Flying from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Mexico City: what you need to know
The timezone in Mexico City is UTC-6. The city is one hour behind Des Moines, where Des Moines International Airport is located.
Give yourself enough time to get on your DSM to Mexico City flight. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Heading off during a peak time like school or public holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially unlock a cheaper flight ticket from DSM to Mexico City. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Give yourself a breather (and maybe even a better deal) by stopping at one of these connecting airports:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Located around 6 kilometers from central Des Moines, DSM can be reached in about 15 minutes by car. The journey on public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays near DSM:
Des Moines International Airport has an excellent on-time record, reducing the likelihood of delays. Departures from DSM land at their destination as scheduled 80.45% of the time.
DSM is located at 5800 Fleur Drive, Suite 201.
How to find the cheapest flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Mexico City
$162 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City flight. A return ticket right now is $472. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares can change.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to locking in a cheap flight from DSM to Mexico City. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City across the entire month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your plans are flexible.
You don't 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 even bigger deal on cheap flights from DSM to Mexico City.
Find an affordable flight from Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Mexico City
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to the center of Mexico City takes around 25 minutes by car. The center is roughly 8 kilometers away.
It'll take around 55 minutes to get there using public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near MEX:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Benito Juarez International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from INFINITY RENT, MEX or America and explore beyond Mexico City's main sights.
To secure the lowest price, book your ride from Benito Juarez International Airport about four weeks ahead of your flight from DSM to Mexico City.
Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU)
Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU) is around 40 kilometers from central Mexico City. Following 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 cab.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 45 minutes or so.
You'll find a few comfortable places to stay within an easy drive of NLU. Ease into relaxation mode at Verticca Hotel after your DSM to Mexico City flight.
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Europcar, MEX or Keddy By Europcar and be off and running.
Avoid potential price surges. Booking your ride one week before your arrival at NLU will help you stay within budget.
Best time to go to Mexico City
Visit Mexico City in peak season if you want a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices may be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
The warmest month in Mexico City is April, with temperatures ranging between 10ºC (50ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF). Lock in your Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City flight ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
January sees average temperatures of between 6ºC (43ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from DSM to Mexico City around that time if you like traveling in cooler conditions.
More about Mexico City
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Mexico City right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Des Moines International Airport to Mexico City:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. Chapultepec Park, Zocalo and National Museum of Anthropology are essential stops on your Mexico City itinerary.
Explore more of Mexico
You've seen Mexico City, now it's time to discover other corners of Mexico. Travel around 467 kilometers west to Guadalajara to check off its top attractions. From Teatro Degollado to Portales Tlaquepaque Park and Zoologico Guadalajara, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Puebla is another well-known destination in Mexico and is around 105 kilometers south-east of Mexico City. No trip is complete without experiencing Mirador de Los Fuertes, Cuexcomate and Street of Candies.