Des Moines International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (DSM)

How to get to Des Moines International Airport

Des Moines downtown is several km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 15-20 minutes by DART Route 8 bus.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach downtown Des Moines in approximately 10-15 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

There is no railway station at the airport: Des Moines does not have an urban rail network.

By Bus

The DART Route 8 Fleur Drive bus, with a stop at the south end of the terminal just outside baggage claim, directly connects the airport to downtown Des Moines, operating 7 days a week; single fare approximately 1.75 USD (tokens), verify the current fare on ridedart.com.

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Tips DART Route 8 operates 7 days a week with a direct stop outside baggage claim: one of the most convenient public transit options among medium-sized Midwest cities.

Average travel time to DSM

TrainNot available (Des Moines has no urban rail network)

Shuttle bus15-20 min (~1.75 USD, DART Route 8, 7/7)

Taxi / Private hire10-15 minutes (20-30 USD)

Parking near Des Moines International Airport

Multi-level parking (covered garage, new since 2025) is located adjacent to the terminal: 2 USD/hour, capped at 20 USD/day (rate increased by 63% with the new structure).

Economy lots with complimentary shuttle: Grey Lot 7 USD/day, Red Lot 8 USD/day, Blue Lot 12 USD/day.

How to get to Des Moines from DSM

By Train

There is no train station at the airport.

By Bus

DART Route 8 Fleur Drive bus connects the airport to downtown in approximately 15-20 minutes, 7 days a week; fare 2 USD.

By Taxi

The trip to downtown takes 10-15 minutes and costs approximately 20-30 USD between taxi and ride-sharing apps like Uber/Lyft, plus tip.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

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Car rental at Des Moines International Airport

The terminal houses desks from every major car rental company.

Bring your driver's license, passport and credit card in the driver's name; in winter check the need for winter tires, given Iowa's harsh climate.

Hotels near Des Moines International Airport

Des Moines is a compact city: from Des Moines International to downtown is barely 10 minutes, with little reason to stay near the terminal unless it's a very short layover. Fleur Drive, the airport's own street, has hotels with a free shuttle, convenient for those arriving late or who just need to sleep. Travelers wanting to visit downtown, the Iowa State Capitol or the Wells Fargo Arena head into the heart of Des Moines, among historic buildings and the river; a few steps away, the East Village adds galleries, bars and restaurants for the evening.

Airport area

Fleur Drive, airport area

Free shuttle or 3-5 minutes by car from the terminal along Fleur Drive

Best for: For those arriving late, departing at dawn, or who just need to sleep near the terminal

Pros

A step from the terminal, with a free shuttle in both directions
A quiet area in the evening, convenient for those flying the next day

Cons

Few restaurants within walking distance besides those in the hotels
Downtown Des Moines is still 10 minutes away by car

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

City centre

Downtown and Court District

10 minutes by car from the terminal, with no direct public transit connection

Best for: For those who prefer the historic downtown, the Iowa State Capitol and the Wells Fargo Arena on foot

Pros

A historic building from 1919 in the heart of downtown, a step from the Wells Fargo Arena
Walking distance from the Iowa State Capitol and the Des Moines River

Cons

Getting from the airport always requires a car or a taxi
Hotel parking is almost always paid

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

East Village

10-12 minutes by car from the terminal

Best for: For those seeking galleries, bars and restaurants in the liveliest downtown neighborhood

Pros

The downtown neighborhood with the highest concentration of galleries and restaurants
A few steps from the pedestrian bridge over the river to the historic downtown

Cons

Fewer hotels to choose from than the historic downtown
Lively even at night on weekends, which can mean noise

Recommended hotels

AC Hotel by Marriott Des Moines East Village On East Grand Avenue, in the heart of East Village, with The Republic on Grand bar and restaurant. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport serves Des Moines, Iowa's capital and a major insurance and financial center, with domestic connections.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers Iowa regional products and luxury items.

Lounges & relaxation

Business travelers have several lounges to choose from.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The entire terminal is served by free Wi-Fi and has solid coverage from major U.S. telephone operators.

Families & Children

Every terminal is equipped with play areas for children and has its own family services.

Terminal guide

The airport has a single terminal, reserved for domestic connections.

It's best to be at the airport with 2-2.5 hours buffer if you're flying.

Map of Des Moines International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Does the DART bus to Des Moines Airport operate every day?

Yes, Route 8 Fleur Drive operates 7 days a week, with a direct stop outside baggage claim.

Q. Is Des Moines an important financial center?

Yes, it's one of the insurance and financial capitals of the American Midwest.

Q. Does Des Moines play an important role in American presidential elections?

Yes, Iowa has traditionally opened the presidential primary calendar with its caucuses, a role that brings great political and media attention to Des Moines in election years.