Des Moines to San Francisco: what the flight costs
In the last 60 days we checked this route 2 times. The typical round trip was $390 per person and the lowest $343, taxes and fees included.
| Per person | |
|---|---|
| Lowest seen | $343 |
| Typical (median) | $390 |
| Price checks, 60 days | 2 |
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Trips we picked on this route
A week away · from Des MoinesWorth it, if
San Francisco
Nov 14–21, 2026 · 7 nights
- Royal Pacific Motor Inn in Chinatown: 8 from 1,943 reviews, free cancellation
- One stop, 5h 59m, landing at SFO by 9:29 AM day one
- Highs of 58–62°F for the Golden Gate walk and cable cars
$2,400 for two · 7 nights · flights, hotel, taxes, fees & the resort fee
Flights $686 + hotel $1,490 + resort fee $224, taxes in · a checked bag each adds about $160
United. Operated by SkyWest DBA United Express · with a stop · 5h 59m
The catch: One stop and 5h 59m out, leaving at 5:30 AM; a checked bag is about $160 for two, not in the total.
Worth it if you want a walkable food-and-views week for two; skip it if you need sun or a nonstop.
Every fare we found in the last 30 days
| Checked | Trip dates | Per person | Airline | Stops | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2026 | Nov 14–21, 2026 | $343 | United. Operated by SkyWest DBA United Express | with a stop | 5h 59m | Google Flights |
| Oct 15, 2026 | Nov 14–21, 2026 | $436 | G4 + F9 | with a stop | 17h 50m | Kiwi.com |
About San Francisco
San Francisco packs the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Alcatraz and a pioneering food scene into a compact city of hills and bay views.
San Francisco from every city: when to go, where to stay, what to do
Questions about Des Moines to San Francisco
What does a round trip from Des Moines to San Francisco usually cost?
Over the last 60 days the typical price we found was $390 per person, taxes and fees included, across 2 checks; the lowest was $343.
When is the best time to fly from Des Moines to San Francisco?
San Francisco is at its best in April, May, September, October and November. Avoid July, August: Foggy, chilly summer with the heaviest crowds
Do I need a passport to fly from Des Moines to San Francisco?
No passport needed for travelers from the United States: a government photo ID is enough for San Francisco.