Are direct flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt always the best option?

Direct flights offer convenience by minimizing travel time and avoiding layovers. However, they are not always the most budget-friendly choice. Flights with one or more connections can sometimes be considerably cheaper, depending on the route and airline.

Can flexible travel dates help on Des Moines to Frankfurt flights?

Yes, being flexible with your travel dates can significantly impact flight prices. Flying on weekdays or during the shoulder seasons often results in lower fares compared to peak travel times. Even shifting your departure or return by a day or two may yield savings.

What extra costs should I check before booking Des Moines to Frankfurt flights?

Before booking, always check for potential extra costs such as baggage fees, seat selection charges, and in-flight services. Some airlines may also charge for printing boarding passes at the airport. These additional fees can impact the overall cost of your journey.

Flights From Des Moines

To Frankfurt

Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Browse current best options from Des Moines. Become a member to unlock all deals and get alerts when new deals appear.

Deals from

Des Moines

RatePunk searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Frankfurt

Prices updated 4 days ago

476 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Oct 12, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Des Moines to Frankfurt

2027-01-27 – 2027-02-03
DSM - Frankfurt
81% AI deal score
$939
$834
Round trip
2027-01-06 – 2027-01-13
DSM - Frankfurt
78% AI deal score
$865
$834
Round trip
2026-11-17 – 2026-11-24
DSM - Frankfurt
78% AI deal score
$869
$850
Round trip
2026-11-18 – 2026-11-25
DSM - Frankfurt
78% AI deal score
$869
$855
Round trip
2026-12-02 – 2026-12-09
DSM - Frankfurt
82% AI deal score
$1,011
$865
Round trip
2027-02-03 – 2027-02-14
DSM - Frankfurt
77% AI deal score
$866
$868
Round trip
2026-12-01 – 2026-12-15
DSM - Frankfurt
80% AI deal score
$972
$870
Round trip
2027-03-03 – 2027-03-10
DSM - Frankfurt
80% AI deal score
$975
$884
Round trip
2026-11-01 – 2026-11-17
DSM - Frankfurt
76% AI deal score
$829
$892
Round trip
2026-12-04 – 2026-12-11
DSM - Frankfurt
80% AI deal score
$1,016
$916
Round trip

Des Moines to Frankfurt: Overview

Insights for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

A typical journey from Des Moines to Frankfurt takes about 80h 35m, including connections. This is a long-haul route, covering a distance of 7342 km. Most itineraries for this route involve at least two connections, significantly extending the overall travel time.

When looking for cheap flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt, you'll find that fares are typically $837–$1398, with a median of $893. Right now, current fares are below the typical level. Only 2% of recent fares were classified as a good price, indicating that finding lower prices can be challenging.

The cheapest time to fly from Des Moines to Frankfurt is often in December, with a median fare of $827. November also offers competitive prices, with a median of $831, followed closely by January at a median of $835. These months tend to present better value for travelers on this route.

Most itineraries for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt are connecting flights. In fact, 0% of recent fares were non-stop, meaning you should expect to make connections. The median number of stopovers when connecting is 2, which contributes to the extended journey time.

How much is a round trip from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Regular price: $736 - $1,797

Prices are currently within the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt is $736 to $1797. The current lowest deal is $838 with United Airlines, for travel from Feb 2-Feb 9.

now $838

Low $736

High $1,797

The cheapest time to fly from Des Moines to Frankfurt

The cheapest month to fly from Des Moines to Frankfurt is December, with a median price of $827. The most expensive month is October, with a median price of $1407. Prices are generally lower from January to December.

December

Cheapest

Flights from $827

October

Most Expensive

Flights from $1,407

Jan

Feb

Aug

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

United Airlines

Allegiant Air

Icelandair

Deutsche Luft Hansa

Last-minute flights going from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Sat, Oct 10

⌛ Last-Minute

DSM - Frankfurt

Des Moines (DSM) - Frankfurt (FRA)

United Airlines

$1,051

$1,482

One-way

Wed, Oct 14

⌛ Last-Minute

DSM - Frankfurt

Des Moines (DSM) - Frankfurt (FRA)

United Airlines

$1,043

$1,135

One-way

Sat, Oct 17

⌛ Last-Minute

DSM - Frankfurt

Des Moines (DSM) - Frankfurt (FRA)

United Airlines

$1,014

$1,344

One-way

Mon, Oct 19

⌛ Last-Minute

DSM - Frankfurt

Des Moines (DSM) - Frankfurt (FRA)

United Airlines

$1,009

$1,179

One-way

Sat, Oct 24

⌛ Last-Minute

DSM - Frankfurt

Des Moines (DSM) - Frankfurt (FRA)

United Airlines

$1,055

$1,339

One-way

Sun, Oct 25

⌛ Last-Minute

DSM - Frankfurt

Des Moines (DSM) - Frankfurt (FRA)

United Airlines

$962

$1,065

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

7 nights

Dec 1 - Dec 8

$1,000 → $861

14%

14 nights

Dec 30 - Jan 13

$993 → $869

13%

7 nights

Dec 6 - Dec 13

$1,009 → $911

10%

14 nights

Dec 2 - Dec 16

$958 → $861

10%

Popular Airports to fly from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Des Moines - Frankfurt route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Recent fares from Des Moines to Frankfurt are below the typical level at $838.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in December for the best prices

Historically, December is the cheapest month to fly, with a median price of $827.

