Des Moines International Airport
Des Moines, US · 5 mi (8 km) southwest of downtown Des Moines
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| DART on Call Zone 8 Bus on-demand · On‑call trips must be scheduled in advance and generally operate during weekday daytime hours aligned with commuter demand; no walk‑up 24/7 availability["https://www.ridedart.com/services/dart-on-call"] | — | Standard DART local fare (adult single ride $1.75; day pass $4.00) applies to on‑call services["https://www.ridedart.com/services/dart-on-call","https://www.ridedart.com/fares-and-passes"] |
| DART Route 8 Bus · Weekday daytime headways typically every 30–60 minutes; limited or no late‑evening and Sunday service on airport‑serving routes["https://www.ridedart.com/routes","https://www.reddit.com/r/desmoines/comments/4gqjwp/dart_from_airport"] | Roughly 15–25 minutes between DSM and downtown Des Moines by bus, depending on traffic and stops["https://www.ridedart.com/routes","https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Des+Moines+International+Airport/Downtown+Des+Moines"] | $1.75 for a single adult local fare; day pass $4.00["https://www.ridedart.com/fares-and-passes"] |
| Hotel shuttle Courtesy van · Commonly every 30–60 minutes during operating hours, with many DSM‑area hotels limiting shuttles to early‑morning through late‑evening only["https://www.google.com/maps/search/hotel+near+Des+Moines+airport+shuttle/reviews"] | Typical drive time from DSM to nearby airport hotels is about 5–10 minutes in light traffic["https://www.google.com/maps/search/hotel+near+Des+Moines+airport+shuttle"] | $0 for most hotel‑operated airport shuttles serving DSM, included in room rate["https://www.google.com/maps/search/hotel+near+Des+Moines+airport+shuttle/reviews"] |
| Lyft Rideshare · Lyft operates 24/7 in Des Moines with airport pickups available at most hours, though coverage can be thinner than Uber’s in some outlying suburbs["https://www.reddit.com/r/desmoines/comments/6z0lmz/taxi_vs_uber_here"] | Driving time from DSM to central Des Moines is typically about 10–15 minutes, similar for Lyft and Uber["https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Des+Moines+International+Airport/Downtown+Des+Moines"] | — |
Insider notes
Avoid main terminal congestion by using Leland Avenue to access Blue and Grey Economy lots.
Arrive 90 minutes early for Monday morning flights during the 5–7 a.m. rush.
Friedrichs Coffee is preferred by locals for its speed and quality—hit it for your early morning caffeine fix.
Welcome
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) may lack the lounges and expansive offerings of larger airports, but it impresses with its efficient operations, faster curb-to-gate times, and a charming small-town atmosphere. This single-terminal airport handles 2.9 million passengers annually, illustrating its efficiency and popularity. Situated just 5 miles southwest of downtown Des Moines, DSM benefits from convenient access to the city, whether you're on a business trip or catching a flight to one of its many domestic destinations.
At a glance
The airport features a single terminal with 18 gates, primarily serving airlines like Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, and American Airlines. While DSM boasts a relatively compact layout, it lacks the usual trappings of larger airports, such as priority lounges or a bevy of dining options. However, its efficiency in security and parking make it a favorite among local and frequent travelers.
Terminals & layout
DSM's lone passenger terminal makes navigating the airport straightforward and stress-free. With only 18 gates, the terminal is easy to traverse, and passengers often comment on the speed of security lines and the simplicity of getting from check-in to gate. Though it lacks multiple concourses, its design allows for efficient travel, making it possible to get from one end to the other in under five minutes.
Getting to and from the city
Des Moines International lies conveniently close to the city center. If you're heading downtown, expect a 10 to 15-minute drive via rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft or metered taxis. Public transportation is served by DART Route 8, reaching downtown in roughly 15–25 minutes with a fare of $1.75 for a single ride or $4.00 for a day pass. For those driving, parking is accessible at different price points, including the $48/day hourly garage and the budget-friendly $7/day Red Economy Lot.
Traveller essentials
While DSM offers free and unlimited Wi-Fi via Boingo, passengers should not expect abundant charging stations, so strategic seating near outlets is advised. For early departures, Friedrichs Coffee inside the terminal is favored by locals for its speed and quality, serving as an essential pre-flight stop. Note that food and retail options are sparse, particularly after 8 p.m., so packing snacks for evening flights or delayed journeys is wise.
Dining & shopping highlights
The terminal hosts several local favorites such as Berk & Chesters Kitchen + Bar and Portermill Craft Food & Beer, both reliable for grabbing a meal or a drink. Portermill is known for offering a rotation of regional brews, while Berk & Chesters often serves as a de facto lounge for travelers seeking a private corner near an outlet. Shopping options are limited to basic amenities like gift shops and newsstands, so plan accordingly if you're looking for more diverse retail offerings.
Lounges
Travellers often note the absence of traditional airline lounges at DSM. To compensate, business travelers frequent spots like Berk & Chesters, leveraging its seating and power access as makeshift workstations. The lack of lounges is a drawback for loyalty program members accustomed to lounge perks, making pre-flight planning crucial.