Travelling from Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport (DSM): What you need to know
Your next big escape starts at Washington DC's main airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Explore your options for booking a flight from Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) departing from this base.
Expect to be in the air for 2 hours 50 minutes. On average, that's the time it takes for a direct Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport flight.
Des Moines International Airport is located in Des Moines. The city runs on the UTC-6 timezone and is one hour behind Washington DC.
The busiest route is from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), with 14 direct services every week. If you'd rather get moving right away, the earliest flight from DCA to DSM is the 10am American Airlines service. If you're looking to take off later, the last departure is at 10:06pm with American Airlines.
Your flight from Washington DC to DSM won't wait if you're running late, so show up at the airport on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead for international travel.
Getting away during a peak month like July? High seasons (like spring break and New Year) can add another hour at check-in and security. Be extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Reach your destination without the detour from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Nonstop flights from Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) can be booked from here.
American Airlines is a popular airline that operates direct flights from Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport leaving from DCA.
The majority of passengers prefer to book seats with American Airlines from DCA to DSM.
American Airlines is the most punctual carrier operating on this route, with 69.64% of its services landing on schedule.
DCA is about 6 kms (4 miles) from central Washington DC. If you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 25 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by picking one of these stays close to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport:
When it comes to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport's on-time performance, 71% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Washington DC to IAD in about 1 hour 10 minutes. The terminal is roughly 40 kms (25 miles) away, and making the trip by car will take approximately 45 minutes.
Flying out early in the morning? You might like to check in to one of these accommodation options near Washington Dulles International Airport the day before your Washington DC to DSM flight:
Washington Dulles International Airport has an on-time performance of 77%. This figure reflects how frequently flights that take off from this airport make it to their destination on schedule.
IAD is located at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)
The trip to BWI from central Washington DC is around 50 minutes by public transport. If you're planning to travel by car, it'll take you roughly 40 minutes to cover the 48 kms (30 miles) or so.
Make catching an early Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport flight the easiest part of your trip. Stay at one of these hotels near Baltimore Washington International Airport and head to your check-in counter with plenty of time to spare:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that tracks how often flights arrive at their destinations without delays. At BWI, that rate is 77%.
About Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport. Book one of these accommodation options near DSM instead:
DSM is located at 5800 Fleur Drive, Suite 201.
Getting from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to central Des Moines
Central Des Moines is around 11 kms (7 miles) from Des Moines International Airport and takes about 15 minutes to reach by car. Look into how to get from the airport to the city, whether that's with a taxi, car hire or ride-share.
It typically takes 30 minutes if you're using public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
£86 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport. A return flight starts at £186. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
Book one month before you want to travel. Research into pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from Washington DC to DSM.
The best month for scoring cheap Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport tickets is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Never miss a deal on plane tickets from Washington DC to DSM by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport.
The best time to fly from Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
It's time to work out your travel dates for your flight from Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport (DSM). July is the busiest month to visit Des Moines. If a slower pace sounds more appealing, think about going in December.
Before locking in your Washington DC to DSM plane ticket, consider what kind of weather you prefer. July is the warmest month in Des Moines, with temperatures ranging from 15ºC to 31ºC.
January sees temperatures of between -13ºC and 2ºC. Look for cheap tickets from Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Des Moines
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Des Moines right here. Explore these hotels after you've booked your flight from Washington DC to Des Moines International Airport:
There are so many things to do and see in this city, it can be hard to know where to start. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Science Centre of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theatre and State Historical Museum are top attractions which should be on any well-planned Des Moines itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
Kansas City is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Des Moines. Around 290 kms (180 miles) away to the south, top sights here include National WWI Museum and Memorial, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and Union Station - 2017.
Omaha is another well-known destination in the United States and is around 193 kms (120 miles) west of Des Moines. No journey is complete without visiting Kiewit Luminarium, OUR BODY: The Universe Within and Orpheum Theatre.
