Welcome to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) – Your Gateway to Iowa’s Capital City

Located approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) southwest of downtown Des Moines, Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is the primary air travel hub for central Iowa. Known for its efficient operations and friendly Midwestern hospitality, DSM provides a convenient and hassle-free experience for both business and leisure flyers exploring the city’s vibrant culture, thriving business sector, and scenic outdoors. In this airport guide, you’ll find everything you need to navigate Des Moines International Airport—from terminal details and transport options to parking, dining, and essential travel tips. Bookmark this page on airport.co for up-to-date insights.

1. Quick Facts & Overview

1. Airport Code: DSM
2. Location: ~5 miles (8 km) southwest of downtown Des Moines, near Fleur Drive and Highway 5
3. Passenger Volume: Over 3 million travelers annually (pre-pandemic figures)
4. Terminal Structure: One main terminal with two concourses (A and C)
5. Primary Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United, Frontier, Allegiant, plus regional/charter services
6. Key Routes: Domestic flights to major U.S. cities (Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix), limited seasonal or charter flights

Serving as Iowa’s busiest airport, Des Moines International Airport plays a critical role in connecting the state’s capital region to numerous destinations across the country. With expansions and modern upgrades on the horizon, DSMcontinues to enhance its traveler-friendly environment, making it an excellent gateway to the “Hawkeye State.”

2. Terminal Layout & Facilities

2.1 Main Terminal

• Check-In & Departures
  • Located near the entrance—digital screens guide you to airline-specific check-in counters.
  • Arrive 1–2 hours before domestic flights (2–3 hours if traveling during holiday peaks).
  • Self-service kiosks may be available; always confirm baggage drop deadlines with your carrier.
• Security Screening
  • Centralized TSA checkpoint leading to Concourse A (gates A1–A5) and Concourse C (gates C1–C7).
  • TSA PreCheck lane for eligible passengers—peak times often during early morning or evening waves.

2.2 Concourse A

• Airlines
  • Typically hosts carriers like Allegiant, Frontier, or certain American/United regional flights—check signage or your boarding pass for accuracy.
• Amenities
  • Seating areas with charging stations, flight info displays, restrooms, limited dining or snack kiosks.

2.3 Concourse C

• Airlines
  • Often home to Delta, Southwest, and some American or United routes.
• Services
  • Variety of quick-service eateries or coffee counters, plus gate-adjacent shops selling magazines, snacks, and travel essentials.

2.4 Passenger Services

• Free Wi-Fi
  • “DSM Free WiFi”—open your browser, accept terms to browse or stream.
• ATMs & Currency Exchange
  • ATMs near ticketing and baggage claim; currency exchange might be limited—plan ahead if needing foreign currency.
• Information Desk
  • Staff can assist with directions, local transport inquiries, or tourist brochures about Des Moines and Iowa attractions.

3. Ground Transportation

3.1 Taxis & Ride-Hailing

• Taxi Rank
  • Located just outside baggage claim—fares to downtown Des Moines generally $15–$25, ~10–15 minutes depending on traffic.
• Ride-Share Services
  • Uber, Lyft operate at DSM—follow “Rideshare Pickup” signage for designated curbside locations.

3.2 Public Buses & Shuttles

• DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit)
  • Route 8 connects Des Moines International Airport to downtown—fares ~$1.75.
  • Operating hours vary; check schedules online or at info kiosks near Arrivals.
• Hotel Shuttles
  • Many nearby hotels provide free or low-cost courtesy vans—arrange in advance or call from arrivals area.

3.3 Car Rentals

• Rental Car Facility
  • Located near baggage claim—major brands like Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, Alamo, etc.
• Driving Tips
  • Quick access to I-235 for downtown or I-80, I-35 for regional destinations like Ames, Iowa City, or beyond.

4. Parking at Des Moines International Airport

1. Hourly Garage

   • Steps from the terminal—best for short stays or drop-offs/pick-ups.
   • Higher hourly rates but unbeatable convenience.

2. Daily Garage

   • Multi-level structure with daily/weekly rates—short walk to check-in.
   • Ideal for business travelers on mid-length trips.

3. Economy Lots

   • Cheaper daily/weekly rates—free shuttle every 10–15 minutes, ~5–7 minute ride to the terminal.
   • Perfect for extended vacations or budget-minded flyers.

4. Cell Phone Waiting Lot

   • Free option for drivers meeting arriving passengers—then proceed to arrivals curb when travelers are ready.

