Direct (nonstop) flights from Chicago to Des Moines

1 airline flys nonstop from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Des Moines International (DSM). It's 306 miles (492 km), about 1h 25m in the air. Operated by Southwest Airlines.

MDW
Chicago Midway International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
DSM
Des Moines International
🇺🇸 Des Moines, USA
Flight Time
1h 25m
Distance
306 mi
492 km
CO₂/pax
57 kg
−63 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Southwest Airlines
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines

Route data last updated: May 28, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Southwest Airlines WN Southwest Airlines
Route
MDW → DSM
Flight Time
1h 25m
Distance
306 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Chicago to Des Moines with one stop · direct emits 57 kg CO₂ per passenger

MDW STL (Saint Louis) DSM
Leg 1: 1h 15m (252 mi) Leg 2: 1h 10m (258 mi) Total: ~2h 25m 🍃 120 kg CO₂ (+111% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → STL
1h 15m · 252 mi
View MDW to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → DSM
1h 10m · 258 mi
View STL to DSM flights →
MDW MSP (Minneapolis) DSM
Leg 1: 1h 34m (349 mi) Leg 2: 1h 14m (232 mi) Total: ~2h 48m 🍃 133 kg CO₂ (+133% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → MSP
1h 34m · 349 mi
View MDW to MSP flights →
Leg 2
MSP → DSM
1h 14m · 232 mi
View MSP to DSM flights →
MDW DTW (Detroit) DSM
Leg 1: 1h 10m (227 mi) Leg 2: 1h 54m (533 mi) Total: ~3h 4m 🍃 166 kg CO₂ (+191% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → DTW
1h 10m · 227 mi
View MDW to DTW flights →
Leg 2
DTW → DSM
1h 54m · 533 mi
View DTW to DSM flights →
MDW BNA (Nashville) DSM
Leg 1: 1h 30m (394 mi) Leg 2: 1h 40m (529 mi) Total: ~3h 10m 🍃 196 kg CO₂ (+244% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → BNA
1h 30m · 394 mi
View MDW to BNA flights →
Leg 2
BNA → DSM
1h 40m · 529 mi
View BNA to DSM flights →
MDW ATL (Atlanta) DSM
Leg 1: 1h 58m (590 mi) Leg 2: 2h 12m (741 mi) Total: ~4h 10m 🍃 271 kg CO₂ (+375% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → ATL
1h 58m · 590 mi
View MDW to ATL flights →
Leg 2
ATL → DSM
2h 12m · 741 mi
View ATL to DSM flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from Chicago (MDW) to Des Moines (DSM) takes approximately 1 hours and 25 minutes. The distance is 306 miles (492 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Chicago to Des Moines?

Just Southwest Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Chicago to Des Moines?

Yes. 1 airline: Southwest Airlines.

How far is Chicago from Des Moines?

The flight distance from Chicago to Des Moines is 306 miles (492 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as Mumbai to Goa.

What type of aircraft flies from Chicago to Des Moines?

At 1h 25m, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

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

Roughly 57 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 285 km.

Is the return flight from Des Moines to Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago Midway International for this flight?

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