Travelling from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Washington DC: what you need to know
Expect to be travelling for 2 hours 50 minutes. On average, that's the time it takes for a direct flight from Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC.
Des Moines International Airport is located in Des Moines. Based in the UTC-4 timezone, Washington DC is one hour ahead of Des Moines.
The busiest route is from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). You can select from 13 services every week between these two airports. If you want to get on your way as soon as you can, the earliest flight from DSM to DCA is the 05:47 American Airlines service. If you're planning to fly out later on, the last departure is at 15:54 with American Airlines.
Leave plenty of time to catch your DSM to Washington DC flight. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're travelling during a major holiday or another peak period, give yourself more time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at check-in and security will be longer.
Direct Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC tickets are available for booking. Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is where you'll step off the plane.
American Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct flights from Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC.
DSM is about 6 kilometres from central Des Moines. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take you 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 45 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near DSM. Whether you're catching an early flight from Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels have you covered:
80.45% of flights departing from Des Moines International Airport arrive at their destination according to schedule. With its dependable on-time performance, you're unlikely to be delayed when setting off from DSM.
You'll find DSM at 5800 Fleur Drive, Suite 201.
How to find the cheapest flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Washington DC
94 € is currently the best price for a one-way Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC flight. Return plane tickets start at 183 €. These prices can change depending on demand.
Book two months before your departure date. Research on pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from DSM to Washington DC.
Plan your trip for June. That's the best month for scoring the biggest deals on Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC tickets. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Finding a cheap flight from DSM to Washington DC couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Find an affordable flight from Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC with the help of our filters. Select your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
The distance from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC is roughly 8 kilometres. It'll take you about 15 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It takes around 45 minutes if you're using public transport.
Think about booking a hotel close to DCA if you have a late flight from Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC. Check in to one of these accommodation options and make arrival day easier:
Go where the road takes you with a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and find adventure across Washington DC and beyond.
For the lowest price, book your vehicle from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks ahead of your flight from DSM to Washington DC.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 56 kilometres from the centre of Washington DC. Following your flight from Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC, it'll take you around 50 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The journey will take about 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
There are some great places to call home for the night near IAD. Settle in and get cosy after your DSM to Washington DC flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or long cab lines. Pick up a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Compare availability and rates from Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt.
Get first dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from IAD one week ahead of time often means more savings and a greater range of vehicles.
The address for Washington Dulles International Airport is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Step off your flight from Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC and go straight to your hotel or start taking in the sights right away. Central Washington DC is around 48 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and typically takes 50 minutes to reach driving.
If you're travelling on public transport, the journey time is around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Enjoy a low-stress, comfortable start to your break by choosing a hotel near BWI after your DSM to Washington DC flight. Unwind after a day of travel or just give yourself time to get your footing in a new city at:
Start your journey without stressing about how to reach your destination with a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. You can book with trusted names here like Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
If you're looking for a specific kind of vehicle, book your ride from BWI about two weeks ahead of your flight from Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC. This improves your chances of getting your preferred car, along with a better price.
Best time to go to Washington DC
Plan your trip to Washington DC during peak season if you like a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are usually higher. Alternatively, book flights from Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC in the off-season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
The warmest month in Washington DC is July, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC (66ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC plane ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
January has average temperatures of between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from DSM to Washington DC around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Washington DC
Start your Washington DC trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Des Moines International Airport to Washington DC, browse our range of accommodation options including:
The White House and White House Historical Association are just two of the leading attractions to put on your Washington DC must-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out National Mall.
Explore more of United States
Washington DC is always a good idea, but there are so many other parts of United States waiting to be explored. Around 322 kilometres north-east of Washington DC, a visit to New York will keep your itinerary packed. Start with popular sights like Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Around 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC, Philadelphia is another essential stop in United States. Experience major highlights starting with Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.