Travelling from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Mexico City: what you need to know
Des Moines (the location of Des Moines International Airport) and Mexico City follow the same timezone — UTC-6.
To avoid missing your DSM to Mexico City flight, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Flying during a peak time such as July? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines at check-in and security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper plane ticket from DSM to Mexico City. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these airports:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
The journey from central Des Moines to DSM takes about 30 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a taxi, you'll cover the 6 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
In search of a hotel near DSM? If you're boarding an early flight from Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
Of the departures from Des Moines International Airport, 77% arrive on time at their destination.
DSM's address is 5800 Fleur Drive, Suite 201.
How to find the cheapest flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Mexico City
The best price we've seen for a one-way Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City flight is $261. The cheapest price for a return flight is $469. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from DSM to Mexico City if you book early. Airlines often have some amazing early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City throughout the entire month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates are flexible.
You don't need to keep looking every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as there's an updated deal for cheap flights from DSM to Mexico City.
Snag an affordable flight from Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Mexico City
Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to the centre of Mexico City takes around 30 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 13 kilometres away.
Travelling by public transport will take you around 40 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City. Check in to one of these accommodation options near MEX instead:
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport around four weeks before your flight from DSM to Mexico City.
Mexico City Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU)
Mexico City Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU) is roughly 56 kilometres from the centre of Mexico City. After your flight from Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City, it'll take you around 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or taxi.
You can expect the trip to take roughly 2 hours on public transport.
Verticca Hotel is one accommodation option within an easy drive of NLU. Unpack your bags here after your DSM to Mexico City flight and then hang the 'Do not disturb' sign for some uninterrupted rest.
Get exactly what you want. Reserving your ride from NLU one week in advance often means more savings and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Mexico City
September is the most popular month for flights from Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City. To skip the crowds, plan your trip to Mexico City in November.
Book a Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City plane ticket with a departure in May if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 6ºC (43ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from DSM to Mexico City around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Mexico City
Once you've booked your flight from Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City, choose a hotel that combines comfort with a great location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Mexico City:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Historic Centre (Centro Historico), Zócalo and Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe are top attractions which should feature on any good Mexico City itinerary.
Explore more of Mexico
You've visited Mexico City, now it's time to discover other parts of Mexico. Journey around 467 kilometres west to Guadalajara to check off its leading sights. From Guadalajara Cathedral to Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Mural Gigante FRIDA KHALO, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If you're interested in discovering another side of Mexico, head for Puebla, roughly 105 kilometres southeast of Mexico City. Zócalo de Puebla, Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Centro Histórico de Puebla are key reasons to visit.