Flying From Des Moines to Atlanta, Georgia: What Travelers Need to Know

If you’re planning a flight from Des Moines to Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll be flying between Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Whether you live in Atlanta and are returning home, visiting the city, or connecting through ATL, it helps to understand how this route usually works and how to navigate Atlanta once you land.

Overview of Flights From Des Moines to Atlanta

The corridor between Des Moines, Iowa (DSM) and Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) is a common domestic route, especially for:

• Atlanta residents visiting Iowa and flying back home
• Business travelers heading to Atlanta’s major corporate centers
• Passengers connecting through ATL to other destinations in the Southeast, Caribbean, or overseas

Most travelers fly:

• Nonstop or direct flights (when available), typically operated by major U.S. carriers
• One-stop flights that connect through large hubs such as Chicago, Dallas, or Denver if nonstops are limited on your travel dates

Because ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, there are often multiple options each day, though frequency can vary by season.

Typical Flight Time and Distance

• Approximate flight time: 2–2.5 hours for a nonstop flight
• Total travel time with connections: 3.5–6+ hours, depending on layover length
• Distance (DSM to ATL): Roughly 800–900 miles by air

If you’re an Atlanta local returning from Des Moines, expect the return leg to feel similar in duration—just plan for slightly longer total time once you factor in deplaning, baggage claim, and ground transportation into Atlanta.

Airlines and Route Patterns

While specific carriers and schedules can change, travelers between Des Moines and Atlanta commonly see:

• Major U.S. airlines operating the route, sometimes with:
  • Nonstop service (especially to ATL as a major hub)
  • One-stop or two-stop itineraries via other hub cities

Because this is a domestic route into a major hub, you’ll typically find:

• Morning departures from Des Moines that arrive in Atlanta late morning or early afternoon
• Afternoon or evening departures arriving into ATL later in the day

If you live in Atlanta and are planning a round trip, consider:

• Leaving Atlanta early in the morning to arrive in Des Moines before midday
• Returning on an afternoon or evening flight back to ATL so you’re home the same day

What to Expect When You Land at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Every flight from Des Moines to Atlanta will arrive at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located just south of downtown.

ATL key details:

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Main phone (general info): (800) 897-1910 (interactive information line often used by travelers)
• Distance to Downtown Atlanta: About 10–12 miles, usually 15–30 minutes by car outside heavy traffic

Arrival Process at ATL

After your flight from Des Moines lands:

1. Deplane into your assigned concourse (A–E, T, or occasionally F for some domestic arrivals).
2. Follow signs for “Baggage Claim” and “Ground Transportation.”
3. Use the Plane Train (underground people-mover) if you need to move between concourses and the main terminal.
4. Pick up checked luggage at the North or South Terminal baggage claim, depending on your airline.

Because ATL is large, it’s normal to walk a bit and use the train. If you have mobility concerns, you can request wheelchair assistance through your airline before you depart Des Moines.

Getting From ATL Airport Into Atlanta

Once you arrive from Des Moines, you have several ways to reach your destination in the Atlanta area.

1. MARTA (Public Transit)

For many travelers, MARTA is the most efficient and budget-friendly way into the city.

• Station: Airport MARTA Station (inside the domestic terminal)
• Lines:
  • Red Line – to Buckhead, Sandy Springs, North Springs
  • Gold Line – to Midtown, Doraville, Chamblee
• Typical stops for visitors:
  • Airport → College Park → West End → Garnett → Five Points (Downtown) → Peachtree Center (Downtown/Midtown border)
  • Continue north for Midtown, Arts Center, Buckhead, etc.

🛈 Tip for Atlanta visitors:
If your hotel is in Downtown or Midtown, MARTA can often be faster and cheaper than rideshare during rush hour.

2. Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services and licensed taxis are widely available at ATL:

• Look for clearly marked Rideshare Pickup and Taxi areas on the lower level.
• Travel times (depending on traffic):
  • ATL → Downtown Atlanta: ~15–25 minutes
  • ATL → Midtown: ~20–30 minutes
  • ATL → Buckhead: ~25–40 minutes

For people returning home to the suburbs after flying from Des Moines, it’s common to use rideshare, meet family at Passenger Pickup, or drive a parked car from an airport lot.

