- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Major contemporary and modern art museum with a respected collection and notable architecture by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
Flights from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA depart on average 41 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $277 (€227) but you can travel from only $231 (€189) by bus.
There are 2 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 22:04. The fastest flight covers the 823 miles (1326 km) distance in 5h 22m. April is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 823 miles (1326 km) |
Average flight duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $277 (€227) |
Flights per day 41 |
Direct flights 2 |
Fastest flight 5h 22m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 10:04 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
Cheapest price
$77
Average price
$499
Fastest journey
2 h 12 m
Average duration
3 h 3 m
Flights per day
54
Distance
1326 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Houston, TX 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 Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA will cost around $499 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
Of the 54 flights that leave Houston, TX for Des Moines, IA onMon, Jun 22, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct flights cover the 1326 km distance in an average of 3 h 3 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 2 h 12 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the longest flights will take 4 h 16 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.
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AA1371Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $231. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $231, and a flight costs an average of $277.
Distance: 823 miles (1326 km)
Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$309 Average price | $245 Average price Cheapest | $186 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 44h 5m Average total duration 43h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $64 (€53) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA costing on average $309 (€253).
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 43h 35m.
The table below shows live departures for Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA flights for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:09 PM Houston, TX | 5h50 | 4:59 AM Des Moines, IA | 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 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 respected collection and notable architecture by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
Museum covering Iowa history through permanent and rotating exhibits, located in the State Historical Building near the Capitol complex.
Historic house museum inspired by English manor architecture, featuring art, books, antiques, and landscaped grounds.
Downtown sculpture park featuring major contemporary works in an open urban green space, highly popular for walks and photos.
Trendy neighborhood east of the river known for independent shops, murals, historic streetscapes, and a lively local atmosphere.
Signature downtown walking area along the Des Moines River with bridges, lighting, event spaces, and skyline views.
An Iowa classic: a pork cutlet pounded thin, breaded, fried, and 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 tenderness and natural sweetness. It is commonly eaten grilled, boiled, or buttered at fairs, cookouts, and seasonal meals.
A seasoned ground beef sandwich served loose on a bun rather than formed into a patty. It is a longtime Midwestern lunch-counter favorite strongly associated with Iowa.
A respected fine-dining venue in a historic house, serving refined American and Italian-influenced dishes in an intimate setting. A strong choice for a special night out.
An upscale steakhouse known for classic service, prime steaks, and an elegant atmosphere. It is one of Des Moines' best-known options for a high-end dinner.
A popular Des Moines burger spot known for creative burgers, boozy shakes, and a lively horror-themed atmosphere. A dependable place to try a strong local casual dining favorite.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major coastal cities, though downtown and event periods cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for casual services.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Houston, TX 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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