Direct (nonstop) flights from Houston to Des Moines

1 airline flys nonstop from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Des Moines International (DSM). It's 802 miles (1,290 km), about 2h 22m in the air. Operated by United Airlines.

IAH
George Bush Intcntl Houston
🇺🇸 Houston, USA
DSM
Des Moines International
🇺🇸 Des Moines, USA
Flight Time
2h 22m
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 31, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
IAH → DSM
Flight Time
2h 22m
Distance
802 mi

Alternative Routes

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

IAH AUS (Austin) DSM
Leg 1: 1h 4m (140 mi) Leg 2: 2h 11m (813 mi) Total: ~3h 15m 🍃 201 kg CO₂ (+36% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → AUS
1h 4m · 140 mi
View IAH to AUS flights →
Leg 2
AUS → DSM
2h 11m · 813 mi
View AUS to DSM flights →
IAH STL (Saint Louis) DSM
Leg 1: 2h 9m (667 mi) Leg 2: 1h 10m (258 mi) Total: ~3h 19m 🍃 196 kg CO₂ (+32% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → STL
2h 9m · 667 mi
View IAH to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → DSM
1h 10m · 258 mi
View STL to DSM flights →
IAH DFW (Dallas) DSM
Leg 1: 1h 27m (224 mi) Leg 2: 1h 58m (624 mi) Total: ~3h 25m 🍃 182 kg CO₂ (+23% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → DFW
1h 27m · 224 mi
View IAH to DFW flights →
Leg 2
DFW → DSM
1h 58m · 624 mi
View DFW to DSM flights →
IAH BNA (Nashville) DSM
Leg 1: 2h 1m (657 mi) Leg 2: 1h 40m (529 mi) Total: ~3h 41m 🍃 245 kg CO₂ (+66% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → BNA
2h 1m · 657 mi
View IAH to BNA flights →
Leg 2
BNA → DSM
1h 40m · 529 mi
View BNA to DSM flights →
IAH MDW (Chicago) DSM
Leg 1: 2h 32m (918 mi) Leg 2: 1h 25m (306 mi) Total: ~3h 57m 🍃 252 kg CO₂ (+70% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → MDW
2h 32m · 918 mi
View IAH to MDW flights →
Leg 2
MDW → DSM
1h 25m · 306 mi
View MDW to DSM flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from Houston (IAH) to Des Moines (DSM) takes approximately 2 hours and 22 minutes. The distance is 802 miles (1,290 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Houston to Des Moines?

Just United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Houston to Des Moines?

Yes. 1 airline: United Airlines.

How far is Houston from Des Moines?

The flight distance from Houston to Des Moines 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 Houston to Des Moines?

At 2h 22m, 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 Houston to Des Moines?

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

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

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 George Bush Intcntl Houston for this flight?

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