Which layover airport offers the lowest fares from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

Flights via Denver (DEN) offer the lowest average round-trip price of $168.

Which airport is the most popular layover for flights between Des Moines and Washington, D.C.?

Detroit (DTW) was the most common stop: 43% of momondo users choosing 1-stop flights on this route connected there.

How often are flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. delayed?

Historically, on average around 27% of flights between Des Moines and Washington, D.C. have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 85 minutes.

Which layover airport has the shortest travel time from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

Flights connecting via Detroit (DTW) have the shortest average one-way travel time: 4h 22m.

What airlines fly to Washington, D.C.?

American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Washington, D.C. from Des Moines according to our data. American Airlines is the first choice among our users, with 64% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to Washington, D.C.. Keep in mind that there are 4 different airlines that fly to Washington, D.C. on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

How many flights depart from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. on average per day?

1 flights are operational daily from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. as of March 2026. The most popular departure time for this route is 12:00PM, with 60% of flights per day taking off in the afternoon.

Which layover airport has the shortest connection time from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

Detroit (DTW) has the shortest average layover time for this route: 0h 47m.

How many flights depart from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. on average per week?

The number of flights available between Des Moines and Washington, D.C. is 10 per week as of March 2026. The most frequent departure day is Mon, with 20% of weekly flights leaving on this day.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Monday is statistically the day of the week which experiences the fewest number of delays on this flight route. Friday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

American Airlines, Southwest, and Delta are the most popular carriers operating from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

What is the most punctual flight time for Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

Generally, flights departing at night tend to experience fewer delays. Flights in the evening have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C.?

Prices for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C. were last updated today.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C.?

As of March 2026, there are 4 operators available to choose from for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C..

How old do you have to be to fly from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C.?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C..

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Washington, D.C.?

The required travel and health documents for your Washington, D.C. trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's license and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at Washington, D.C.. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.

$80 Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. in 2026

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Find the cheapest flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

7:00 am - 7:11 am

DSM

BWI

23h 11m

1 stop

9:59 pm - 1:46 pm

BWI

DSM

16h 47m

1 stop

$256Multiple Airlines

Sun, May 3 - Sat, May 9

7:45 am - 8:43 am

DSM

BWI

23h 58m

1 stop

9:59 pm - 2:16 pm

BWI

DSM

17h 17m

1 stop

$257Multiple Airlines

Sun, May 17 - Wed, May 20

5:01 pm - 11:00 pm

DSM

DCA

4h 59m

1 stop

7:59 pm - 9:53 pm

DCA

DSM

2h 54mnonstop

$357American Airlines

Sat, Apr 18 - Tue, Apr 21

5:01 pm - 11:57 pm

DSM

DCA

5h 56m

1 stop

11:04 am - 12:55 pm

DCA

DSM

2h 51mnonstop

$359American Airlines

Wed, Apr 15 - Wed, Apr 22

8:04 am - 2:14 pm

DSM

DCA

5h 10m

1 stop

8:20 am - 12:29 pm

DCA

DSM

5h 09m

1 stop

$360United Airlines

Thu, Apr 2 - Thu, Apr 9

5:30 am - 3:00 pm

DSM

DCA

8h 30m

2 stops

6:05 am - 11:30 am

DCA

DSM

6h 25m

1 stop

$361Southwest

Tue, Mar 31 - Sat, Apr 4

3:40 pm - 11:15 pm

DSM

DCA

6h 35m

1 stop

9:00 am - 12:10 pm

DCA

DSM

4h 10m

1 stop

$362Southwest

Tue, Mar 31 - Thu, Apr 2

1:10 pm - 7:23 pm

DSM

IAD

5h 13m

1 stop

5:26 pm - 9:32 pm

IAD

DSM

5h 06m

1 stop

$365United Airlines

Mon, Mar 30 - Thu, Apr 2

12:29 pm - 5:27 pm

DSM

DCA

3h 58m

1 stop

6:30 am - 10:16 am

DCA

DSM

4h 46m

1 stop

$367Delta

Sat, May 16 - Wed, May 20

4:23 pm - 11:32 pm

DSM

IAD

6h 09m

1 stop

7:06 am - 11:05 am

IAD

DSM

4h 59m

1 stop

$367Delta

Sat, Apr 18 - Tue, Apr 21

United Airlines flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Our best United Airlines deals on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight tickets

United Airlines

Apr 2

DSM8:04 amDes Moines

5h 10m

1 stop

DCA2:14 pmWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

Apr 9

DCA8:20 amWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

5h 09m

1 stop

DSM12:29 pmDes Moines

$360

United Airlines

Mar 30

DSM1:10 pmDes Moines

5h 13m

1 stop

IAD7:23 pmWashington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Apr 2

IAD5:26 pmWashington, D.C. Dulles Intl

5h 06m

1 stop

DSM9:32 pmDes Moines

$365

United Airlines

Apr 12

DSM6:20 amDes Moines

4h 28m

1 stop

IAD11:48 amWashington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Apr 20

IAD6:15 amWashington, D.C. Dulles Intl

7h 14m

1 stop

DSM12:29 pmDes Moines

$396

Delta flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Our best Delta deals on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight tickets

