Des Moines Airport Guide

sleeping in des moines airport — (photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / May 2018)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Des Moines Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

The flood of 1993 was horrible and displayed the DMIA at its worse. – Jake

DSM Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Des Moines International Airport.

What to Expect

Des Moines Airport (code: DSM) comprises a mid-size terminal with two concourses (A and C). The terminal includes several eateries and shops, primarily located on the landside. Vending machines are the only snack and drink options when these services close for the night, so plan accordingly. WiFi is available, and there are plenty of outlets for charging mobile devices. There are no private lounges at this airport.

Sleeping in Des Moines Airport

After security checkpoints close for the night, all passengers are restricted to the landside areas, and security must be re-cleared the next day when the checkpoints open. Much of the landside seating includes benches that are circular or feature armrests. However, at least one large comfortable armrest-free bench is located at the north end of the check-in area. A carpeted area near the car rentals and baggage claim area has also been cited as a potentially decent spot to spend the night. To block out the bright lights and noise, consider bringing eyeshades and earplugs/noise-cancelling headphones. For uninterrupted sleep, a hotel across the street and some other hotels near the airport provide free airport shuttles. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Des Moines Airport Guide.

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Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours a day.

The TSA security checkpoint generally opens at 3:45 AM and closes after the last scheduled departure of the evening (typically around 8:00 PM, but hours may vary depending on the flight schedule).

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Des Moines airport sounds like a nightmare, there are nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles:

Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport Conference Center (0.3 mi)
Quality Inn & Suites (0.3 mi)
AmericInn Hotel & Suites (0.4 mi)
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham (0.5 mi)
Hampton Inn (0.5 mi)

Airport Lounges

There are no pay-per-use lounges at this time.

Food & Drinks

There are no 24-hour food outlets. Current options include:

Landside: Berk & Chester’s Kitchen and Bar
Airside: Arugula & Rye • Friedrichs Coffee • The Mill Supply Co • Portermill Craft Beer

There are vending machines located landside and airside.

Drinking Water

Free drinking water is available in Concourse A and Concourse C. Water fountain units include bottle filling stations.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this has changed, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets and USB charging ports are available throughout both landside and airside seating areas. Availability may vary depending on gate area and seating type.

Showers

Showers are not available. If this has changed, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Unlimited free WiFi is available. Connect to the airport’s public WiFi network (Boingo-powered service). Free access is typically session-based; if your session ends, you may be able to reconnect for another free session.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available both landside and airside. Fees may apply. If travelling internationally, check your bank’s fee schedule and withdrawal limits before your trip.
Business Center – A business center with workstations and internet access is available on the Concourse A level. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Massages – Not available
Nursing Room – Mamava nursing pods are available in the secure (airside) area.
Postal Services – A mailbox is available landside near the main entrance for dropping off letters and postcards.
Shopping – Hudson News operates both landside and airside locations, offering magazines, books, snacks, and travel essentials. The airside shop also includes Tech on the Go (electronics and accessories) and 5th & Sunset (apparel and sunglasses).

Airlines

Des Moines Airport is served by the following airlines: Allegiant • American Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Frontier • Southwest • United Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Bus service is available to and from DSM Airport, Monday to Friday only. For route maps, schedules and fares, visit the DART website.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies are located on-site in the baggage claim area: Alamo • American Rent-A-Car • Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Hertz • National.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxis and Shuttles

Taxis are available in the ground transportation area 24 hours a day. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. Executive Express, a local and inter-city shared-ride shuttle service, has a service counter near the rental car counters at the north end of the baggage claim area.

Uber and Lyft drop off passengers at the airport entrance and pick them up on the south side of the terminal outside the baggage claim exit.

Last updated: 2026-02-18

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.