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Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Columbus (CMHA)

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Flight deals from Des Moines to Columbus

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Des Moines Airport to Columbus? If you want to travel next month, return fares start from $552. Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.
Columbus.$464 per passenger.Departing Tue, 22 Sep, returning Thu, 24 Sep.Return flight with United.Outbound indirect flight with United, departs from Des Moines on Tue, 22 Sep, arriving in Port Columbus.Inbound indirect flight with United, departs from Port Columbus on Thu, 24 Sep, arriving in Des Moines.Price includes taxes and charges.From $464, select.
Columbus.$491 per passenger.Departing Thu, 25 Jun, returning Wed, 1 Jul.Return flight with Delta.Outbound indirect flight with Delta, departs from Des Moines on Thu, 25 Jun, arriving in Port Columbus.Inbound indirect flight with Delta, departs from Port Columbus on Wed, 1 Jul, arriving in Des Moines.Price includes taxes and charges.From $491, select.
Columbus.$493 per passenger.Departing Tue, 21 Jul, returning Mon, 27 Jul.Return flight with Delta.Outbound indirect flight with Delta, departs from Des Moines on Tue, 21 Jul, arriving in Port Columbus.Inbound indirect flight with Delta, departs from Port Columbus on Mon, 27 Jul, arriving in Des Moines.Price includes taxes and charges.From $493, select.
Columbus.$505 per passenger.Departing Wed, 30 Sep, returning Fri, 2 Oct.Return flight with Delta.Outbound indirect flight with Delta, departs from Des Moines on Wed, 30 Sep, arriving in Port Columbus.Inbound indirect flight with Delta, departs from Port Columbus on Fri, 2 Oct, arriving in Des Moines.Price includes taxes and charges.From $505, select.
Columbus.$516 per passenger.Departing Thu, 6 Aug, returning Sun, 9 Aug.Return flight with Delta.Outbound indirect flight with Delta, departs from Des Moines on Thu, 6 Aug, arriving in Port Columbus.Inbound indirect flight with Delta, departs from Port Columbus on Sun, 9 Aug, arriving in Des Moines.Price includes taxes and charges.From $516, select.
Columbus.$530 per passenger.Departing Sat, 17 Oct, returning Sun, 18 Oct.Return flight with Delta.Outbound indirect flight with Delta, departs from Des Moines on Sat, 17 Oct, arriving in Port Columbus.Inbound indirect flight with Delta, departs from Port Columbus on Sun, 18 Oct, arriving in Des Moines.Price includes taxes and charges.From $530, select.
Columbus.$552 per passenger.Departing Mon, 15 Jun, returning Sun, 21 Jun.Return flight with Delta.Outbound indirect flight with Delta, departs from Des Moines on Mon, 15 Jun, arriving in Port Columbus.Inbound indirect flight with Delta, departs from Port Columbus on Sun, 21 Jun, arriving in Des Moines.Price includes taxes and charges.From $552, select.
Columbus.$1,102 per passenger.Departing Thu, 28 May, returning Thu, 28 May.Return flight with United.Outbound indirect flight with United, departs from Des Moines on Thu, 28 May, arriving in Port Columbus.Inbound indirect flight with United, departs from Port Columbus on Thu, 28 May, arriving in Des Moines.Price includes taxes and charges.From $1,102, select.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines to Columbus

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Des Moines to Columbus flights are currently cheapest in September.
May
from $1,102
Jun
from $552
Jul
from $493
Aug
from $516
Sep
from $464
Oct
from $530
Nov
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Dec
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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Alternative Des Moines to Columbus routes

Looking for the cheapest, fastest or easiest route from Des Moines to Columbus? You could fly into the following airports instead.