Delta

Apr 7

DSM5:47 pmDes Moines

4h 14m

1 stop

BWI11:01 pmBaltimore/Washington

Apr 8

BWI5:40 amBaltimore/Washington

5h 06m

1 stop

DSM9:46 amDes Moines

$317

Delta

Mar 31

DSM5:47 pmDes Moines

4h 14m

1 stop

BWI11:01 pmBaltimore/Washington

Apr 1

BWI5:40 amBaltimore/Washington

5h 06m

1 stop

DSM9:46 amDes Moines

$319

Delta

Apr 4

DSM4:25 pmDes Moines

6h 34m

1 stop

BWI11:59 pmBaltimore/Washington

Apr 14

BWI7:00 amBaltimore/Washington

5h 05m

1 stop

DSM11:05 amDes Moines

$327

momondo Fare Finder

Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. that are best for you.

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest round-trip

Des MoinesBaltimore

DSM - BWI

DSMBWI

Des Moines

Sun 5/3

7:00 am-7:11 am

1 stop23h 11m

Baltimore/Washington

Sat 5/9

9:59 pm-1:46 pm

1 stop16h 47m

$256

Des MoinesBaltimore

DSM - BWI

DSMBWI

Des Moines

Sun 5/17

7:45 am-8:43 am

1 stop23h 58m

Baltimore/Washington

Wed 5/20

9:59 pm-2:16 pm

1 stop17h 17m

$257

Quickest round-trip

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - DCA

DSMDCA

Des Moines

Sat 4/18

5:01 pm-11:00 pm

1 stop4h 59m

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Tue 4/21

7:59 pm-9:53 pm

Nonstop2h 54m

$357

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - DCA

DSMDCA

Des Moines

Wed 4/15

5:01 pm-11:57 pm

1 stop5h 56m

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Wed 4/22

11:04 am-12:55 pm

Nonstop2h 51m

$359

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - DCA

DSMDCA

Des Moines

Thu 4/2

8:04 am-2:14 pm

1 stop5h 10m

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Thu 4/9

8:20 am-12:29 pm

1 stop5h 09m

$360

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - DCA

DSMDCA

Des Moines

Tue 3/31

5:30 am-3:00 pm

2 stops8h 30m

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Sat 4/4

6:05 am-11:30 am

1 stop6h 25m

$361

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - DCA

DSMDCA

Des Moines

Tue 3/31

3:40 pm-11:15 pm

1 stop6h 35m

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Thu 4/2

9:00 am-12:10 pm

1 stop4h 10m

$362

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - IAD

DSMIAD

Des Moines

Mon 3/30

1:10 pm-7:23 pm

1 stop5h 13m

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Thu 4/2

5:26 pm-9:32 pm

1 stop5h 06m

$365

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - DCA

DSMDCA

Des Moines

Sat 5/16

12:29 pm-5:27 pm

1 stop3h 58m

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Wed 5/20

6:30 am-10:16 am

1 stop4h 46m

$367

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - IAD

DSMIAD

Des Moines

Sat 4/18

4:23 pm-11:32 pm

1 stop6h 09m

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Tue 4/21

7:06 am-11:05 am

1 stop4h 59m

$367

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Delays

Layovers

Other information

What is the typical price of a round-trip flight between Des Moines and Washington, D.C.?

What is the cheapest month to fly to Washington, D.C.?

The month of May is, on average, the cheapest month to fly to Washington, D.C. from Des Moines, with most prices found around $340. If you’re not able to fly to Washington, D.C. in May, then February is your next best option. Flight prices from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. during February average around $357.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Washington, D.C.?

On average, the least expensive day to fly to Washington, D.C. from Des Moines is on a Saturday. momondo users have found tickets for Saturday departures for as low as $380. However, this price may fluctuate depending on the airline, the season, and holidays. When flying out on a Monday, the most expensive travel day of the week, you can expect to see flight prices from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. for around $490.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Washington, D.C.?

In the morning is the cheapest time of day to fly from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. when you can find flight prices for as low as $403. Flying to Washington, D.C. in the morning is an ideal time because this is during off-peak travel hours. Try not to purchase tickets at noon because they tend to be around $422. Of course, these prices can vary depending on the time of year and what airport you fly to.

What is the cheapest Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight route?

Fly from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. Reagan-National for the best Des Moines - Washington, D.C. flight prices

What cabin class options are available on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

There are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

Can stopping save me money on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

You could potentially save up to 49% on your flight if you consider stops on a Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight.

How have Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight prices changed over time?

As of March 2026, prices for Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights are approximately 7% cheaper when compared to flights at the same time last year.