3. Rental Cars

If you plan to explore more of the Atlanta metro area or travel beyond the city:

• Follow signs for the SkyTrain to the Rental Car Center.
• The Rental Car Center houses major rental agencies in one facility.

This is a good option if you’re heading from ATL to:

• Cobb County (Marietta, Smyrna)
• Gwinnett County (Duluth, Lawrenceville)
• North Fulton (Alpharetta, Roswell)
• Or making a road trip beyond Atlanta after arriving from Des Moines

Best Times to Fly From Des Moines to Atlanta

Your experience at both DSM and ATL can vary depending on when you travel.

Time of Day

• Morning flights from Des Moines:
  • Often less prone to cascading delays from earlier flights
  • Arrive in Atlanta with plenty of day left for meetings or check-in
• Afternoon/Evening flights:
  • Can be convenient if you have morning commitments in Des Moines
  • May face more delay risk during peak weather or busy travel times

If you live in Atlanta and are flying back home, consider afternoon or evening arrivals so you can head straight home or to your hotel, avoiding early check-in issues.

Day of the Week

Travelers often find:

• Midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) can sometimes be less crowded and more affordable.
• Fridays and Sundays are frequently busier, especially for leisure and weekend travel.

When planning a Des Moines to Atlanta trip, choosing a less busy day can make your arrival at ATL smoother and ground transportation easier.

Navigating ATL for Connections After Arriving From Des Moines

Many passengers flying from Des Moines use Atlanta as a connection hub to other destinations.

Connecting to Other Flights

If Atlanta is not your final stop:

1. Check your boarding pass and airport monitors for your next gate.
2. Use the Plane Train to move between concourses quickly.
3. If your Des Moines flight is delayed, speak with a gate agent in ATL about rebooking options.

Because ATL is a major hub, it often offers:

• Multiple later flights to popular destinations
• Reasonable backup options if a connection is missed

If Atlanta is your final destination, you can simply proceed to baggage claim and exit.

Atlanta-Focused Tips for Travelers Coming From Des Moines

1. Plan Around Atlanta Traffic

If you’re timing your flight arrival from Des Moines:

• Morning rush hour: roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m.
• Evening rush hour: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.

During these windows, travel times from ATL into the city or suburbs can increase significantly, especially on:

• I-75 / I-85 (Downtown Connector)
• I-285
• GA-400

If you want to avoid heavy traffic:

• Consider a late morning or early afternoon ATL arrival from Des Moines.
• Use MARTA for Downtown or Midtown rather than driving during peak congestion.

2. Choosing Where to Stay in Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta after flying from Des Moines, the main areas many travelers consider are:

• Downtown:

  • Close to Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and government buildings
  • Convenient via MARTA (Five Points, Peachtree Center stations)

• Midtown:

  • Good for arts and culture (High Museum, Fox Theatre)
  • Easy MARTA access (Midtown and Arts Center stations)
  • Feels more walkable for restaurants and nightlife

• Buckhead:

  • Known for shopping and dining
  • Accessible via MARTA (Buckhead, Lenox, Lindbergh Center) or car

Selecting a neighborhood that’s directly reachable from MARTA can simplify your arrival from ATL, especially after a long travel day from Des Moines.

Practical Checklist: Before You Fly From Des Moines to Atlanta

Use this quick checklist to make the Atlanta side of your trip smoother.

Helpful Atlanta Contacts and Resources

These local resources can be useful once you’ve landed from Des Moines:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • General info line (recorded/automated): (800) 897-1910

• MARTA Customer Service

  • Phone: (404) 848-5000
  • Can provide route and schedule information for getting from ATL to local neighborhoods

• City of Atlanta Information (City Hall)

  • Atlanta City Hall: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main line: (404) 330-6000

These contacts are useful if your travel from Des Moines involves local government visits, public meetings, or you need help understanding transit options in Atlanta.

Flying from Des Moines to Atlanta, Georgia is typically straightforward, and once you understand how ATL and local transportation work, it’s easy to get where you need to go. Planning your arrival time, ground transportation, and Atlanta neighborhood in advance will make your trip smoother, whether you’re coming home to Atlanta or visiting the city for the first time.