DES MOINES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (DSM) INFORMATION

Des Moines International Airport (IATA: DSM, ICAO: KDSM, FAA LID: DSM) is a commercial service airport 8 kilometers southwest of Des Moines.

DSM is the largest airport in Iowa. Located in the capital, it serves as the gateway to the state. The airport's local economic impact is approximately $644 million, providing business opportunities and more than 7,100 jobs.

The public airport with two runways, 46 buildings, 7 parking facilities, and a terminal is managed by the Des Moines Airport Authority and is owned by the City of Des Moines.

Each runway is 2,744 meters long and 46 meters wide.

The airport has six commercial airlines, namely, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United.

The terminal has two concourses. Concourse A spans from gates A1 to A5 and concourse C covers gates C1–C7.

The airport caters to airlines, air taxis, general aviation, cargo, and military aircraft. It also hosts the maintenance base for a regional airline. It is home to the 132nd Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard.

Domestic destinations include Las Vegas, Newark, Orlando - Sanford, Phoenix - Mesa, Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg - Clearwater, Dallas - Fort Worth, Phoenix - Sky Harbor, Charlotte, Chicago - O’Hare, Washington - National, Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis - St. Paul, New York - LaGuardia, Denver, St. Louis, and Houston - Intercontinental.

Seasonal destinations include Austin, Chicago - Midway, Destin - Fort Walton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Houston - Hobby, Los Angeles, Nashville, Orange County, Palm Springs, Portland, San Diego, Sarasota, and Miami.

Cargo Destinations include Cedar Rapids - Iowa City, Madison, Indianapolis, Memphis, Ontario, Burbank, Chicago - Rockford, Hartford, Louisville, Miami, Newark, Philadelphia, Portland, Sacramento, and Spokane.

Des Moines International Airport is located at 41°32′02″N 093°39′47″W and lies at an elevation of 292 meters.

History of Des Moines International Airport

After considering over 80 sites from 1929, construction of the airport on 64 hectares of farmland south of the city finally began in 1932 and was completed the following year.

The first terminal was built shortly. In 1948, the terminal was replaced and has been expanded and renovated several times since then. In 1970, the terminal was remodeled and the current concourses were built.

Prior to the establishment of a separate Aviation Department in the 1960s, the airport was initially governed by the Parks Department. The city established a separate Aviation Policy Advisory Board in 1982.

In 1986, the airport was renamed the Des Moines International Airport, acknowledging the presence of a United States Customs Service office on its premises.

In 2009, interior renovations that included new carpets, gate counters, seating, a new ceiling, signage, paint, and a fire sprinkler system were started and completed the following year.

The City of Des Moines transferred control to the Des Moines Airport Authority in 2011. Ownership of the land remains with the City. Authority, owning the property and the equipment, agreed to a 99-year lease on the land.

The National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS), an inventory of U.S. aviation infrastructure assets developed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), classified DSM as a primary commercial service airport from 2017 to 2021.

In 2019, DSM served about 2.92 million passengers, beating its previous record of around 2.48 million passengers in 2015.

In 2021, the airport expressed plans of becoming host to Allegiant Air, an American ultra-low-cost airline that operates scheduled and chartered flights.

Recent airport upgrades include a common-use project allowing any airline to use any gate at the airport, a new washroom in concourse C, and modernized baggage handling facilities.

With the ongoing improvements, the previous land area has expanded to the current span of 1052 hectares.

Transfer Services at Des Moines International Airport

DSM is being serviced by a public transfer service that can take you to the different counties surrounding the airport and Polk County.

Passengers can arrange transportation to Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Marion, Story, Warren, and back to the airport or any point in Polk County.

Reservations can be done in advance online. Short notice booking or the same-day booking may have additional charges.

One-way in-town trips cost $2.50, while one-way in-county trips cost $5.00.

Des Moines round trips can cost as low as $10.00 to as much as $25.00 depending on the pick-up point and the destination.

Vehicles are easily recognizable with the company name, HIRTA Public Transit, painted on one side of the transportation units.

Alternatively, there are also limousines at the airport that serves the whole region. You may inquire directly from the limousine companies.

Rental Car Services at Des Moines International Airport

Passengers arriving at the airport can get to their destination by choosing rental car services from the companies that have booths in the terminal baggage claim area.

It is recommended to book your rental in advance to avoid any delays. Depending on the company, some rides may be booked online.

Make sure to present your complete documents to the rental car representative when claiming and returning the keys. See and compare all rental car companies at Des Moines International Airport.

Passengers returning vehicles should follow the wayfinding signage on the airport premises to get to the rental car to the return parking area.

