- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Major contemporary and modern art museum with a strong permanent collection, rotating exhibitions, and notable architecture by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
Flights from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA depart on average 39 times per day, taking around 1h 28m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $76 (€62) but you can travel from only $41 (€34) by bus.
There are 5 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:10, the last at 23:05. The fastest flight covers the 307 miles (495 km) distance in 1h 20m. November is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 307 miles (495 km) |
Average flight duration 1h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 (€62) |
Flights per day 39 |
Direct flights 5 |
Fastest flight 1h 20m |
First flight 12:10 AM |
Last flight 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 84 days |
Cheapest price
$363
Average price
$593
Fastest journey
1 h 28 m
Average duration
1 h 31 m
Flights per day
64
Distance
495 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA will cost around $593 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $363.
Of the 64 flights that leave Chicago, IL for Des Moines, IA onFri, Jul 03, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 03 the direct flights cover the 495 km distance in an average of 1 h 31 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 28 m .
On Fri, Jul 03 the longest flights will take 1 h 33 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
UA1803
UA1839
UA1781
UA5230
UA1325
UA1781
AA4442
UA1839
UA5230
AA4102Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a flight costs an average of $76.
Distance: 307 miles (495 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$256 Average price | $78 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 19m Average total duration 7h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $178 (€146) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA costing on average $256 (€210).
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 49m.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA flights for today, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AA3264 · AA1762 | 12:05 PM O'Hare International Airport | 6h28 | 6:33 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1448 · UA1780 | 12:40 PM O'Hare International Airport | 9h55 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1150 · UA5389 | 12:56 PM O'Hare International Airport | 10h48 | 11:44 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1150 · UA549 | 12:56 PM O'Hare International Airport | 7h34 | 8:30 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1781 | 12:59 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h28 | 2:27 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA1478+ AA4395 | 1:14 PM O'Hare International Airport | 7h37 | 8:51 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1859+ AA5352 | 1:29 PM O'Hare International Airport | 8h35 | 10:04 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2802 · UA549 | 1:30 PM O'Hare International Airport | 7h00 | 8:30 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2802 · UA5389 | 1:30 PM O'Hare International Airport | 10h14 | 11:44 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2451 · UA1780 | 2:15 PM O'Hare International Airport | 8h20 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2803 · UA5389 | 2:33 PM O'Hare International Airport | 9h11 | 11:44 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2803 · UA549 | 2:33 PM O'Hare International Airport | 5h57 | 8:30 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2819+ AA5352 | 3:29 PM O'Hare International Airport | 6h35 | 10:04 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2754 · AA1371 | 3:49 PM O'Hare International Airport | 8h09 | 11:58 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA714 · UA1780 | 4:05 PM O'Hare International Airport | 6h30 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2769 · UA5389 | 4:12 PM O'Hare International Airport | 7h32 | 11:44 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5230 | 4:36 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h33 | 6:09 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA1683 · AA2241 | 4:45 PM O'Hare International Airport | 7h21 | 12:06 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2988 · AA1371 | 4:51 PM O'Hare International Airport | 7h07 | 11:58 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4973 | 5:00 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h33 | 6:33 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA1954 · UA6166 | 5:45 PM O'Hare International Airport | 20h25 | 2:10 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2917 · AA2241 | 5:45 PM O'Hare International Airport | 6h21 | 12:06 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1559 · AA1371 | 6:19 PM O'Hare International Airport | 5h39 | 11:58 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1475 · UA1780 | 6:40 PM O'Hare International Airport | 27h55 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1475 · UA6166 | 6:40 PM O'Hare International Airport | 19h30 | 2:10 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4102 | 6:45 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h33 | 8:18 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA689 · AA2241 | 6:47 PM O'Hare International Airport | 5h19 | 12:06 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1325 | 7:45 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h37 | 9:22 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA2813 · UA1780 | 8:02 PM O'Hare International Airport | 26h33 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2813 · UA6166 | 8:02 PM O'Hare International Airport | 18h08 | 2:10 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1839 | 9:25 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h31 | 10:56 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA4442 | 10:31 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h30 | 12:01 AM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 3 | |||||
