While takeoff on the right offers good Des Moines views, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenery with the Minnesota River valley, Mississippi River, and the Twin Cities urban landscape becoming progressively more detailed and visually engaging as you descend.
Flown DSM to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Des Moines to Minneapolis is 232 miles (374 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Iowa heading north-northeast, passing over the Cedar Rapids area and the Cedar River valley. You'll see the transition from Des Moines' agricultural hinterland through Iowa's corn and soybean belt into southern Minnesota. The landscape remains predominantly flat to gently rolling farmland throughout the route, with occasional river valleys and small towns visible below. No major mountain ranges or dramatic topography—this is classic Midwest terrain with extensive agricultural development and scattered water features.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DSM
RIGHTDes Moines sits in central Iowa with the Des Moines River running north-south through the city. Climbing out to the north-northeast toward Minneapolis, a right-side seat captures the river valley and the urban grid of Des Moines receding below, plus the transition into Iowa farmland.
Landing at MSP
LEFTApproaching Minneapolis from the south, a left-side seat offers views of the Minnesota River valley and the Twin Cities sprawl as you descend. The river and surrounding lakes become increasingly visible, and you'll see the urban development pattern of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area before touchdown.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Des Moines International (DSM) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Des Moines to Minneapolis. While takeoff on the right offers good Des Moines views, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenery with the Minnesota River valley, Mississippi River, and the Twin Cities urban landscape becoming progressively more detailed and visually engaging as you descend.
What can I see during takeoff from Des Moines International in Des Moines?
During takeoff from Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Des Moines sits in central Iowa with the Des Moines River running north-south through the city. Climbing out to the north-northeast toward Minneapolis, a right-side seat captures the river valley and the urban grid of Des Moines receding below, plus the transition into Iowa farmland. Notable sights include: Des Moines River valley, Des Moines urban area, Iowa agricultural grid, Raccoon River confluence.
What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Minneapolis from the south, a left-side seat offers views of the Minnesota River valley and the Twin Cities sprawl as you descend. The river and surrounding lakes become increasingly visible, and you'll see the urban development pattern of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area before touchdown. Notable sights include: Minnesota River valley, Mississippi River, Twin Cities urban area, Chain of Lakes (Minneapolis).
How long is the flight from Des Moines to Minneapolis?
The flight from Des Moines International (DSM) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 232 miles (374 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Des Moines to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Iowa heading north-northeast, passing over the Cedar Rapids area and the Cedar River valley. You'll see the transition from Des Moines' agricultural hinterland through Iowa's corn and soybean belt into southern Minnesota. The landscape remains predominantly flat to gently rolling farmland throughout the route, with occasional river valleys and small towns visible below. No major mountain ranges or dramatic topography—this is classic Midwest terrain with extensive agricultural development and scattered water features.