- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Flights from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA depart on average 40 times per day, taking around 4h 54m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $124 (€100) if you book in advance.
There are 1 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:13, the last at 23:58. The fastest flight covers the 1435 miles (2311 km) distance in 3h 57m. November is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 1435 miles (2311 km) |
Average flight duration 4h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $124 (€100) |
Flights per day 40 |
Direct flights 1 |
Fastest flight 3h 57m |
First flight 12:13 AM |
Last flight 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 91 days |
Cheapest price
$236
Average price
$309
Fastest journey
3 h 57 m
Average duration
4 h 46 m
Flights per day
3
Distance
2311 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $309 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $236.
Of the 3 flights that leave Des Moines, IA for Los Angeles, CA onSun, Aug 16, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 16 the direct flights cover the 2311 km distance in an average of 4 h 46 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 3 h 57 m .
On Sun, Aug 16 the longest flights will take 6 h 14 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.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $168. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $168, and a flight costs an average of $124.
Distance: 1435 miles (2311 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$359 Average price | $355 Average price Cheapest | $343 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 54m Average total duration Fastest 4h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 44h 0m Average total duration 43h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 14m 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 Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is $4 (€3) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $359 (€291).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 43h 30m.
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA flights for today, Saturday, August 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AA2055+ AA5124 | 1:08 PM Des Moines International Airport | 11h09 | 10:17 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1528+ AA5648 | 1:09 PM Des Moines International Airport | 9h15 | 8:24 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA4479 · UA1317 | 1:21 PM Des Moines International Airport | 7h30 | 6:51 PM John Wayne Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA4479 · UA576 | 1:21 PM Des Moines International Airport | 7h04 | 6:25 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2064 · UA1195 | 1:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 5h54 | 5:29 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3028+ AA4965 | 1:55 PM Des Moines International Airport | 13h03 | 12:58 AM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3063+ AA4965 | 1:55 PM Des Moines International Airport | 9h31 | 9:26 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1114+ AA4965 | 1:55 PM Des Moines International Airport | 11h30 | 11:25 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2364+ AA4965 | 1:55 PM Des Moines International Airport | 7h44 | 7:39 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2275 · AA1331 | 2:39 PM Des Moines International Airport | 5h58 | 6:37 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA6117 · UA2658 | 3:02 PM Des Moines International Airport | 7h21 | 8:23 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA312 · UA2800 | 3:20 PM Des Moines International Airport | 9h15 | 10:35 PM Ontario International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA312 · UA1967 | 3:20 PM Des Moines International Airport | 7h05 | 8:25 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1664 · AA2931 | 4:13 PM Des Moines International Airport | 7h49 | 10:02 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1664 · AA3136 | 4:13 PM Des Moines International Airport | 8h34 | 10:47 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1781 · UA1704 | 5:21 PM Des Moines International Airport | 5h18 | 8:39 PM John Wayne Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1781 · UA2028 | 5:21 PM Des Moines International Airport | 5h32 | 8:53 PM Ontario International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1781 · UA2411 | 5:21 PM Des Moines International Airport | 5h31 | 8:52 PM Burbank | 1 transfer | |
UA1781 · UA753 | 5:21 PM Des Moines International Airport | 5h31 | 8:52 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4971 | 6:48 PM Des Moines International Airport | 3h54 | 8:42 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA3028+ AA4955 | 7:56 PM Des Moines International Airport | 7h02 | 12:58 AM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, August 16 | |||||
![]() | 10:30 AM Des Moines, IA | 6h14 | 4:44 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA flights use the Des Moines International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and Los Angeles, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Des Moines International Airport is 6 km from Des Moines city centre. Public transport options include:
Des Moines International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options available in the terminal.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are aTMs located near baggage claim and ticketing areas.
Ticket office support is available at Des Moines International Airport.
Available at Des Moines International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Des Moines International Airport: Facilities include ramps and accessible bathrooms.
Los Angeles International Airport is 2 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Los Angeles International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles International Airport: Ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need