- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Leading contemporary and modern art museum with notable architecture and a respected permanent collection; a top cultural stop in the city.
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 $77 (€62) but you can travel from only $42 (€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 $77 (€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
$301
Average price
$613
Fastest journey
1 h 20 m
Average duration
1 h 27 m
Flights per day
65
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 $613 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $301.
Of the 65 flights that leave Chicago, IL for Des Moines, IA onTue, May 19, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 19 the direct flights cover the 495 km distance in an average of 1 h 27 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 20 m .
On Tue, May 19 the longest flights will take 1 h 32 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.
UA723
UA1839
UA5422
UA1830
UA5981
AA1577
AA349
UA1830
AA4114
AA4203Omio 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 $42. 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 $42, and a flight costs an average of $77.
Distance: 307 miles (495 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$260 Average price | $79 Average price Cheapest | $79 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 $181 (€146) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA costing on average $260 (€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, Monday, May 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AA447 · AA2032 | 6:05 AM O'Hare International Airport | 7h06 | 1:11 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4417 | 6:53 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1h33 | 8:26 AM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA1217 · UA4772 | 7:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 5h54 | 12:54 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1217 · UA549 | 7:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 13h16 | 8:16 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1217 · UA1311 | 7:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 9h15 | 4:15 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1389 · AA2032 | 7:15 AM O'Hare International Airport | 5h56 | 1:11 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1231 · UA1780 | 7:30 AM O'Hare International Airport | 15h15 | 10:45 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1231 · UA6166 | 7:30 AM O'Hare International Airport | 6h47 | 2:17 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5981 | 7:45 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1h38 | 9:23 AM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA250 · UA549 | 8:40 AM O'Hare International Airport | 11h36 | 8:16 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2320 · UA1780 | 8:46 AM O'Hare International Airport | 13h59 | 10:45 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA723 | 9:01 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1h36 | 10:37 AM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA349 | 9:05 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1h26 | 10:31 AM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA5012 | 9:56 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1h34 | 11:30 AM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA3237+ AA4395 | 10:02 AM O'Hare International Airport | 10h19 | 8:21 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2638 · UA1780 | 10:30 AM O'Hare International Airport | 12h15 | 10:45 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1803 · UA5389 | 10:49 AM O'Hare International Airport | 12h55 | 11:44 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1803 · UA1311 | 10:49 AM O'Hare International Airport | 5h26 | 4:15 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1803 · UA549 | 10:49 AM O'Hare International Airport | 9h27 | 8:16 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2080 · AA3020 | 11:15 AM O'Hare International Airport | 11h03 | 10:18 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA397+ AA5432 | 11:42 AM O'Hare International Airport | 10h11 | 9:53 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA958+ AA5009 | 12:05 PM O'Hare International Airport | 11h53 | 11:58 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4114 | 12:17 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h31 | 1:48 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA2812 · AA1371 | 12:30 PM O'Hare International Airport | 11h29 | 11:59 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2812+ AA4116 | 12:30 PM O'Hare International Airport | 6h05 | 6:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1448 · UA1780 | 12:40 PM O'Hare International Airport | 10h05 | 10:45 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1446+ AA5432 | 12:42 PM O'Hare International Airport | 9h11 | 9:53 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1830 | 12:57 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h27 | 2:24 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA742 · UA549 | 1:43 PM O'Hare International Airport | 6h33 | 8:16 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA742 · UA5389 | 1:43 PM O'Hare International Airport | 10h01 | 11:44 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1522 · AA3020 | 1:54 PM O'Hare International Airport | 8h24 | 10:18 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2062 · UA1780 | 2:05 PM O'Hare International Airport | 8h40 | 10:45 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2347 · UA5389 | 2:20 PM O'Hare International Airport | 9h24 | 11:44 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2347 · UA549 | 