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 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.

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 66% 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 February 2026. The most popular departure time for this route is 6:00AM, with 50% of flights per day taking off at noon.

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

Frontier, American Airlines, and Allegiant Air are the most popular carriers operating from Des Moines to Washington, D.C.

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.

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

Historically, on average around 25% 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.

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 13 per week as of February 2026. The most frequent departure day is Sat, with 23% of weekly flights leaving on this day.

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.

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 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.

Which airline has the best punctuality record on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

According to our data, TezJet have had the least number of delays on this route over the last 12 months; with about 100% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

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 February 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.

$101 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.

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One-way

Last minute

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Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

7:59 pm - 1:00 pm

DSM

DCA

16h 01m

1 stop

8:00 am - 6:32 pm

DCA

DSM

11h 32m

1 stop

$192Frontier

Fri, Feb 27 - Mon, Mar 2

8:21 pm - 1:02 pm

DSM

DCA

15h 41m

1 stop

8:00 am - 7:16 pm

DCA

DSM

12h 16m

1 stop

$206Frontier

Fri, Mar 6 - Wed, Mar 11

7:27 pm - 1:02 pm

DSM

DCA

16h 35m

1 stop

8:00 am - 7:16 pm

DCA

DSM

12h 16m

1 stop

$209Frontier

Thu, Mar 5 - Mon, Mar 9

8:21 pm - 2:24 pm

DSM

BWI

17h 03m

2 stops

7:12 pm - 10:06 pm

BWI

DSM

27h 54m

1 stop

$230Multiple Airlines

Wed, Mar 25 - Wed, Apr 8

6:33 pm - 4:59 pm

DSM

BWI

21h 26m

2 stops

2:21 pm - 2:16 pm

BWI

DSM

24h 55m

1 stop

$259Multiple Airlines

Mon, May 11 - Wed, May 20

5:35 am - 3:00 pm

DSM

DCA

8h 25m

1 stop

7:25 am - 12:10 pm

DCA

DSM

5h 45m

1 stop

$273Southwest

Fri, Apr 3 - Mon, Apr 6

4:25 pm - 11:41 pm

DSM

IAD

6h 16m

1 stop

3:35 pm - 10:38 pm

IAD

DSM

8h 03m

1 stop

$319Delta

Mon, Mar 30 - Mon, Apr 6

1:52 pm - 8:30 pm

DSM

IAD

5h 38m

1 stop

4:46 pm - 9:59 pm

IAD

DSM

6h 13m

1 stop

$333American Airlines

Sat, Mar 28 - Sat, Apr 4

5:25 pm - 10:59 pm

DSM

IAD

4h 34m

1 stop

6:15 am - 10:15 am

IAD

DSM

5h 00m

1 stop

$347Delta

Wed, Jun 17 - Wed, Jun 24

6:00 am - 7:25 pm

DSM

IAD

12h 25m

2 stops

3:26 pm - 9:27 pm

IAD

DSM

7h 01m

1 stop

$353American Airlines

Wed, Apr 8 - Sat, Apr 11

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

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

Delta

Mar 30

DSM5:20 pmDes Moines

6h 07m

1 stop

IAD12:27 amWashington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Apr 6

IAD6:00 amWashington, D.C. Dulles Intl

4h 46m

1 stop

DSM9:46 amDes Moines

$319

Delta

Mar 24

DSM10:28 amDes Moines

5h 21m

1 stop

BWI4:49 pmBaltimore/Washington

Mar 31

BWI10:52 amBaltimore/Washington

6h 41m

1 stop

DSM4:33 pmDes Moines

$327

Delta

May 11

DSM5:28 pmDes Moines

5h 00m

1 stop

DCA11:28 pmWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

May 23

DCA6:59 amWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

7h 48m

1 stop

DSM1:47 pmDes Moines

$333

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

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

American Airlines

Mar 30

DSM1:48 pmDes Moines

2h 31m

DCA5:19 pmWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

Apr 4

DCA6:00 pmWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

2h 55m

DSM7:55 pmDes Moines

$299

American Airlines

Mar 28

DSM7:28 amDes Moines

2h 31m

DCA10:59 amWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

Apr 4

DCA9:59 amWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

2h 55m

DSM11:54 amDes Moines

$300

American Airlines

Mar 30

DSM7:45 amDes Moines

7h 10m

1 stop

DCA3:55 pmWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

Apr 4

DCA9:59 amWashington, D.C. Reagan-National

2h 55m

DSM11:54 amDes Moines

$309

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

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - DCA

DSMDCA

Des Moines

Fri 2/27

7:59 pm-1:00 pm

1 stop16h 01m

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Mon 3/2

8:00 am-6:32 pm

1 stop11h 32m

$192

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - DCA

DSMDCA

Des Moines

Fri 3/6

8:21 pm-1:02 pm

1 stop15h 41m

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Wed 3/11

8:00 am-7:16 pm

1 stop12h 16m

$206

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - DCA

DSMDCA

Des Moines