⏱️ Flight duration

Connecting flights average 80h 35m

Flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt typically involve connections, with a median duration of 80h 35m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

This route is primarily served by connecting flights, with no direct options available.

🏆 Airline highlight

United Airlines offers many deals

United Airlines has 25 deals, making it a frequent provider for this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are rare for this route

Deals for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt are historically rare.

Des Moines main airports to depart from

Des Moines International (DSM)

Cheapest

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is a convenient option for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt.

📍 ~8 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$817

Frankfurt main airports to arrive at

Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)

Cheapest

Frankfurt International Airport is a convenient arrival option for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt.

📍 ~12 km from city center (reachable by car, train, bus)

💸 Flights from ~$838

Airports nearby Frankfurt used as alternative

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)

Frankfurt, Germany

90% AI deal score

$7,225

$4,999

Save $2,226

Aer Lingus, +1

Business Class

From DSM

Elite

Dec 01

Frankfurt, Germany

84% AI deal score

$2,511

$1,981

Save $530

United Airlines

Business Class

From DSM

Elite

Dec 07

Frankfurt, Germany

82% AI deal score

$7,281

$5,872

Save $1,409

Air Canada

Business Class

From DSM

Elite

Jan 07

Frankfurt, Germany

81% AI deal score

$6,361

$5,651

Save $710

Aer Lingus, +1

Business Class

From DSM

Elite

Nov 08

Frankfurt, Germany

81% AI deal score

$7,001

$5,983

Save $1,018

Aer Lingus, +1

Business Class

From DSM

Elite

Oct 28

Frankfurt, Germany

78% AI deal score

$7,727

$7,288

Save $439

Alaska Airlines, Inc., +1

Business Class

From DSM

Elite

Oct 28

Frankfurt, Germany

78% AI deal score

$7,727

$7,288

Save $439

Alaska Airlines, Inc., +1

Business Class

From DSM

Elite

Dec 08

Frankfurt, Germany

78% AI deal score

$7,626

$7,339

Save $287

Alaska Airlines, Inc., +1

Business Class

From DSM

Elite

Dec 23

Frankfurt, Germany

78% AI deal score

$7,466

$7,340

Save $126

Alaska Airlines, Inc., +1

Business Class

From DSM

Elite

Dec 23

Frankfurt, Germany

78% AI deal score

$7,497

$7,340

Save $157

Alaska Airlines, Inc., +1

Business Class

From DSM

Elite

Oct 28

Frankfurt, Germany

78% AI deal score

$7,739

$7,369

Save $370

Alaska Airlines, Inc., +1

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Frankfurt

To find more affordable flights, consider being flexible with your travel dates and times. Comparing prices across different airlines and booking platforms can also help uncover better deals. Look for flights during off-peak seasons, as prices are often lower then.

Booking flights in advance, often several months before your intended departure, may lead to better prices. However, sometimes last-minute deals can appear, so it's wise to monitor price trends. Mid-week bookings can sometimes offer slight advantages over weekend purchases.

Comparing nearby airports can sometimes reveal more economical flight options. While it may add to your ground travel time, the potential savings on airfare can be significant. Always factor in the cost and convenience of transportation to and from alternative airports.

Related routes

More routes from Des Moines

Flights from Des Moines to Indianapolis Flights from Des Moines to Las Vegas Flights from Des Moines to Lisbon Flights from Des Moines to Madrid Flights from Des Moines to Milan Flights from Des Moines to Paris Flights from Des Moines to Phoenix Flights from Des Moines to Rome Flights from Des Moines to San Antonio Flights from Des Moines to Seattle Flights from Des Moines to Syracuse Flights from Des Moines to Toronto

Flights to Frankfurt from other cities

Flights from Basel to Frankfurt Flights from Detroit to Frankfurt Flights from Dublin to Frankfurt Flights from Edinburgh to Frankfurt Flights from Eindhoven to Frankfurt Flights from Erie to Frankfurt Flights from Faro to Frankfurt Flights from Fort Lauderdale to Frankfurt Flights from Fresno to Frankfurt Flights from Friedrichshafen to Frankfurt Flights from Karlsruhe to Frankfurt Flights from Panama City to Frankfurt

Des Moines to Frankfurt: Overview

Insights for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

How much is a round trip from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Regular price: $736 - $1,797

Prices are currently within the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt is $736 to $1797. The current lowest deal is $838 with United Airlines, for travel from Feb 2-Feb 9.

