- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Major contemporary and modern art museum with a strong permanent collection, rotating exhibitions, and notable architecture by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
Flights from New York, NY to Des Moines, IA depart on average 39 times per day, taking around 4h 1m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $156 (€128) but you can travel from only $126 (€104) by bus.
There are 1 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 21:15. The fastest flight covers the 1019 miles (1641 km) distance in 3h 17m. July is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 1019 miles (1641 km) |
Average flight duration 4h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $156 (€128) |
Flights per day 39 |
Direct flights 1 |
Fastest flight 3h 17m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 9:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 6 days |
Cheapest price
$325
Average price
$383
Fastest journey
6 h 17 m
Average duration
7 h 40 m
Flights per day
4
Distance
1641 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from New York, NY 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 New York, NY to Des Moines, IA will cost around $383 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $325.
Of the 4 flights that leave New York, NY for Des Moines, IA onFri, Jul 03, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 03 the direct flights cover the 1641 km distance in an average of 7 h 40 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 6 h 17 m .
On Fri, Jul 03 the longest flights will take 9 h 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 New York, NY to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $126. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $126, and a flight costs an average of $156.
Distance: 1019 miles (1641 km)
Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$361 Average price | $248 Average price Cheapest | $258 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 1m Average total duration Fastest 4h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 30h 57m Average total duration 30h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 43m 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 New York, NY to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $114 (€93) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from New York, NY to Des Moines, IA costing on average $361 (€297).
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 30h 27m.
The table below shows live departures for New York, NY to Des Moines, IA flights for today, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:10 PM New York, NY | 7h06 | 1:16 AM Des Moines, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:51 PM New York, NY | 3h17 | 2:08 AM Des Moines, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 3 | |||||
![]() | 11:10 AM New York, NY | 7h36 | 6:46 PM Des Moines, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:00 PM New York, NY | 6h17 | 7:17 PM 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 strong permanent collection, rotating exhibitions, and notable architecture by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
The state history museum covers Iowa’s cultural, political, and social history through permanent and changing exhibits in the East Village area.
Historic house museum inspired by English manor architecture, featuring art, rare books, and decorative collections in an atmospheric estate setting.
One of Des Moines’s most popular walkable districts, combining local shops, murals, historic buildings, and easy access to the Capitol.
Scenic downtown walking route along the Des Moines River, linking bridges, parks, public art, and skyline viewpoints.
Riverside botanical garden with a tropical dome, seasonal displays, and landscaped outdoor areas that are especially popular for photos.
An Iowa classic featuring a thin pork cutlet breaded, fried, and served on a bun, often comically larger than the bread. It is one of the most iconic foods associated with Central Iowa.
Iowa sweet corn is a seasonal local staple, prized for its tenderness and sweetness in summer. It is commonly served buttered at cookouts, fairs, and local restaurants.
A seasoned ground beef sandwich served loose on a bun rather than formed into a patty. It is a longtime Iowa lunch-counter favorite with deep regional roots.
An established upscale steakhouse known for prime steaks, seafood, and classic clubby service in Downtown Des Moines.
A well-known Des Moines spot famous for inventive burgers, boozy shakes, and a lively, playful atmosphere near Downtown.
A long-established Italian restaurant popular for wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and a bustling urban brasserie atmosphere.
Prices are moderate by U.S. city standards. Dining and coffee are reasonable, while upscale meals and hotels cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 15-20% for taxis and rideshares. USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Tip hotel staff and delivery drivers; tipping is expected for service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New York, NY 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 New York, NY to Des Moines, IA flights use the LaGuardia Airport to Des Moines International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare New York, NY and Des Moines, IA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
LaGuardia Airport is 13 km from New York city centre. Public transport options include:
LaGuardia 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: Restaurants in all terminals, including fast food and sit-down options like Shake Shack and La Chula.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals, near main entrances and exits.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at LaGuardia Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at LaGuardia Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at LaGuardia Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Nearby hotels include Hotels nearby, including LaGuardia Plaza Hotel and Aloft New York LaGuardia Airport..
John F. Kennedy International Airport is 3 km from New York city centre. Public transport options include:
John F. Kennedy 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, near gates and check-inas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at John F. Kennedy International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at John F. Kennedy International Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need