Cheap flights from Des Moines to Houston

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Flight deals from Des Moines to Houston

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Des Moines Airport to Houston? If you want to travel next month, return fares start from $117. Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines to Houston

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Des Moines to Houston flights are currently cheapest in August.

Direct flights from Des Moines to Houston

Des Moines to Houston: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight found$50
Cheapest month to flyAugust
Average flight time2 hrs, 28 mins
Most popular airlineUnited
Average flights per week53

Finding cheap flights from Des Moines to Houston: Frequently asked questions

There are 4 airports in Houston: Houston Hobby, Houston George Bush Intercntl., Houston Ellington Field, and Galveston.
The best price we found for a return flight from Des Moines to Houston is $117. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
2 hours and 28 minutes is the average flight time from Des Moines to Houston.
United, Air New Zealand and Mesa Airlines fly direct from Des Moines to Houston.
As of June 2026, there are 53 flights per week flying from Des Moines to Houston.
The cheapest month to fly from Des Moines to Houston is usually July.
If you're flying from Des Moines Airport, the cheapest airport near Houston is Houston Hobby – which is 15.5 km away from the centre of Houston. We've found flights into this airport from $117.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it's currently cheapest to fly from Des Moines Airport to Houston on Monday, 13 July 2026.
Yes – the average flight time is 2 hours and 28 minutes.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Houston but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Houston is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
In June, the average temperature is usually around 28°C. August is typically the warmest month in Houston, when it usually averages around 34°C. You can expect the least rain in March. The coldest month is January, with temperatures averaging 6°C. The rainiest month is June.
Currently, Allegiant Air offers the cheapest flight tickets to Houston.

Flying from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Houston: what you need to know

  • Hop on a direct flight from Des Moines International Airport to Houston and you'll be travelling for an average of 2 hours 20 minutes.

  • Des Moines (the location of Des Moines International Airport) and Houston share the same timezone — UTC-6.

  • The busiest route is from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). There are 14 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from DSM to IAH is the 06:00 United Airlines option. If you prefer travelling later, the last departure is at 15:20 with United Airlines.

  • For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your DSM to Houston flight.

  • During popular months such as July, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight when you fly during a peak period in general.

  • Begin your trip at DSM and travel straight to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). That's where you can expect to land when searching for Des Moines International Airport to Houston tickets.

  • Take to the skies with United Airlines. This popular carrier offers direct flights from Des Moines International Airport to Houston.

  • The journey from central Des Moines to DSM takes about 30 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 6 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.

  • Searching for a hotel close to DSM? If you're catching an early flight from Des Moines International Airport to Houston, these stays will get you from your pillow to the plane in no time:

  • Of the flights that depart from Des Moines International Airport, 77% land on schedule at their destination.

  • You'll find DSM at 5800 Fleur Drive, Suite 201.

How to find the cheapest flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Houston

  • The best price we've found for a one-way Des Moines International Airport to Houston flight is $50. The cheapest price for a return flight is $117. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.

  • Book one month before you want to fly. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from DSM to Houston.

  • Plan your trip for June. That's the best month for landing an incredible deal on Des Moines International Airport to Houston tickets. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the cheapest price across each month.

  • Locking in a cheap flight from DSM to Houston is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal.

  • Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Des Moines International Airport to Houston.

Airports in Houston

Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

  • The distance from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to central Houston is roughly 40 kilometres. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the centre driving.

  • It'll take around 1 hour 10 minutes if you're using public transport.

  • If you're arriving on a late flight from Des Moines International Airport to Houston, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near IAH:

  • Reserving your vehicle from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport around three weeks ahead of your flight from DSM to Houston can help you lock in the lowest rate.

  • IAH is located at 16930 JFK Boulevard.

Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)

  • The centre of Houston is around 19 kilometres from Houston Hobby Airport (HOU). Once your flight from Des Moines International Airport to Houston has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should be around 20 minutes.

  • If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 50 minutes or so.

  • After stepping off your DSM to Houston flight, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to HOU. These are some great options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:

  • Get what you want, not just what's left over. Securing your ride from HOU four weeks in advance often means better deals and a greater range of vehicles.

  • Houston Hobby Airport can be found at 7800 Airport Boulevard.

Best time to go to Houston

  • January is the quietest month for flights from Des Moines International Airport to Houston, while July is the most popular. Figure out the best time to go to Houston based on whether you like a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.

  • The warmest month in Houston is August, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 40ºC (104ºF). Book your Des Moines International Airport to Houston plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.

  • Look for cheap tickets from DSM to Houston in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 5ºC (41ºF) and 19ºC (66ºF) on average.

More about Houston

Explore more of the United States

  • You've visited Houston, now it's time to discover other corners of the United States. Travel about 306 kilometres west to San Antonio to check off its top attractions. From San Antonio River Walk to San Antonio River walk and Alamo Plaza, there's plenty to keep you on the go.

  • If you're eager to discover another great destination in the United States, consider Dallas, about 370 kilometres north of Houston. Meyerson Symphony Centre, Winspear Opera House and Dallas Museum of Art are key highlights.

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 12 days.