now $838

Low $736

High $1,797

The cheapest time to fly from Des Moines to Frankfurt

December

Cheapest

Flights from $827

October

Most Expensive

Flights from $1,407

Jan

Feb

Aug

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

United Airlines

Allegiant Air

Icelandair

Deutsche Luft Hansa

Last-minute flights going from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Sat, Oct 10

⌛ Last-Minute

DSM - Frankfurt

Des Moines (DSM) - Frankfurt (FRA)

United Airlines

$1,051

$1,482

One-way

Wed, Oct 14

⌛ Last-Minute

DSM - Frankfurt

Des Moines (DSM) - Frankfurt (FRA)

United Airlines

$1,043

$1,135

One-way

Sat, Oct 17

⌛ Last-Minute

DSM - Frankfurt

Des Moines (DSM) - Frankfurt (FRA)

United Airlines

$1,014

$1,344

One-way

Mon, Oct 19

⌛ Last-Minute

DSM - Frankfurt

Des Moines (DSM) - Frankfurt (FRA)

United Airlines

$1,009

$1,179

One-way

Sat, Oct 24

⌛ Last-Minute

DSM - Frankfurt

Des Moines (DSM) - Frankfurt (FRA)

United Airlines

$1,055

$1,339

One-way

Sun, Oct 25

⌛ Last-Minute

DSM - Frankfurt

Des Moines (DSM) - Frankfurt (FRA)

United Airlines

$962

$1,065

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

7 nights

Dec 1 - Dec 8

$1,000 → $861

14%

14 nights

Dec 30 - Jan 13

$993 → $869

13%

7 nights

Dec 6 - Dec 13

$1,009 → $911

10%

14 nights

Dec 2 - Dec 16

$958 → $861

10%

Popular Airports to fly from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Des Moines - Frankfurt route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Recent fares from Des Moines to Frankfurt are below the typical level at $838.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in December for the best prices

Historically, December is the cheapest month to fly, with a median price of $827.

⏱️ Flight duration

Connecting flights average 80h 35m

Flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt typically involve connections, with a median duration of 80h 35m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

This route is primarily served by connecting flights, with no direct options available.

🏆 Airline highlight

United Airlines offers many deals

United Airlines has 25 deals, making it a frequent provider for this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are rare for this route

Deals for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt are historically rare.

Des Moines main airports to depart from

Des Moines International (DSM)

Cheapest

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is a convenient option for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt.

📍 ~8 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$817

Frankfurt main airports to arrive at

Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)

Cheapest

Frankfurt International Airport is a convenient arrival option for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt.

📍 ~12 km from city center (reachable by car, train, bus)

💸 Flights from ~$838

Airports nearby Frankfurt used as alternative

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)

Cologne Bonn Airport is a major hub with a wide range of flights, offering excellent high-speed rail connections.

Frankfurt, Germany

78% AI deal score

$7,739

$7,369

Save $370

Alaska Airlines, Inc., +1

Business Class

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Frankfurt

Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Today’s best flight deals from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Des Moines to Frankfurt: Overview

Insights for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

How much is a round trip from Des Moines to Frankfurt

The cheapest time to fly from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Direct flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Last-minute flights going from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Popular Airports to fly from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Des Moines - Frankfurt route insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Fly in December for the best prices

Connecting flights average 80h 35m

Connecting flights are dominant

United Airlines offers many deals

Deals are rare for this route

Des Moines main airports to depart from

Frankfurt main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Frankfurt used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Frankfurt

Best Elite deals to Frankfurt

Nov 21

Dec 01

Dec 01

Dec 07

Jan 07

Nov 08

Oct 28

Oct 28

Dec 08

Dec 23

Dec 23

Oct 28

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Frankfurt

How can I find cheap flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt?

When should I book flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt?

Should I compare nearby airports for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt?

Are direct flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt always the best option?

Can flexible travel dates help on Des Moines to Frankfurt flights?

What extra costs should I check before booking Des Moines to Frankfurt flights?

Related routes

More routes from Des Moines

Flights to Frankfurt from other cities

Des Moines to Frankfurt: Overview

Insights for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

How much is a round trip from Des Moines to Frankfurt

The cheapest time to fly from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Direct flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Last-minute flights going from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Popular Airports to fly from Des Moines to Frankfurt

Des Moines - Frankfurt route insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Fly in December for the best prices

Connecting flights average 80h 35m

Connecting flights are dominant

United Airlines offers many deals

Deals are rare for this route

Des Moines main airports to depart from

Frankfurt main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Frankfurt used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Frankfurt

Best Elite deals to Frankfurt

Nov 21

Dec 01

Dec 01

Dec 07

Jan 07

Nov 08

Oct 28

Oct 28

Dec 08

Dec 23

Dec 23

Oct 28

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Frankfurt

How can I find cheap flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt?

When should I book flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt?

Should I compare nearby airports for flights from Des Moines to Frankfurt?