Ride Shares at Des Moines International Airport

Two rideshare companies are operating in Des Moines and servicing the airport, namely, Lyft and Uber. Either can take you to and from the airport.

Passengers can install the rideshare apps on their mobile devices with internet connectivity.

If you are arriving at the airport via rideshare, you will be dropped off at the airport entrance.

If you are leaving the airport on a rideshare vehicle, head to the baggage claim exit and you will be picked up at the south side of the terminal.

Taxis at Des Moines International Airport

Taxi stands are located outside the baggage claim exit.

Passengers leaving DSM may choose to ride taxis to get to their destination. On the other hand, passengers arriving at the airport in taxis may be dropped off at the airport entrance.

The fare rate depends on the point of origin and the destination. See more information about taxis at Des Moines International Airport.

Trains at Des Moines International Airport

The nearest train station to Des Moines International Airport is located at North Main Street and East Clay Street in Osceola, about 69 kilometers or 50 minutes away.

A taxi will charge $95 to $120 for a one-way trip from the airport to Osceola Station or vice-versa. More information about train services near Des Moines International Airport.

If you decide to take the shuttle from the airport, it will take you to the bus station at Iowa State University, where you will transfer to a bus that will take you to the Osceola bus station. From the bus station, you’ll have to take a taxi to the train station.

The latter option is ideal only if you are not pressed for time as it will take nearly four hours and cost $107 to $158 to complete the trip. Sightseeing is one advantage of this route.

Buses at Des Moines International Airport

DSM is serviced by public bus local Route 8 or the Fleur Drive Route. The bus stop is at the Airport South Park & Ride.

Passengers arriving or leaving the airport will be dropped off or picked up from the same bus stop. More information about buses to and from Des Moines International Airport.

If you need to get on a new route, you will have to take a transfer bus at the Central Transit Station 9 kilometers or 15 minutes away from the airport bus stop.

The bus fare from the airport to the central station is less than $2.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Des Moines International Airport

The notable skyline of Des Moines boasts many highly-rated hotels, some of them within three kilometers from DSM.

Passengers arriving at the airport can be fetched outside the baggage claim exit by their booked hotel shuttles.

Passengers coming from their hotels via shuttle will be dropped off at the airport entrance.

When arranging your hotel booking, make sure to inquire about their hotel shuttle and airport service. Some hotels have packages that include airport service, however, some hotels charge extra for the service.

Parking at Des Moines International Airport

DSM has several on-site parking lots with an estimated total of 5,191 slots. The designated lane for motorcycle parking and parking lots for airport staff and rental car services are not included in this count.

The Short Term parking lot is located near the terminal entrance. It has about 234 slots. Parking costs $1 every 20 minutes. The first 20 minutes are free of charge. See more information about short and long term parking at Des Moines International Airport.

Long Term Premium is located beside the Short Term parking lot. It has about 90 slots and costs $1 for every 20 minutes.

Long Term Parking is near the Long Term Premium lot. It has around 1,670 slots and also costs $1 for every 20 minutes.

Economy 1 Red Parking is located at 6215 Fleur Drive. It has around 745 slots.

Economy 2 Blue Parking is located at Cowles Drive. It has around 622 slots.

Economy 3 Green Parking is located across from Economy 2 Blue Parking. It has about 345.

Economy 4 Gray Parking is located along the South Airport Frontage Road. It has about 1755 parking slots.

Parking in any of the Economy lots costs $2 per hour.

Other Services at Des Moines International Airport

Wi-Fi at Des Moines International Airport

Free unlimited Wi-Fi by Verizon is available at DSM through Boingo systems.

Passengers with compatible mobile devices can access the network from any point in the terminal.

ATMs at Des Moines International Airport

Passengers can use ATMs that are located on the ground floor of the terminal and the concourses or gate level. The ATMs are located near restaurants.

Currency Exchange at Des Moines International Airport

Currency Exchange is currently not available at the airport.

Outbound passengers are advised to confirm the availability of currency exchange at their destination airports. Visiting currency exchange offices prior to arriving at the airport is another option.

Nursing Stations at Des Moines International Airport

DSM has one nursing pod located after the TSA Security Checkpoint and across the Police Desk.

The Mamava Nursing Pod is sponsored by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines.

Restrooms at Des Moines International Airport

There are washrooms located throughout the airport. It is recommended to check and follow overhead wayfinding signage to easily locate the washrooms.

DSM has three family washrooms. One is located near the baggage claim, another near Gate C7, and another near Gate A5.

The family washrooms in the concourse areas are both equipped with a standard children’s changing table. If you need an adult’s changing table, please proceed to the family washroom near Gate C7.