Thu 3/5

7:27 pm-1:02 pm

1 stop16h 35m

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Mon 3/9

8:00 am-7:16 pm

1 stop12h 16m

$209

Des MoinesBaltimore

DSM - BWI

DSMBWI

Des Moines

Wed 3/25

8:21 pm-2:24 pm

2 stops17h 03m

Baltimore/Washington

Wed 4/8

7:12 pm-10:06 pm

1 stop27h 54m

$230

Des MoinesBaltimore

DSM - BWI

DSMBWI

Des Moines

Mon 5/11

6:33 pm-4:59 pm

2 stops21h 26m

Baltimore/Washington

Wed 5/20

2:21 pm-2:16 pm

1 stop24h 55m

$259

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - DCA

DSMDCA

Des Moines

Fri 4/3

5:35 am-3:00 pm

1 stop8h 25m

Washington, D.C. Reagan-National

Mon 4/6

7:25 am-12:10 pm

1 stop5h 45m

$273

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - IAD

DSMIAD

Des Moines

Mon 3/30

4:25 pm-11:41 pm

1 stop6h 16m

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Mon 4/6

3:35 pm-10:38 pm

1 stop8h 03m

$319

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - IAD

DSMIAD

Des Moines

Sat 3/28

1:52 pm-8:30 pm

1 stop5h 38m

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Sat 4/4

4:46 pm-9:59 pm

1 stop6h 13m

$333

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - IAD

DSMIAD

Des Moines

Wed 6/17

5:25 pm-10:59 pm

1 stop4h 34m

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Wed 6/24

6:15 am-10:15 am

1 stop5h 00m

$347

Des MoinesWashington, D.C.

DSM - IAD

DSMIAD

Des Moines

Wed 4/8

6:00 am-7:25 pm

2 stops12h 25m

Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

Sat 4/11

3:26 pm-9:27 pm

1 stop7h 01m

$353

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 $335. If you’re not able to fly to Washington, D.C. in May, then August is your next best option. Flight prices from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. during August 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 $379. 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 $500.

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 $406. 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 $420. 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 February 2026, prices for Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights are approximately 161% more expensive 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	$239
Fastest flight time	2h 29m
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 $239. The best round-trip flight deal from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $379.

The fastest flight from Des Moines to Washington, D.C. takes 2h 29m

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 29m 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 February 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 Embraer 175, representing 46.15% of all bookings. The subsequent popular models are Canadair (Bombardier) Regional Jet 900 at 28.99%, Airbus A320-100/200 at 5.92%, and Canadair (Bombardier) Regional Jet 700 at 4.73%.
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 16%, 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
Delta	PriceFrom $151	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 8,203 reviews	Search Delta flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $166	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 9,289 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
Southwest	PriceFrom $198	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.0 4,284 reviews	Search Southwest flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $270	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 11,288 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 12 American Airlines flights for this route in a normal week, average airfare is usually $418 round-trip - but some users have found much cheaper deals with momondo.

Alexandria

National Harbor

Gettysburg

Arlington

Waldorf

Woodbridge

Laurel

Colonial Beach

Tysons

Silver Spring

Towson

Fredericksburg

Gaithersburg

Rockville

Manassas

Springfield

Fairfax

Linthicum Heights

Bethesda

Glen Burnie

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 $101

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

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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 airline has the best punctuality record on Des Moines to Washington, D.C. flights?

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

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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.

Traveling to a place near Washington, D.C.?

Why use momondo?

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

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

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

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

An easier way to manage your Washington, D.C. trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

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Find better results for your trip to the United States

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.

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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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