Direct (nonstop) flights from Des Moines to Houston

1 airline flys nonstop from Des Moines International (DSM) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH). It's 802 miles (1,290 km), about 2h 36m in the air. Operated by United Airlines.

DSM
Des Moines International
🇺🇸 Des Moines, USA
IAH
George Bush Intcntl Houston
🇺🇸 Houston, USA
Flight Time
2h 36m
Distance
802 mi
1,290 km
CO₂/pax
148 kg
−53 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
United Airlines
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 29, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
DSM → IAH
Flight Time
2h 36m
Distance
802 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Des Moines to Houston with one stop · direct emits 148 kg CO₂ per passenger

DSM AUS (Austin) IAH
Leg 1: 2h 9m (813 mi) Leg 2: 1h 6m (140 mi) Total: ~3h 15m 🍃 201 kg CO₂ (+36% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → AUS
2h 9m · 813 mi
View DSM to AUS flights →
Leg 2
AUS → IAH
1h 6m · 140 mi
View AUS to IAH flights →
DSM DFW (Dallas) IAH
Leg 1: 2h 11m (624 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (224 mi) Total: ~3h 26m 🍃 182 kg CO₂ (+23% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → DFW
2h 11m · 624 mi
View DSM to DFW flights →
Leg 2
DFW → IAH
1h 15m · 224 mi
View DFW to IAH flights →
DSM BNA (Nashville) IAH
Leg 1: 1h 35m (529 mi) Leg 2: 2h 18m (657 mi) Total: ~3h 53m 🍃 245 kg CO₂ (+66% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → BNA
1h 35m · 529 mi
View DSM to BNA flights →
Leg 2
BNA → IAH
2h 18m · 657 mi
View BNA to IAH flights →
DSM MSP (Minneapolis) IAH
Leg 1: 1h 12m (232 mi) Leg 2: 3h 1m (1,034 mi) Total: ~4h 13m 🍃 243 kg CO₂ (+64% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → MSP
1h 12m · 232 mi
View DSM to MSP flights →
Leg 2
MSP → IAH
3h 1m · 1,034 mi
View MSP to IAH flights →
DSM MDW (Chicago) IAH
Leg 1: 1h 20m (306 mi) Leg 2: 3h 6m (918 mi) Total: ~4h 26m 🍃 252 kg CO₂ (+70% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DSM → MDW
1h 20m · 306 mi
View DSM to MDW flights →
Leg 2
MDW → IAH
3h 6m · 918 mi
View MDW to IAH flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Des Moines to Houston?

A nonstop flight from Des Moines (DSM) to Houston (IAH) takes approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes. The distance is 802 miles (1,290 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Des Moines to Houston?

Just United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Des Moines to Houston?

Yes. 1 airline: United Airlines.

How far is Des Moines from Houston?

The flight distance from Des Moines to Houston is 802 miles (1,290 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Madrid.

What type of aircraft flies from Des Moines to Houston?

At 2h 36m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Des Moines to Houston?

Roughly 148 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 740 km.

Is the return flight from Houston to Des Moines also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Des Moines to Houston?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Des Moines International for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.