$136 Cheap Flights from Richmond (RIC) to Des Moines (DSM)

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Find available prices by choosing your travel dates.

Cheap Flights from Richmond to Des Moines (RIC-DSM)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $136 for one-way flights and $271 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Delta
United
United
United
Delta
Delta
Southwest Airlines
Delta
Delta
Flights from Richmond (RIC) to Des Moines (DSM)
Origin airport
Richmond Intl.
Destination airport
Des Moines Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$270
Distance
911 mi

Richmond to Des Moines Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Richmond to Des Moines

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Richmond to Des Moines are during the month of May. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Richmond to Des Moines with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Richmond to Des Moines

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Richmond to Des Moines: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Richmond to Des Moines

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Richmond to Des Moines in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $136 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Richmond to Des Moines flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Richmond to Des Moines airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Richmond Intl. Airport (RIC) to Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) last minute?
When it comes to booking your flights, being organized pays off. While it’s possible to find a deal on a Richmond Intl. Airport to DSM flight at the last minute, fares usually don’t get cheaper as the departure date nears. Based on flight pricing and demand studies in 2022, we have found that the sweet spot to book a domestic flight is between 28 – 35 days in advance. For international flights it’s between three and four months.
What airports do you fly into for Des Moines from Richmond?
There are two — Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM) and Marshalltown, IA (MIW-Marshalltown Municipal). Both are excellent options for those journeying from Richmond to Des Moines. If you go via Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM), you’ll come in to land about 4 mi southwest of downtown Des Moines. After you’ve settled in to your comfy digs, it’s time to sample some of the city’s leading attractions. Iowa State Fairgrounds and Blank Park Zoo should be at the top of your list.
Can I change the date of my flight from RIC to Des Moines Intl. Airport?
Quickly make changes to your RIC to DSM ticket through the Expedia Trips portal. But before amending dates or times, browse the rules and restrictions in your itinerary to learn what you’re allowed to do and if fees apply. Some airlines charge a change fee per person, plus any difference in ticket prices. However, if you booked in the last 24 hours, you may be able to cancel for free and arrange new flights. You can also find your way to our Customer Service portal for more information and to chat with our Virtual Agent.

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*Available to One Key members.