The easiest way to reach the family washrooms is by using the stairs or the elevators.

All washrooms are reflected on the overhead wayfinding signage.

Food and Beverages at Des Moines International Airport

DSM has a wide selection of food and beverage options, including breakfast, lunch, dinner options, coffee, cocktails, salad, flatbread, parfaits, yogurt, muffins, and more.

Berk & Chester’s Kitchen + Bar is located in the pre-security area. They serve hearty meals and offer a full-service bar.

Friedrich’s Coffee features two high-volume espresso machines for coffee variations and offers made-to-order sandwiches.

Arugula & Rye serves healthy food options including fresh salad and flavored water. They also offer a variety of wine and beer.

Portermill Craft Food & Beer features a local menu with ingredients sourced sustainably. They also have an extensive line of craft beer and wine.

Mill Supply Co. offers grab-and-go meal options including muffins, cookies, and yogurt.

Coffee & Bar, located in Concourse C, offers canned and bottled coffee and alcoholic beverages.

A Bar offers the same menu and service as Coffee & Bar but is located in Concourse A.

Shopping at Des Moines International Airport

There are two Husdon shops in DSM, one with a self-service kiosk for grab-and-go items.

Hudson’s “Tech On The Go” offers various electronics and phone accessories. Their “5th & Sunset” shop carries a wide selection of popular brand items.

Smoking at Des Moines International Airport

Smoking or vaping is not allowed on DSM premises. Please confirm with the Information desk the location of the designated smoking areas.

Lost and Found Section at Des Moines International Airport

Passengers should always be mindful of their belongings. Use easily recognizable luggage, covers, or tags.

Passengers may report any missing items by filling up the “Lost Item Report” online form.

https://www.flydsm.com/traveler-info/lost-found/lost-item-report

Make sure that all details are completely filled-up before submitting the form.

Found items that qualify for storage shall be kept for a maximum of 60 days by the Des Moines Airport Authority.

All found food and beverage items, those with a foul odor, vaping and smoking items, items deemed to be unsanitary, and abandoned items will be disposed of immediately.

All items found that are identified as weapons or dangerous drugs will be turned over to the Des Moines Police Department.

The airport bears no responsibility for damages to any found item. The item owner shall shoulder the shipping fees incurred during the return of the item.

Ticketing at Des Moines International Airport

There are two ticket counter locations in DSM. Tickets and airline counters availability depends on the airline schedule.

One ticket counter is located at the south end of the terminal near the baggage claim. This counter serves Southwest Airlines.

All other airlines are served by the ticket counters located at the north end of the terminal.

Passengers should confirm the information on available flights and schedules directly with their chosen airlines.

Ticket counters per airline open about 2 hours before the next flight and close when it is time for the flight.

Information Desk at Des Moines International Airport

There is an information desk near the baggage claim area. Passengers can inquire directly through the assigned customer service representative.

Alternatively, passengers may also make inquiries from anywhere in the airport by phone at +1 515-256-5100.

Pet Relief at Des Moines International Airport

For passengers who are traveling with pets, DSM has one designated pet relief area located outside of the terminal, by the parking garage, near the skywalk.

Follow wayfinding signage or confirm the location of the designated pet relief area by calling customer service representatives at +1 515-256-5100.

Baggage Claim at Des Moines International Airport

Passengers may claim their checked-in luggage from the Baggage Claim Area located near the terminal exits.

For missing luggage, fill up the Lost Item Report form which is accessible online.

https://www.flydsm.com/traveler-info/lost-found/lost-item-report

Disabled Passengers at Des Moines International Airport

DSM has facilities and services to provide quality service to all passengers.

The airport provides handicap access, family rooms with adult changing tables near Gate C7, a telephone device for the deaf (TDD), and a heart defibrillator device.

For wheelchair assistance from curbside to planeside, please contact +1 515-256-5500.

Passengers are allowed to bring their service animals. Please check wayfinding signage or contact customer service at +1 515-256-5100 to confirm the designated pet relief area.

Des Moines International Airport Contacts

Address: Des Moines International Airport 5800 Fleur Drive, Suite 207, Des Moines, Iowa 50321
General Phone: +1 515-256-5050
Email: kmkovarna@dsmairport.com
Lost and Found Phone: +1 515-256-5100
Lost and Found Email: https://www.flydsm.com/traveler-info/lost-found/lost-item-report
Official Website: https://www.flydsm.com/

Local Information

Drive on: Right
Electricity: 120V/60Hz.
Plug: A, B
Currency: USD, US$, $,
Wi-Fi at Airport: Free unlimited Wi-Fi by Verizon is available in DSM.