Port Columbus

11km from central Columbus
ClosestCheapest
from $464
Search flights

Columbus Rickenbacker

17km from central Columbus
from $549
Search flights

Des Moines to Columbus: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight found$464
Cheapest month to flySeptember

Finding cheap flights from Des Moines to Columbus: Frequently asked questions

There are 2 airports in Columbus: Port Columbus and Columbus Rickenbacker.
The best price we found for a return flight from Des Moines to Columbus is $464. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
Currently, there are no airlines that fly direct from Des Moines to Columbus. But we found flights with one or more stops from $464.
As of May 2026, there are no flights flying from Des Moines to Columbus.
The cheapest month to fly from Des Moines to Columbus is usually September.
If you're flying from Des Moines Airport, the cheapest airport near Columbus is Port Columbus – which is 10.8 km away from the centre of Columbus. We've found flights into this airport from $464.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it's currently cheapest to fly from Des Moines Airport to Columbus on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.
No airlines currently offer direct flights between Des Moines Airport and Columbus. Most routes have one or more stops.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Columbus but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Columbus is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
In May, the average temperature is usually around 16°C. July is typically the warmest month in Columbus, when it usually averages around 29°C. You can expect the least rain in February. The coldest month is January, with temperatures averaging -7°C. The rainiest month is May.
Currently, United offers the cheapest flight tickets to Columbus.

Flying from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Columbus: what you need to know

  • Des Moines International Airport is located in Des Moines. Based in the UTC-5 timezone, Columbus is one hour ahead of Des Moines.

  • For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your DSM to Columbus flight.

  • During popular months like July, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're flying during a peak period in general.

  • Located around 6 kilometres from central Des Moines, DSM can be reached in about 15 minutes by car. Travelling on public transport takes roughly 30 minutes.

  • Want a leisurely start to your holiday? Stay near DSM. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Des Moines International Airport to Columbus or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:

  • 77% of flights departing from Des Moines International Airport land at their destination on time.

  • DSM's address is 5800 Fleur Drive, Suite 201.

How to find the cheapest flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Columbus

  • The lowest price we've found for a one-way Des Moines International Airport to Columbus flight is $235. The cheapest price for a return flight is $464. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.

  • Booking in advance is often the key to finding a cheap flight from DSM to Columbus. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.

  • Scoring cheap tickets from Des Moines International Airport to Columbus is easier if you're flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' tool to get the lowest prices across every month and pick up an epic deal.

  • There's no need to check back constantly to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you as soon as there's an extra saving on cheap flights from DSM to Columbus.

  • Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Des Moines International Airport to Columbus by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'

Airports in Columbus

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

  • The distance from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to central Columbus is roughly 16 kilometres. It takes around 20 minutes to get to the centre driving.

  • Getting to the centre by public transport takes around 40 minutes.

  • If you're coming in on a late flight from Des Moines International Airport to Columbus, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these hotels near CMH:

  • To lock in the best rate, book your ride from John Glenn Columbus International Airport at least a few weeks in advance of your flight from DSM to Columbus. Prices typically go up closer to your date of travel.

  • You'll find CMH at 4600 International Gateway.

Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)

  • Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) is around 23 kilometres from the centre of Columbus. Once you've disembarked your flight from Des Moines International Airport to Columbus, it'll take you around 25 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or taxi.

  • If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 1 hour 15 minutes.

  • Relax and unpack not long after your DSM to Columbus flight at Best Western Canal Winchester Inn - Columbus South East. This comfortable accommodation option is an easy drive from LCK.

Best time to go to Columbus

  • December is the quietest month for flights from Des Moines International Airport to Columbus, while July is the most popular. Find the best time to visit Columbus based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.

  • Lock in a Des Moines International Airport to Columbus plane ticket with a departure in July to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 31ºC (88ºF).

  • Search for cheap tickets from DSM to Columbus in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -11ºC (12ºF) and 6ºC (43ºF) on average.

More about Columbus

  • When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Columbus right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Des Moines International Airport to Columbus:

  • There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. Whetstone Park / Park of Roses, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and Ohio Theatre are highlights which should feature on every Columbus itinerary.

Explore more of the United States

  • Chicago is just one of the many places in the United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen Columbus. Around 451 kilometres away to the northwest, check out popular attractions including Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and Willis Tower.

  • Indianapolis is another must-experience destination in the United States and is around 274 kilometres west of Columbus. No journey is complete without visiting Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

Plan the rest of your trip from Des Moines to Columbus

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.