UA2666 · UA1311 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 11h15 | 4:15 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2970+ AA5165 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 7h34 | 12:34 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2666 · UA4801 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 5h42 | 10:42 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2666 · UA5211 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 7h47 | 12:47 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2842 · AA1763 | 5:10 AM O'Hare International Airport | 7h46 | 12:56 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2310 · UA1780 | 5:30 AM O'Hare International Airport | 17h05 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2310 · UA6166 | 5:30 AM O'Hare International Airport | 8h40 | 2:10 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2806 · UA5211 | 6:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 6h47 | 12:47 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2806 · UA1311 | 6:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 10h15 | 4:15 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1799 · UA1780 | 6:29 AM O'Hare International Airport | 16h06 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1799 · UA6166 | 6:29 AM O'Hare International Airport | 7h41 | 2:10 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1784 · AA1763 | 6:30 AM O'Hare International Airport | 6h26 | 12:56 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2115+ AA5165 | 6:35 AM O'Hare International Airport | 5h59 | 12:34 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4969 | 6:59 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1h33 | 8:32 AM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA1217 · UA5211 | 7:05 AM O'Hare International Airport | 5h42 | 12:47 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1217 · UA549 | 7:05 AM O'Hare International Airport | 13h25 | 8:30 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1217 · UA1311 | 7:05 AM O'Hare International Airport | 9h10 | 4:15 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1231 · UA1780 | 7:35 AM O'Hare International Airport | 15h00 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1231 · UA6166 | 7:35 AM O'Hare International Airport | 6h35 | 2:10 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1555 · AA2421 | 8:30 AM O'Hare International Airport | 7h30 | 4:00 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA526 · UA549 | 8:40 AM O'Hare International Airport | 11h50 | 8:30 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA526 · UA1311 | 8:40 AM O'Hare International Airport | 7h35 | 4:15 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1803 | 8:42 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1h35 | 10:17 AM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA535 · UA1780 | 8:51 AM O'Hare International Airport | 13h44 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3052 · AA2421 | 9:40 AM O'Hare International Airport | 6h20 | 4:00 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2638 · UA1780 | 10:25 AM O'Hare International Airport | 12h10 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA581 · UA549 | 10:54 AM O'Hare International Airport | 9h36 | 8:30 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA581 · UA1311 | 10:54 AM O'Hare International Airport | 5h21 | 4:15 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA581 · UA5389 | 10:54 AM O'Hare International Airport | 12h30 | 11:24 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2059+ AA4395 | 11:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 9h51 | 8:51 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2222 · AA1762 | 11:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 7h33 | 6:33 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4676 | 11:29 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1h35 | 1:04 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA1743+ AA5352 | 11:40 AM O'Hare International Airport | 10h24 | 10:04 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Discover the best of Des Moines — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Des Moines trip today.
Major contemporary and modern art museum with a strong permanent collection, rotating exhibitions, and notable architecture by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
The state history museum covers Iowa’s cultural, political, and social history through permanent and changing exhibits in the East Village area.
Historic house museum inspired by English manor architecture, featuring art, rare books, and decorative collections in an atmospheric estate setting.
One of Des Moines’s most popular walkable districts, combining local shops, murals, historic buildings, and easy access to the Capitol.
Scenic downtown walking route along the Des Moines River, linking bridges, parks, public art, and skyline viewpoints.
Riverside botanical garden with a tropical dome, seasonal displays, and landscaped outdoor areas that are especially popular for photos.
An Iowa classic featuring a thin pork cutlet breaded, fried, and served on a bun, often comically larger than the bread. It is one of the most iconic foods associated with Central Iowa.
Iowa sweet corn is a seasonal local staple, prized for its tenderness and sweetness in summer. It is commonly served buttered at cookouts, fairs, and local restaurants.
A seasoned ground beef sandwich served loose on a bun rather than formed into a patty. It is a longtime Iowa lunch-counter favorite with deep regional roots.
An established upscale steakhouse known for prime steaks, seafood, and classic clubby service in Downtown Des Moines.
A well-known Des Moines spot famous for inventive burgers, boozy shakes, and a lively, playful atmosphere near Downtown.
A long-established Italian restaurant popular for wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and a bustling urban brasserie atmosphere.
Prices are moderate by U.S. city standards. Dining and coffee are reasonable, while upscale meals and hotels cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 15-20% for taxis and rideshares. USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Tip hotel staff and delivery drivers; tipping is expected for service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Des Moines, IA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA flights use the O'Hare International Airport to Des Moines International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Des Moines, IA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
O'Hare International Airport is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
O'Hare International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Restaurants are located in all terminals, offering a variety of cuisines including American and intertiol. Top options include Tortas Frontera and Publican Tavern.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at O'Hare International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at O'Hare International Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at O'Hare International Airport: Elevators, ramps, toilets.
Nearby hotels include Hotels such as Hilton Chicago O'Hare are located on airport grounds, with others like the Hyatt Regency nearby..
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need