- Must visit
Philadelphia Museum Of Art
One of the largest art museums in the United States, famous for major collections spanning Europe, America, and Asia, plus the iconic Rocky Steps.
Flights from Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA depart on average 36 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $175 (€145) but you can travel from only $122 (€101) by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 22:59. The fastest flight covers the 969 miles (1561 km) distance in 4h 27m. March is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 969 miles (1561 km) |
Average flight duration 3h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $175 (€145) |
Flights per day 36 |
Fastest flight 4h 27m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 10:59 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 49 days |
Cheapest price
$431
Average price
$431
Fastest journey
4 h 39 m
Average duration
4 h 39 m
Flights per day
1
Distance
1561 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA will cost around $431 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $431.
Of the 1 flights that leave Des Moines, IA for Philadelphia, PA onThu, Jul 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 02 the direct flights cover the 1561 km distance in an average of 4 h 39 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 4 h 39 m .
On Thu, Jul 02 the longest flights will take 4 h 39 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 flight as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $122. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $122, and a flight costs an average of $175.
Distance: 969 miles (1561 km)
Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$347 Average price | $212 Average price Cheapest | $216 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 27h 2m Average total duration 26h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 6m 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 Philadelphia, PA:
A bus is $135 (€111) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $347 (€286).
Other travel options to Philadelphia, PA take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 32m.
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA flights for today, Wednesday, July 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:32 PM Des Moines, IA | 9h11 | 3:43 AM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:49 PM Des Moines, IA | 4h27 | 4:16 AM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, July 2 | |||||
![]() | 11:00 AM Des Moines, IA | 4h39 | 3:39 PM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare flight and bus 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 Philadelphia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Philadelphia trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the United States, famous for major collections spanning Europe, America, and Asia, plus the iconic Rocky Steps.
Renowned collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings displayed in an intimate, distinctive setting on the Parkway.
A leading science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly displays that make it one of the city’s most popular museum visits.
Elegant central square known for people-watching, seasonal events, and upscale city atmosphere, making it one of Philadelphia’s most beloved public spaces.
Historic district packed with colonial streetscapes, galleries, and major heritage sites, ideal for first-time visitors exploring on foot.
A scenic multi-use path along the river, favored for walking, running, and skyline views including the popular boardwalk section.
Philadelphia’s signature sandwich of thinly sliced beef on a long roll, typically with fried onions and cheese such as Cheez Whiz, American, or provolone.
A classic local sandwich made with slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe on an Italian roll. Many locals consider it as iconic as the cheesesteak.
A chewy, salty Philadelphia street snack, usually shaped in a figure-eight style. It is a longtime staple sold at carts, bakeries, and sporting events.
A historic indoor market with many established vendors serving Philadelphia classics such as roast pork sandwiches, cheesesteaks, baked goods, and Pennsylvania Dutch specialties.
An acclaimed modern Israeli restaurant known for polished service, exceptional hummus, grilled meats, and a refined but lively atmosphere.
A celebrated market counter inside Reading Terminal Market, best known for its roast pork sandwich with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe.
Moderate for a major U.S. city. Budget eats are easy to find, but hotels and fine dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 15-20%, and round up for quick services.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA flights use the Des Moines International Airport to Philadelphia International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and Philadelphia, PA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Philadelphia International Airport is 3 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
Philadelphia 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: Various restaurants in terminals A-F, including fast food and sit-down options like Chickie's & Pete's and Legal Sea Foods
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Philadelphia International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Philadelphia International Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia International Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Nearby hotels include Hotels nearby, such as Philadelphia Airport Marriott connected to terminal B..
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need