- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Leading art museum with strong American, contemporary, and decorative arts collections, plus a sculpture park just outside downtown.
Flights from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA depart on average 55 times per day, taking around 4h 21m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $278 (€230) if you book in advance.
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 2h 15m. May is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 823 miles (1326 km) |
Average flight duration 4h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $278 (€230) |
Flights per day 55 |
Direct flights 2 |
Fastest flight 2h 15m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 10:04 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
Cheapest price on Sep 30
$288
Average ticket price on Sep 30
$292
Fastest journey on Sep 30
5 h 22 m
Average journey duration on Sep 30
6 h 6 m
Flights on Sep 30
2
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 $292 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $288.
On Wed, Sep 30, we found 2 flights from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA, including 2 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 30 the direct flights cover the 1326 km distance in an average of 6 h 6 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 5 h 22 m .
On Wed, Sep 30 the longest flights will take 6 h 50 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.




The table below shows live departures for Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA flights for today, Tuesday, September 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AA1371+ AA4015 | 4:18 PM William P. Hobby Airport | 6h54 | 11:12 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA5589 · AA5432 | 4:44 PM George Bush Intercontinental Airport | 6h57 | 11:41 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2302+ AA4402 | 4:57 PM George Bush Intercontinental Airport | 7h07 | 12:04 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1654 · UA1213 | 6:17 PM George Bush Intercontinental Airport | 5h31 | 11:48 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1371+ AA4222 | 6:34 PM William P. Hobby Airport | 4h38 | 11:12 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1371+ AA5299 | 7:01 PM George Bush Intercontinental Airport | 4h11 | 11:12 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1780 | 7:50 PM George Bush Intercontinental Airport | 2h25 | 10:15 PM Des Moines International Airport | 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, IA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Des Moines, IA trip today.
Leading art museum with strong American, contemporary, and decorative arts collections, plus a sculpture park just outside downtown.
Compact state museum covering Iowa history, culture, and artifacts. A practical stop for visitors wanting context before exploring the city.
Science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and hands-on displays suited to families and curious adults alike.
A 4.4-acre downtown sculpture park with major contemporary works, open lawns, and easy walking access to nearby restaurants and museums.
Historic neighborhood east of the river with indie shops, murals, nightlife, and restored buildings. Ideal for an easy local walk.
Large urban park with wooded trails, picnic areas, a lake, and river views. A favorite local green escape close to downtown.
Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich features a thin, breaded pork cutlet fried and served on a bun. It is a classic Iowa diner specialty known for its oversized cutlet.
Loose meat sandwich is seasoned ground beef served warm on a bun without being formed into a patty. It is a longtime Iowa lunch-counter staple.
Sweet corn is a signature Iowa summer food, prized for its sweetness and freshness. It is commonly boiled or grilled at fairs, cookouts, and family meals.
Historic market hall with multiple local food vendors, ideal for sampling regional snacks, coffee, craft beer, and casual meals.
Casual local favorite for the classic Iowa breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, plus burgers and comfort food in a laid-back setting.
Long-running smokehouse known for Iowa-style barbecue, ribs, brisket, and hearty sides in a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
Moderate for US city breaks; hotels and dining are usually cheaper than larger US metros, while car use can add transport costs.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, round up or add 10-15% for taxis, and tip a little at cafes only if table service is provided.
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.

Most Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA flights use the George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Des Moines International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Houston, TX and Des Moines, IA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is 7 km from Houston city centre. Public transport options include:
George Bush Intercontinental 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 all terminals, including fast food and sit-down options like Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and Chick-fil-A
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at George Bush Intercontinental Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at George Bush Intercontinental Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Nearby hotels include Hotels nearby, such as Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental..
William P. Hobby Airport is 4 km from Houston city centre. Public transport options include:
William P. Hobby Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Several dining options including Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and Starbucks.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located near the baggage claim and ticketingas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at William P. Hobby Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at William P. Hobby Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at William P. Hobby Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotels nearby include DoubleTree by Hilton, within walking distance..
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.
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