# Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

> Des Moines, US · 5 mi (8 km) southwest of downtown Des Moines

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/dsm
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/dsm.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: DSM
- **ICAO**: KDSM
- **Timezone**: America/Chicago
- **Runways**: 2
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: 2.9M/yr
- **Official site**: https://www.flydsm.com

## Overview

## 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.

## Insider tips

## Terminals (1)

- **Passenger Terminal** — 18 gates · Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines
  The terminal features modern amenities and expanded services.

## Dining (15)

- **A Bar**
- **A Bar** — 1 · Bar · Café · $
- **Arugula & Rye**
- **Arugula & Rye** — 1 · Deli · Health-Focused · $$
- **Berk & Chesters Kitchen + Bar** — 1 · Local · American · $$
- **Coffee & Bar** — 1 · Café · Bar · $
- **Friedrichs Coffee**
- **Friedrichs Coffee** — 1 · Coffee · Café · $
- **Grab-and-go market**
- **Local bar kiosk**
- **Mill Supply Co**
- **Mill Supply Co.** — 1 · Quick Service · Café · $
- **Mill Supply Co. Coffee & Bar**
- **Portermill Craft Food & Beer** — $$
- **Portermill Craft Food & Beer** — 1 · Local · American · $$$

## Lounges (2)

- **Conference/meeting rooms** — Landside, rental access
- **Military reception area** — Landside, military travelers

## Shops (8)

- **ATM area**
- **Gift shop**
- **Local souvenirs kiosk**
- **Mill Supply Co**
- **News stand**
- **Snack kiosk**
- **Travel accessories cart**
- **Vending zone**

## Parking (8)

- **Blue Economy Lot** — Remote · $14/day/day, $2/hour/hr · 0.3 mi
- **Cell Phone Waiting Lot** — Surface
- **Garage Daily (Long Term)** — Long stay · $21/day/day, $2/hour/hr · next to terminal
- **Garage Daily** — Garage · $21/day, 2/hr
- **Garage Hourly** — Short stay · $48/day/day, $2/hour/hr · next to terminal
- **Grey Economy Lot** — Remote · $8/day/day, $2/hour/hr · 0.4 mi
- **Red Economy Lot** — Remote · $7/day/day, $2/hour/hr · 0.5 mi
- **Rental Car Lot** — Surface

## Ground transport (8)

- **DART on Call Zone 8** — Bus on-demand · 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"] · 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"]
- **DART Route 8** — Bus · 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"] · 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"]
- **Hotel shuttle** — Courtesy van · 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"] · 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"]
- **Lyft** — Rideshare · 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"] · 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"]
- **Private car service** — Pre-booked car · Private car services generally mirror driving time from DSM to central Des Moines at about 10–15 minutes, with door‑to‑door timing depending on how fast you exit the terminal["https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Des+Moines+International+Airport/Downtown+Des+Moines"] · Private car services operate by advance reservation, not on a fixed schedule; availability can be arranged for early‑morning or late‑night flights with prior booking["https://www.google.com/maps/search/airport+car+service+Des+Moines/reviews"]
- **Regional airport shuttle** — Van service · Approximate travel time between DSM and Ames on the shuttle is around 50–70 minutes depending on intermediate stops and traffic["https://www.executiveexpress.biz/airport-shuttle/ames-des-moines-airport"] · $39–45 one way between DSM and Ames on Executive Express, depending on stop and date["https://www.executiveexpress.biz/airport-shuttle/ames-des-moines-airport"] · Executive Express typically runs several trips per day between DSM and Ames on published schedules; no 24/7 or on‑demand operation["https://www.executiveexpress.biz/airport-shuttle/ames-des-moines-airport"]
- **Taxi stand** — Metered taxi · Driving time from DSM to downtown Des Moines is typically about 10–15 minutes in light traffic["https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Des+Moines+International+Airport/Downtown+Des+Moines"] · Taxi vehicles queue at the arrivals curb during normal flight banks; no published schedule but cabs are commonly available throughout the day and evening on regular operating days["https://www.google.com/maps/place/Des+Moines+International+Airport/reviews"]
- **Uber** — Rideshare · App estimates and Google Maps driving directions put DSM–downtown trips around 10–15 minutes in typical traffic["https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Des+Moines+International+Airport/Downtown+Des+Moines"] · Uber operates 24/7 in the Des Moines area, with airport pickups available at all hours subject to driver availability["https://www.reddit.com/r/desmoines/comments/9xx9pz/taxi_or_uber_in_des_moines"]

## Insider tips

- _Avoid_: Avoid main terminal congestion by using Leland Avenue to access Blue and Grey Economy lots.
- _Time_: Arrive 90 minutes early for Monday morning flights during the 5–7 a.m. rush.
- _Local_: Friedrichs Coffee is preferred by locals for its speed and quality—hit it for your early morning caffeine fix.
- _Insider_: Use Berk & Chesters as a makeshift lounge; it's near the gates with good food and power outlets.
- _Quiet_: For less crowded seating and better plane views, head to the window areas at the ends of each concourse.
- _Money_: Choose the Grey Economy Lot for cost-effective long-term parking during weeklong trips.