2:20 PM O'Hare International Airport | 5h56 | 8:16 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4203 | 2:59 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h32 | 4:31 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA1199+ AA5009 | 3:00 PM O'Hare International Airport | 8h58 | 11:58 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2240 · UA5389 | 3:00 PM O'Hare International Airport | 8h44 | 11:44 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1052 · AA3020 | 3:26 PM O'Hare International Airport | 6h52 | 10:18 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA489+ AA5432 | 4:00 PM O'Hare International Airport | 5h53 | 9:53 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA714 · UA1780 | 4:00 PM O'Hare International Airport | 6h45 | 10:45 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2207 · UA5389 | 4:10 PM O'Hare International Airport | 7h34 | 11:44 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2946 · AA3020 | 4:17 PM O'Hare International Airport | 6h01 | 10:18 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5544 | 4:30 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h35 | 6:05 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA2988 · AA1371 | 4:40 PM O'Hare International Airport | 7h19 | 11:59 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2351 · UA6166 | 5:24 PM O'Hare International Airport | 20h53 | 2:17 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2351 · UA1780 | 5:24 PM O'Hare International Airport | 29h21 | 10:45 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1974 · UA5389 | 5:45 PM O'Hare International Airport | 5h59 | 11:44 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5995 | 5:50 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h36 | 7:26 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA4121 | 5:57 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h36 | 7:33 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA1475 · UA6166 | 6:25 PM O'Hare International Airport | 19h52 | 2:17 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1475 · UA1780 | 6:25 PM O'Hare International Airport | 28h20 | 10:45 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1839 | 7:50 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h33 | 9:23 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA2426 · UA1780 | 8:10 PM O'Hare International Airport | 26h35 | 10:45 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2426 · UA6166 | 8:10 PM O'Hare International Airport | 18h07 | 2:17 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA329 · UA5322 | 8:20 PM O'Hare International Airport | 14h30 | 10:50 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2281 · AA2030 | 8:40 PM O'Hare International Airport | 14h46 | 11:26 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA767 · UA5322 | 9:54 PM O'Hare International Airport | 12h56 | 10:50 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1081 · UA6166 | 9:56 PM O'Hare International Airport | 16h21 | 2:17 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1577 | 10:29 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1h20 | 11:49 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, May 19 | |||||
AA2842 · AA2032 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 7h52 | 12:52 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA357 · AA2030 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 6h26 | 11:26 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2139 · UA1780 | 5:30 AM O'Hare International Airport | 17h15 | 10:45 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2139 · UA6166 | 5:30 AM O'Hare International Airport | 8h47 | 2:17 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
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.
Leading contemporary and modern art museum with notable architecture and a respected permanent collection; a top cultural stop in the city.
Museum covering Iowa history through statewide exhibits, artifacts, and rotating displays inside the State Historical Building.
Historic house museum with art, rare books, and grand interiors inspired by English manor architecture; well known for tours and events.
Lively historic district east of the river known for independent shops, murals, restored storefronts, and easy access to the Capitol.
Downtown riverfront walking route with bridges, public art, events spaces, and some of the city’s best skyline perspectives.
Popular urban park with a large lake, illuminated pedestrian bridge, and scenic path favored for walks and sunset views.
An Iowa classic featuring a breaded, fried pork tenderloin cutlet served on a bun, often comically larger than the bread. It is one of the state’s most iconic comfort foods.
Iowa sweet corn is a summer staple, prized for its freshness and sweetness. Locals eat it boiled or grilled with butter at fairs, backyard cookouts, and seasonal farm stands.
A seasoned ground beef sandwich served loose on a bun rather than formed into a patty. It is a longtime Midwestern lunch counter favorite found across Iowa.
A respected fine-dining spot in a historic house, serving Italian-influenced cuisine with a romantic atmosphere and strong local reputation.
An established upscale steakhouse known for prime steaks, seafood, and polished service in an elegant downtown setting.
A well-known contemporary American restaurant in the East Village, popular for refined seasonal dishes and a stylish but approachable atmosphere.
Generally affordable by major U.S. city standards. Hotels and dining are usually moderate, with good budget options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few USD.
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.

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