Des Moines to Great Smoky Mountains: what the flight costs
In the last 60 days we checked this route 10 times. The typical return was £628 per person and the lowest £495, taxes and fees included.
| Per person | |
|---|---|
| Lowest seen | £495 |
| Typical (median) | £628 |
| Price checks, 60 days | 10 |
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Trips we picked on this route
The weekend after · from Des MoinesLowest in 30 daysWorth it, if
Great Smoky Mountains
23 – 25 Oct 2026 · 2 nights
- $657 per person, $176 below the typical fare on this route
- Peak fall foliage, highs 61–69°F, rain chance 18% or less
- Sidney James Mountain Lodge in Gatlinburg, 8.1 from 3,298 reviews
£1,331 for two · 2 nights · flights, hotel, taxes & fees
Flights £990 + hotel £341, taxes in · a checked bag each adds about £121
American. Operated by PSA Airlines as American Eagle + PSA Airlines as American Eagle · with a stop · 6h 7m
The catch: The flight out has one stop, takes 6h 7m and lands at 9:33 PM Friday, and October brings the busiest weekends of the year.
Worth it if you want fall color and trail time and don't mind crowds; skip it if a connecting flight eats too much of a 2-night weekend.
Every fare we found in the last 30 days
| Checked | Trip dates | Per person | Airline | Stops | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Oct 2026 | 23 – 25 Oct 2026 | £514 | G4 | with a stop | 30h 3m | Kiwi.com |
| 13 Oct 2026 | 23 – 25 Oct 2026 | £495 | American. Operated by PSA Airlines as American Eagle + PSA Airlines as American Eagle | with a stop | 6h 7m | Google Flights |
| 13 Oct 2026 | 16 – 18 Oct 2026 | £762 | United. Operated by Mesa Airlines DBA United Express + Mesa Airlines DBA United Express | with a stop | 5h 53m | Google Flights |
| 13 Oct 2026 | 16 – 18 Oct 2026 | £675 | G4 | with a stop | 41h 47m | Kiwi.com |
| 13 Oct 2026 | 23 – 25 Oct 2026 | £510 | G4 + F9 | with a stop | 11h 26m | Kiwi.com |
| 13 Oct 2026 | 16 – 18 Oct 2026 | £665 | G4 | with a stop | 27h 2m | Kiwi.com |
| 13 Oct 2026 | 16 – 18 Oct 2026 | £641 | G4 | with a stop | 12h 40m | Kiwi.com |
| 12 Oct 2026 | 23 – 25 Oct 2026 | £614 | G4 | with a stop | 23h 44m | Kiwi.com |
| 12 Oct 2026 | 16 – 18 Oct 2026 | £831 | G4 | with a stop | 12h 40m | Kiwi.com |
| 12 Oct 2026 | 23 – 25 Oct 2026 | £614 | G4 | with a stop | 23h 44m | Kiwi.com |
About Great Smoky Mountains
The Smokies are the most-visited national park in the country, with misty ridges, black bears, wildflowers and the family fun of Dollywood next door.
Great Smoky Mountains from every city: when to go, where to stay, what to do
Questions about Des Moines to Great Smoky Mountains
What does a return from Des Moines to Great Smoky Mountains usually cost?
Over the last 60 days the typical price we found was £628 per person, taxes and fees included, across 10 checks; the lowest was £495.
When is the best time to fly from Des Moines to Great Smoky Mountains?
Great Smoky Mountains is at its best in April, May, June, September and October. Avoid January, February: Icy roads, closed high passes and many attractions on reduced hours
Do I need a passport to fly from Des Moines to Great Smoky Mountains?
No passport needed for travellers from the United States: a government photo ID is enough for Great Smoky Mountains.
Prices converted from US dollars at the rate of 15 Oct 2026.
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