- 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 Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA depart on average 34 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $182 (€149) but you can travel from only $145 (€119) by bus.
There are 1 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 54m. May is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 892 miles (1436 km) |
Average flight duration 3h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $182 (€149) |
Flights per day 34 |
Direct flights 1 |
Fastest flight 2h 54m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 10:08 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 21 days |
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $145. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $145, and a flight costs an average of $182.
Distance: 892 miles (1436 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$400 Average price | $217 Average price Cheapest | $275 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 27h 36m Average total duration 27h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 17m 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 Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $183 (€149) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA costing on average $400 (€327).
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 27h 6m.
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA flights for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UA1898 · UA6166 | 6:00 AM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 9h10 | 2:10 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4676+ AA3889 | 6:03 AM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 8h14 | 1:17 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1778 · UA581 | 6:10 AM Dulles International Airport | 5h20 | 10:30 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1793 · UA581 | 6:15 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 5h15 | 10:30 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA581 | 6:20 AM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 5h10 | 10:30 AM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA1907 · UA6166 | 6:30 AM Dulles International Airport | 8h40 | 2:10 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2035 · UA5273 | 6:30 AM Dulles International Airport | 7h17 | 12:47 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2304+ AA4676 | 7:40 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 6h37 | 1:17 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1775 · UA4605 | 8:15 AM Dulles International Airport | 6h59 | 2:14 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA697 · UA6166 | 8:20 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 6h50 | 2:10 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4676 · AA4360 | 8:33 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 5h44 | 1:17 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1524 · UA6166 | 8:40 AM Dulles International Airport | 6h30 | 2:10 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA730 · UA4605 | 9:30 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 5h44 | 2:14 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA523+ AA4973 | 10:11 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 8h51 | 6:02 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA523+ AA4102 | 10:11 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 10h24 | 7:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1865 · UA1311 | 10:13 AM Dulles International Airport | 7h02 | 4:15 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2201 · UA4605 | 10:30 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 4h44 | 2:14 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4973+ AA3446 | 10:34 AM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 8h28 | 6:02 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA704 · UA5409 | 10:37 AM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 8h32 | 6:09 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA704 · UA4605 | 10:37 AM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 4h37 | 2:14 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2190 · UA1780 | 10:58 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 12h37 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA489+ AA4102 | 11:35 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 9h00 | 7:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA489+ AA4973 | 11:35 AM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 7h27 | 6:02 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1535 · UA1780 | 12:50 PM Dulles International Airport | 10h45 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA382 · UA1780 | 12:59 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 10h36 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA5292 | 12:59 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 2h53 | 2:52 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA4973+ AA4467 | 1:19 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 5h43 | 6:02 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4102+ AA4467 | 1:19 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 7h16 | 7:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1200+ AA4102 | 1:59 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 6h36 | 7:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1200+ AA4442 | 1:59 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 11h00 | 11:59 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1200+ AA4973 | 1:59 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 5h03 | 6:02 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1126 · UA549 | 2:35 PM Dulles International Airport | 6h55 | 8:30 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2857 · UA1780 | 2:53 PM Dulles International Airport | 8h42 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2095 · UA1780 | 3:03 PM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 8h32 | 10:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2649 · UA5990 | 3:39 PM Dulles International Airport | 4h46 | 7:25 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3254+ AA4102 | 3:52 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 4h43 | 7:35 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3254+ AA4442 | 3:52 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 9h07 | 11:59 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA746 · UA5389 | 4:13 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 8h31 | 11:44 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2012 · UA5389 | 4:23 PM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 8h21 | 11:44 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1630+ AA4442 | 5:00 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 7h59 | 11:59 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4406+ AA5406 | 5:22 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 5h36 | 9:58 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2182 · AA2241 | 5:26 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 7h46 | 12:12 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA590 · UA2808 | 5:32 PM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 6h19 | 10:51 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA599 · UA5389 | 5:41 PM Dulles International Airport | 7h03 | 11:44 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2497 · UA2808 | 5:43 PM Dulles International Airport | 6h08 | 10:51 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA276 · UA2808 | 7:05 PM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 4h46 | 10:51 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3263 · AA2241 | 7:07 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 6h05 | 12:12 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1193 · UA2808 | 7:18 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 4h33 | 10:51 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA4717 · AA4442 | 8:00 PM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 4h59 | 11:59 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2903+ AA4442 | 8:07 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 4h52 | 11:59 PM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1637 · AA2241 | 8:11 PM Baltimore/Washington International Airport | 5h01 | 12:12 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA5432 | 8:15 PM Ronald Reagan National Airport | 2h50 | 10:05 PM Des Moines International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA2953 · AA2241 | 8:22 PM Dulles International Airport | 4h50 | 12:12 AM Des Moines International Airport | 1 transfer | |
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 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..
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