- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Leading art museum with strong American, contemporary, and decorative arts collections, plus a sculpture park just outside downtown.
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA will cost around $254 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $180.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA without transferring at least once.
AA3227 · AA3191
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AA2273+
AA4711
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AA2556+
AA4548
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AA1055 · AA1680
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AA1494+
AA6284
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AA1813 · AA2081
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UA2476 · UA1311
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UA682 · UA5389
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UA5520 · UA1311
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UA5515 · UA549
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Flights from San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA depart on average 47 times per day, taking around 5h 57m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $180 but you can travel from only $134 by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 20:40. The fastest flight covers the 1428 miles (2299 km) distance in 4h 8m. August is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 1428 miles (2299 km) |
Average flight duration 5h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $180 |
Flights per day 47 |
Fastest flight 4h 8m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 8:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA.
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA flights for today, Friday, November 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UA660 · UA2146 · UA5389 | 2:30 PM San Diego International Airport | 7h12 | 11:42 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA2438 · AA1371 | 3:13 PM San Diego International Airport | 5h52 | 11:05 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA682 · UA5389 | 4:18 PM San Diego International Airport | 5h24 | 11:42 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1627 · AA1763 | 9:25 PM San Diego International Airport | 10h45 | 10:10 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3293 · AA1763 | 10:20 PM San Diego International Airport | 9h50 | 10:10 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1494+ AA6284 | 10:40 PM San Diego International Airport | 8h06 | 8:46 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, November 14 | |||||
AA1055 · AA1680 | 6:15 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h24 | 2:39 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1055 · AA3191 | 6:15 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h31 | 5:46 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2035 · UA1946 · UA551 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h13 | 5:33 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA2035 · UA1912 · UA1311 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 7h47 | 4:07 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA2035 · UA1946 · UA5415 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 10h56 | 7:16 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA1694 · AA1990 · AA3191 | 6:25 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h21 | 5:46 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA1694 · AA2720+ AA4711 | 6:25 AM San Diego International Airport | 10h28 | 6:53 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA1694 · AA2081 | 6:25 AM San Diego International Airport | 11h53 | 8:18 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1694 · AA1318 | 6:25 AM San Diego International Airport | 5h46 | 2:11 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1694 · AA3310+ AA4711 | 6:25 AM San Diego International Airport | 10h28 | 6:53 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA1694 · AA2747 · AA3191 | 6:25 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h21 | 5:46 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA2343 · UA551 | 6:50 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h43 | 5:33 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3227 · AA3191 | 7:15 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h31 | 5:46 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5519 · UA1604 · UA549 | 7:30 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 11h06 | 8:36 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5519 · UA630 · UA1839 | 7:30 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 12h25 | 9:55 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5519 · UA2803 · UA549 | 7:30 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 11h06 | 8:36 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5519 · UA2827 · UA5415 | 7:30 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 9h46 | 7:16 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA2273+ AA4711 | 7:41 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h12 | 6:53 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2535 · AA3191 | 8:00 AM San Diego International Airport | 7h46 | 5:46 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5520 · UA1311 | 8:40 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 5h27 | 4:07 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2476 · UA1311 | 8:45 AM San Diego International Airport | 5h22 | 4:07 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2476 · UA1651 · UA1839 | 8:45 AM San Diego International Airport | 11h10 | 9:55 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA2057 · AA625 · AA1371 | 9:26 AM San Diego International Airport | 12h04 | 11:30 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA2057 · AA2081 | 9:26 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h52 | 8:18 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2057 · AA1084 · AA1371 | 9:26 AM San Diego International Airport | 12h04 | 11:30 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA2343+ AA4548 | 10:11 AM San Diego International Airport | 12h15 | 12:26 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2343+ AA4711 | 10:11 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h42 | 6:53 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1710 · UA5415 | 10:40 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h36 | 7:16 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1710 · UA1839 | 10:40 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h15 | 9:55 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2309 · UA1230 · UA5389 | 11:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 10h22 | 11:42 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA2309 · UA1835 · UA5389 | 11:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 10h22 | 11:42 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA2793 · UA675 · UA1839 | 11:21 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h34 | 9:55 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA1543+ AA4548 | 11:50 AM San Diego International Airport | 10h36 | 12:26 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1565 · UA549 | 12:39 PM San Diego International Airport | 5h57 | 8:36 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5515 · UA549 | 1:04 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 5h32 | 8:36 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1813 · AA1164+ AA4548 | 1:05 PM San Diego International Airport | 9h21 | 12:26 AM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA1813 · AA343 · AA1371 | 1:05 PM San Diego International Airport | 8h25 | 11:30 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA1813 · AA1614+ AA4548 | 1:05 PM San Diego International Airport | 9h21 | 12:26 AM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA1813 · AA1495 · AA1371 | 1:05 PM San Diego International Airport | 8h25 | 11:30 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA1813 · AA2081 | 1:05 PM San Diego International Airport | 5h13 | 8:18 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2556+ AA4548 | 1:29 PM San Diego International Airport | 8h57 | 12:26 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1763 · UA1835 · UA5389 | 1:31 PM San Diego International Airport | 8h11 | 11:42 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5599 · UA1835 · UA5389 | 1:47 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 7h55 | 11:42 PM Des Moines International Airport | 2 transfers | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
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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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Des Moines, IA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA flights use the San Diego International Airport to Des Moines International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Des Moines, IA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
San Diego International Airport is 4 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego 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: Restaurants in terminals 1 and 2, including fast food and sit-down options like The Counter and Phil's BBQ
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San Diego International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at San Diego International Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego International Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotels nearby, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Mari within walking distance..
McClellan-Palomar Airport has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at McClellan-Palomar Airport: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
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.
See which airports are used for flights between San Diego, CA and Des Moines, IA, including airport details.
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