(Check the official DSM website for real-time parking availability, promotions, or reservation options.)

5. Lounges & Priority Services

5.1 Airline Lounges

• Currently None
  • DSM does not feature airline-specific lounges (e.g., Delta Sky Club, American Admirals Club). Frequent flyers may access lounge networks at connecting airports.

5.2 TSA PreCheck & CLEAR

• TSA PreCheck
  • Eligible travelers enjoy expedited screening—keep your Known Traveler Number updated in airline profiles.
• CLEAR
  • Not offered at DSM—monitor expansions for future possibility.

6. Dining & Shopping

6.1 Food & Beverage

• Local Iowa Flavors
  • Look for restaurants featuring farm-to-table offerings, local craft beers, or signature Midwestern comfort food.
• National Chains
  • Starbucks, Dunkin’, Arby’s, or pizza counters for quick bites on the go.
• Bars & Grills
  • Some concourse bars serve cocktails, wines, or local microbrews—ideal for unwinding pre-flight.

6.2 Retail & Souvenir Shops

• Newsstands & Convenience
  • Hudson, CNBC for reading materials, electronics accessories, last-minute souvenirs.
• Iowa-Themed Gifts
  • T-shirts, keychains, locally made treats (think kettle corn, chocolates), or Iowa Hawkeye/Cyclone sports gear.
• Duty-Free
  • Minimal due to predominantly domestic routes—international flyers typically connect via larger hubs.

7. Nearby Accommodations

1. Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport/Conf Center
   • ~1 mile from DSM—shuttle service, on-site dining, fitness center.
2. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
   • Budget-friendly, ~5 minutes from terminal—free breakfast, complimentary shuttle.
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Des Moines Airport
   • Mid-range, business-friendly amenities, also a quick shuttle ride to arrivals.

(Hotels along Fleur Drive often provide courtesy shuttles—verify times upon booking.)

8. Key Attractions Near DSM

1. Downtown Des Moines (~10–15 mins by car)
   • Explore the Iowa State Capitol, Principal Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, East Village shops/dining.
2. Blank Park Zoo (~5 mins from DSM)
   • Family-friendly attraction featuring exotic animals, educational exhibits.
3. Adventureland Park (~20–25 mins east)
   • Major amusement park near Altoona—roller coasters, water rides, live shows.
4. Iowa State Fairgrounds (~15–20 mins)
   • Famous annual fair in August—food, concerts, agricultural displays, carnival rides.

9. Travel Tips for Des Moines International Airport

1. Arrive Early
   • 90 minutes for domestic flights, 2 hours during holiday peaks or large local events.
2. Check Your Airline
   • Some carriers strictly enforce overhead bin size—verify dimensions if bringing carry-ons.
3. Weather Considerations
   • Winters can be snowy—watch for flight delays. Summertime storms may also impact schedules—track via airline apps.
4. Rental Car Bookings
   • Reserve in advance if visiting during Iowa State Fair or major local gatherings—car demand spikes.
5. Online Check-In
   • Airlines like Southwest, Delta recommend digital check-in to save time at bag-drop counters.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How far is Des Moines International Airport from downtown?
A: Approximately 5 miles (~10–15 minutes by car or taxi) via Fleur Drive or local roads, traffic permitting.

Q2: Does DSM offer free Wi-Fi?
A: Yes—connect to “DSM Free WiFi,” follow the on-screen steps for access.

Q3: Which airlines operate at Des Moines International Airport?
A: American, Delta, Southwest, United, Frontier, Allegiant, plus smaller regional carriers or seasonal charters.

Q4: Are there direct international flights from DSM?
A: Mainly domestic routes with possible seasonal or charter flights—international travelers typically connect at major hubs.

Q5: Where can I store my luggage at DSM?
A: No official luggage lockers or storage—consult your airline for short-term baggage solutions if needed.

Conclusion

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) blends Midwestern charm with modern amenities—making travel effortless for both business guests and leisure adventurers. With straightforward concourses, an array of parking choices, robust ground transportation, and a growing lineup of dining and retail options, DSM is perfectly positioned to serve as your launching point to Iowa’s capital region and beyond. Keep this airport guide from airport.co handy for the latest updates on lounge expansions, transport links, or terminal improvements—ensuring your time at Des Moines International Airport is as smooth and welcoming as the “Hawkeye State” itself.