Des Moines Airport Map & Terminal Guide 2026
One terminal, two concourses, 12 gates. Everything you need to navigate Des Moines International Airport (DSM) — the main terminal, Concourses A and C, security, parking and ground transportation.
Des Moines Airport Map
The Des Moines Airport map below shows the full layout of Des Moines International Airport (DSM/KDSM), Iowa’s busiest airport. DSM set an all-time passenger record in 2025 with 3,254,107 travellers — the third consecutive year above three million. Six airlines (American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Southwest and United) serve 35 nonstop destinations from DSM.
As you can see on the Des Moines Airport map, the layout is compact and walkable: one main terminal building with two concourses — Concourse A (left) and Concourse C (right) — connected by indoor walkways. There is no Concourse B. Study the DSM airport map before you travel so you know which concourse your airline uses.
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Des Moines Airport Location Map
Des Moines International Airport is located approximately 5 miles (8 km) southwest of downtown Des Moines. The Des Moines Airport location map below shows DSM’s position relative to the city. The airport is accessed via Fleur Drive, connecting to I-235 (downtown), I-80/I-35 (interstate corridor) and IA-5/US-65 (southern suburbs).
Interactive map showing Des Moines Airport’s location southwest of downtown Des Moines
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Des Moines Airport Terminal
Des Moines International Airport has a single terminal building split across two levels. The current terminal dates from 1948 and has been expanded several times, most recently with concourse additions in 1970. It handles all check-in, security, baggage claim and ground transportation for DSM.
Terminal Levels
Des Moines Airport Security Checkpoint
DSM has a single TSA security checkpoint located on the upper level of the terminal, past the airline ticket counters. TSA PreCheck lanes are available for enrolled passengers. After clearing security, passengers walk to either Concourse A (left) or Concourse C (right).
Des Moines Airport Concourse A
Concourse A sits to the left of the security checkpoint and houses five gates (A1–A5). It is connected to the main terminal by an indoor walkway and primarily serves Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and Allegiant Air.
Concourse A is compact and easy to navigate. Walking time from the security checkpoint to the furthest gate is approximately 3–5 minutes.
Des Moines Airport Concourse C
Concourse C sits to the right of the security checkpoint and has seven gates (C1–C7). It primarily serves American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Frontier Airlines. There is no Concourse B at Des Moines Airport.
Concourse C is the larger of the two concourses. Walking time from security to the furthest C gate is approximately 5–7 minutes.
Walking Between Concourses on the Des Moines Airport Map
Des Moines Airport is small and fully walkable. Both Concourse A and Concourse C are connected to the central terminal area by indoor walkways. If you need to transfer between concourses, simply walk through the shared terminal connector — the entire trip takes about 5–10 minutes. You do not need to re-clear security when moving between concourses, as both are within the secure zone.
Getting to Des Moines Airport
Des Moines International Airport is accessed via Fleur Drive, a direct route from I-235 and downtown. All ground transportation operates from the lower level of the terminal.
Des Moines Airport Parking
Pre-book Des Moines airport parking at flydsm.com for the best rates. Free 24/7 shuttle service runs to all economy lots every 10 minutes or less.
Des Moines Airport Map — Arrivals
If you are arriving at Des Moines Airport or meeting a passenger, the arrivals area is on the lower level of the terminal. After landing, passengers deplane at their concourse gate, walk through the terminal connector to the lower level, and proceed to baggage claim. Baggage carousels are located in the central lower-level hall.
Ground Transportation from Arrivals
From baggage claim, taxis and ride-shares are available outside the exit doors. Rental car counters are in the baggage claim area with a covered walkway to the rental car lot. The DART bus stop is outside the terminal. If picking someone up by car, use the free Cell Phone Waiting Lot and collect your passenger from the curbside when they are ready.
Des Moines Airport Map — Departures
Departing passengers should enter the terminal on the upper level via curbside drop-off or the parking garage skywalk. Check in at your airline’s ticket counter, then proceed through the TSA security checkpoint. After clearing security, walk left to Concourse A or right to Concourse C. Gate assignments are displayed on screens throughout the terminal and on your airline’s app.
Recommended Arrival Times
DSM recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before domestic flights. Check-in counters and bag drop desks typically close 45 minutes before departure. During peak periods (early mornings, holidays and spring break), allow extra time for security and parking.
Insider Tips
DSM is one of the most compact and easiest-to-navigate airports in the Midwest. The entire terminal is walkable in under 10 minutes end to end. For a quick bite, B-Bop’s in Concourse C is a local favourite, and the food court in the main terminal has Chick-fil-A and other options. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. The new parking garage (opened 2025) increased covered parking by 63%, but economy lots remain the best value for trips longer than a day. Refer to the Des Moines Airport map above to plan your route before you arrive.
Des Moines Airport Map — FAQ
How many terminals does Des Moines Airport have?
One terminal with two concourses: Concourse A (gates A1–A5) and Concourse C (gates C1–C7). There is no Concourse B. Both concourses are connected by indoor walkways.
Which airlines fly from each concourse?
Concourse A: Southwest, United and Allegiant. Concourse C: American, Delta and Frontier. Some airlines may use gates in both concourses depending on scheduling.
Where is security at Des Moines Airport?
Upper level of the terminal, past the ticket counters. One central TSA checkpoint with PreCheck lanes. No CLEAR lanes at DSM.
How far is Des Moines Airport from downtown?
About 5 miles southwest. Driving: 10–15 min via Fleur Drive. Taxi flat rate: $25. DART bus: $2.
Where can I find Des Moines airport parking?
Garage Hourly (first 2 hrs free, $48/day), Garage Daily ($20/day), Grey Lot ($7/day), Red Lot ($8/day), Blue Lot ($12/day). Free 24/7 shuttle to economy lots. Pre-book at flydsm.com.
Can I walk between concourses?
Yes. Both concourses are connected through the terminal. The walk from Concourse A to Concourse C takes about 5–10 minutes, all within the secure zone.
Is Des Moines Airport getting a new terminal?
Yes. The $445+ million LiftDSM project broke ground in October 2023. The new terminal will have 18–19 gates and is on track to open in early 2027, replacing the current 1948-era facility.
What does the Des Moines Airport map show?
The Des Moines Airport map shows the main terminal, Concourses A and C, all gate locations, the TSA security checkpoint, the parking garage and economy lots, rental car area, curbside zones and Fleur Drive access roads.
How many nonstop destinations does DSM serve?
35 nonstop destinations as of 2025, a record for the airport. Six airlines serve DSM: American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Southwest and United.