About Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Operating domestic flights to a range of destinations in the USA, Des Moines International Airport serves the city of Des Moines in Iowa. Our Des Moines International Airport guide includes details of terminal facilities, public transportation routes and nearby accommodation options, as well as useful contact information.

Information:

The Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau (tel: +1 800 451 2625; www.seedesmoines.com) has a tourist information booth in the baggage claim area.

Website:

Driving directions:

From central and eastern Des Moines, follow route 69 southwards and turn onto the westbound McKinley Avenue. On approach to the airport site, head southbound on Fleur Drive; this road leads directly to the terminal. From western Des Moines, follow Martin Luther King Parkway/Fleur Drive southwards all the way to the airport.

From the south, take Interstate 35 northbound to Iowa Highway 5, go east for 11km (7 miles), exit at Fleur Drive, and proceed north to the airport.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus:Des Moines Area Regional Transit (tel: +1 515 283 8100; www.ridedart.com) operates local bus 8 from Des Moines International Airport to the city centre (journey time: 20 minutes; fare: US$1.75).

Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (tel: +1 877 686 0029; www.hirtapublictransit.com) provides transport links to various destinations in the surrounding areas.

Shuttle:Executive Express (tel: +1 320 253 2226; www.executiveexpress.biz) operates shuttle services to Des Moines, Ames and Minneapolis, among other destinations.

Taxi:Capitol Cab Company (tel: +1 515 282 8111), City Cab (tel: +1 515 279 5555) and Freedom TaxiCab (tel: +1 515 289 9800) are among the companies providing taxi services from Des Moines International Airport. Fares vary according to the time of day and the destination. For a full list of operators, see the airport's official website.

Terminal facilities

Money:

There are two ATMs located at the airport: one in the public area of the terminal and the other in the main concourse after security.

Food:

There is a food court in the public area offering a plethora of places to eat, including fast-food outlets, a grill restaurant and a pizza specialist. After security, there is a full-service restaurant with panoramic views of the airfield and cafés serving fresh coffee and snacks.

Shopping:

A shop selling convenience items, newspapers and magazines can be found in the public area. Post-security options include an outlet selling a range of gifts and souvenirs, such as branded clothing.

Luggage:

A lost and found service is available at the airport (tel: +1 515 256 5100).

Other:

Most toilet areas in the airport offer baby changing facilities. Additionally, massage chairs are available to use in the concourses, and a translation service, for more than 70 languages, is also available.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

The concourse A Business Centre, open from 0500 to 2200, provides desk space, telephones, internet access and lounge areas. Meeting rooms of varying sizes (up to 80 delegates) are available on the skywalk level of the main terminal (tel: +1 515 256 5100), and at some local hotels.

Communication Facilities:

Wi-Fi internet access (accessible free of charge for the first 45 minutes) is available throughout Des Moines International Airport. The Capital City Gift Shop near the meet and greet area provides parcel delivery services.

Disabled facilities:

Des Moines International Airport is fully accessible for disabled travellers. There are lifts, ramps, accessible toilets and TDD phones in the concourses and main terminal area. Wheelchairs and special assistance are available on request from the relevant airline. Disabled parking is available in designated bays near the lifts on all levels of the main car park.

Fraser Medical Services (tel: +1 515 284 1111) and Midwest Ambucare (tel: +1 515 252 0022) provide accessible transport to and from the airport by prior arrangement.

Car parking:

The multistorey short- and long-term car parks are located opposite the terminal building, with a long-term surface area a short distance away. In addition, there is one economy car park near the terminal, and two further economy areas off Fleur Drive – a 24-hour shuttle bus service links these economy areas with the terminal. Those awaiting arriving passengers are permitted to park in the on-site 'cell phone lot'.

Car rental:

Car hire companies at Des Moines International Airport include: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Car hire desks are located in the baggage claim area, while the pick-up and drop-off location is in a dedicated area adjacent to the South Garage multistorey car park.