round-trip tickets starting from around $315. 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 Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson 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 Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The best times to fly from Tucson, AZ (TUS) to Des Moines, IA (DSM) are typically in September and November. Average return flight prices hover around $328 during these months. September offers warm weather, while November brings a crisp fall atmosphere, making both months great for travel without breaking the bank.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Tucson Intl. (TUS) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM) typically leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service runs in April, May, and June, allowing you to 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 Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
For flights from Tucson Intl. (TUS) to Des Moines Intl. (DSM), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 39% of passengers choose this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this period. This timing is great for those looking to make the most of their day in Des Moines.
How long does it take to fly from Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
Flying from TUS to DSM with a connection usually takes about 4 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 1,153 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 Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from TUS to DSM. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson 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 Tucson Intl. (TUS)?
From Tucson Intl. (TUS), you can fly into Des Moines Intl. (DSM) to reach Des Moines. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) 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 Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson 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 Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson 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 Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson Intl.) to Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)?
If you booked your Tucson, AZ (TUS-Tucson 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
Tucson Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$349
Distance
1152 mi

Book with confidence

Tucson to Des Moines Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Tucson 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 Tucson 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 Tucson to Des Moines in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $170 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 Tucson 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 Tucson 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.

 

Tucson to Des Moines Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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