When to book flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Are you open to changing your travel dates? Check out the ideal times to fly from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. according to our flight data. Find out which month and days have the cheapest flights.

Estimated round-trip price

Cheap Des Moines to Washington, D.C. (DSM to WAS) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Best Price Found	$223
Fastest flight time	2h 31m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in Washington, D.C.	2 airports

The best one-way flight to Washington, D.C. from Des Moines in the past 72 hours is $223. The best round-trip flight deal from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $387.

The fastest flight from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. takes 2h 31m

Direct flights go from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. every day.

There are 2 airports in Washington, D.C.. From Des Moines there are direct flights to Washington, D.C. Reagan-National (DCA).

Search flight deals

How far is Des Moines to Washington, D.C. by plane?
Washington, D.C. is 892.3 mi away from Des Moines. 2h 31m is a normal flight duration for this route.
When did momondo last update prices for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C.?
Prices for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C. were last updated today.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C.?
As of March 2026, there are 4 operators available to choose from for flights from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C..
How old do you have to be to fly from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C.?
The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Des Moines Airport to Washington, D.C..
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Washington, D.C.?
The required travel and health documents for your Washington, D.C. trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's license and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at Washington, D.C.. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.
What is the most popular plane model from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked plane model on the route from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. is Canadair (Bombardier) Regional Jet 900, representing 41.90% of all bookings. The subsequent popular models are Embraer 175 at 39.52%, Canadair (Bombardier) Regional Jet 700 at 3.81%, and Airbus A320-100/200 at 3.33%.
What is the most popular airline from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked airline on the route from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. is American Airlines, representing 70% of all bookings. The subsequent popular airlines are Delta at 15%, Southwest at 10%, and United Airlines at 4%.

Best airlines flying from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
United Airlines	PriceFrom $166	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 9,409 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
Delta	PriceFrom $174	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 8,276 reviews	Search Delta flights
Southwest	PriceFrom $198	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.0 4,317 reviews	Search Southwest flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $270	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.1 11,414 reviews	Search American Airlines flights

American Airlines Flights From Des Moines to Washington, D.C.
American Airlines flight deals from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. start from $270 round-trip. Over the 10 American Airlines flights for this route in a normal week, average airfare is usually $379 round-trip - but some users have found much cheaper deals with momondo.

Alexandria

National Harbor

Gettysburg

Arlington

Waldorf

Woodbridge

Colonial Beach

Laurel

Towson

Silver Spring

Gaithersburg

Fredericksburg

Rockville

Tysons

Manassas

Springfield

Bethesda

Fairfax

Linthicum Heights

Reston

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

To find the flight that best suits your needs, momondo gathers a range of flights from a large pool of different airlines and agents; you can then use our insights and filters to find and book the right flight to Washington, D.C. from Des Moines.

Can I find flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. momondo enables you to select and highlight flights to Washington, D.C. from Des Moines with this policy.

How can momondo help me find flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

Once you have performed a search for Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights, momondo helps you find the right one by offering useful filters to narrow down your flight selection. Flights can be filtered by multiple factors such as airline, airport and price; but also by other criteria like aircraft type and payment method.

I’m not ready to book a flight from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Yes. momondo can track prices for Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights and alert you when they change. Perform a search to set up the price alert. All that is required is a valid email address.

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Fly into one of these airports located in Washington, D.C.

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Cheap flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. from $80

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. departing on 5/8. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

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United Airlines flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Our best United Airlines deals on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight tickets

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momondo Fare Finder

Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. that are best for you.

See travel insights to Washington, D.C. from

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

What is the typical price of a round-trip flight between Des Moines and Washington, D.C.?

What is the cheapest month to fly to Washington, D.C.?

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Washington, D.C.?

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Washington, D.C.?

What is the cheapest Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight route?

What cabin class options are available on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

Can stopping save me money on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

How have Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flight prices changed over time?

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

What airlines fly to Washington, D.C.?

How often are flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. delayed?

What is the most punctual flight time for Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Which airport is the most popular layover for flights between Des Moines and Washington, D.C.?

Which layover airport offers the lowest fares from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

Which layover airport has the shortest travel time from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

Which layover airport has the shortest connection time from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.?

How many flights depart from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. on average per day?

How many flights depart from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. on average per week?

When to book flights from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Cheap Des Moines to Washington, D.C. (DSM to WAS) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Best Price Found

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Washington, D.C.

Best airlines flying from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. with momondo

American Airlines Flights From Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

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Fly into one of these airports located in Washington, D.C.

Airports listed have a maximum distance of 22.4 mi from Washington, D.C.

Fly your favorite airline to Washington, D.C.

Airlines are sorted and displayed according to clicks in the past 7 days on momondo

Cabin classes currently available on flights to Washington, D.C.

List of cabin classes available on flights landing in Washington, D.C.. Availability may vary depending on flight origin and airline.

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