- 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 Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA will cost around $412 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $202.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 56 flights from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct flights cover the 1436 km distance in an average of 4 h 25 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the longest flights will take 4 h 54 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.
AA4527 · AA4548
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AA986+
AA6283
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UA318 · UA6041
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UA590 · UA1839
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UA2412 · UA1311
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AA5356
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UA1786 · UA5415
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UA1325 · UA5415
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UA2148 · UA1839
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UA4781 · UA5258
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Flights from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA depart on average 45 times per day, taking around 4h 41m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $201 but you can travel from only $86 by bus.
There are 2 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 22:08. The fastest flight covers the 892 miles (1436 km) distance in 2h 41m. August is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 892 miles (1436 km) |
Average flight duration 4h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $201 |
Flights per day 45 |
Direct flights 2 |
Fastest flight 2h 41m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 10:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA.
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA flights for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:09 PM Washington, DC | 8h34 | 5:43 AM Des Moines, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
AA2754 · AA1763 | 5:00 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 6h10 | 10:10 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA470 · AA1763 | 5:45 AM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 5h25 | 10:10 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2655 · UA6166 | 6:00 AM Dulles International Airport | 9h20 | 2:20 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1450 · UA6166 | 6:00 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 9h20 | 2:20 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2903+ AA6283 | 6:00 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 8h28 | 1:28 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1898 · UA6166 | 6:00 AM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 9h20 | 2:20 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA318 · UA6041 | 6:10 AM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 5h22 | 10:32 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA318 · UA1311 | 6:10 AM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 10h57 | 4:07 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1617 · AA1763 | 6:11 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 4h59 | 10:10 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA565 · UA6041 | 6:11 AM Dulles International Airport | 5h21 | 10:32 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA986+ AA6283 | 7:18 AM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 7h10 | 1:28 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA613+ AA6283 | 7:50 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 6h38 | 1:28 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA613+ AA4711 | 7:50 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 12h06 | 6:56 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA697 · UA6166 | 8:15 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 7h05 | 2:20 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2412 · UA549 | 8:23 AM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 13h13 | 8:36 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2412 · UA1311 | 8:23 AM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 8h44 | 4:07 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1524 · UA6166 | 8:34 AM Dulles International Airport | 6h46 | 2:20 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3055+ AA6283 | 8:39 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 5h49 | 1:28 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3055+ AA4711 | 8:39 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 11h17 | 6:56 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1865 · UA1311 | 10:00 AM Dulles International Airport | 7h07 | 4:07 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1200+ AA4711 | 10:11 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 9h45 | 6:56 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1252 · UA4765 | 10:15 AM Dulles International Airport | 5h11 | 2:26 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2774 · UA4765 | 10:30 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 4h56 | 2:26 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
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 Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA flights use the Ronald Reagan National Airport to Des Moines International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Des Moines, IA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Ronald Reagan National Airport is 4 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Ronald Reagan National 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 are located in all terminals, offering American, Italian, and fast food options; top choices include Legal Sea Foods and Five Guys.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout the airport, near ticketingas and baggage claim.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ronald Reagan National Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Ronald Reagan National Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ronald Reagan National Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Nearby hotels include Hotels within walking distance, including the Crystal Gateway Marriott..
Dulles International Airport is 3 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Dulles 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 located in all concourses; options include fast food, cafes, and sit-down dining like Five Guys and Chipotle.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout the airport in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dulles International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dulles International Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dulles International Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Nearby hotels include Hotels nearby include Washington Dulles Airport Marriott 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.
See which airports are used for flights between Washington, DC and Des Moines, IA, including airport details.
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