Costa Rica

$278+ Cheap flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Costa Rica

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 5/4. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
DSM — SJO
Apr 23 — Apr 301
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Cheap flight deals from Des Moines to Costa Rica

Cheapest flights from Des Moines to Costa Rica
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Des Moines to Costa Rica. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on March 24, 2026.

This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/23. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 5/77:45 am
DSM
-
SJO
1 stop28h 48m
Multiple Airlines
Thu 5/1412:38 pm
SJO
-
DSM
2 stops33h 19m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 3/23$460
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/24. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 5/35:20 am
DSM
-
SJO
2 stops14h 40m
Southwest
Wed 5/139:00 am
SJO
-
DSM
2 stops12h 10m
Southwest
Deal found 3/24$605
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/24. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 5/185:25 am
DSM
-
SJO
2 stops14h 35m
Southwest
Thu 5/289:00 am
SJO
-
DSM
2 stops13h 05m
Southwest
Deal found 3/24$620
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/23. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 5/75:25 am
DSM
-
SJO
2 stops14h 35m
Southwest
Thu 5/149:00 am
SJO
-
DSM
2 stops13h 05m
Southwest
Deal found 3/23$630
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/23. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 5/246:30 pm
DSM
-
SJO
2 stops18h 40m
Southwest
Sun 5/319:00 am
SJO
-
DSM
2 stops13h 20m
Southwest
Deal found 3/23$655
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/24. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 5/55:00 am
DSM
-
SJO
1 stop9h 22m
American Airlines
Tue 5/122:08 pm
SJO
-
DSM
1 stop8h 08m
American Airlines
Deal found 3/24$668
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/24. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 5/35:45 pm
DSM
-
SJO
2 stops19h 11m
Delta
Wed 5/131:20 pm
SJO
-
DSM
1 stop8h 12m
Delta
Deal found 3/24$673
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/23. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 7/145:20 am
DSM
-
SJO
2 stops15h 20m
Southwest
Sat 7/188:45 am
SJO
-
DSM
1 stop12h 10m
Southwest
Deal found 3/23$675
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/24. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 5/183:00 pm
DSM
-
SJO
1 stop21h 35m
American Airlines
Thu 5/282:09 pm
SJO
-
DSM
1 stop18h 02m
American Airlines
Deal found 3/24$680
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/23. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 5/75:00 am
DSM
-
SJO
1 stop9h 26m
American Airlines
Thu 5/1411:35 pm
SJO
-
DSM
1 stop10h 51m
American Airlines
Deal found 3/23$685
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/20. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 9/135:45 am
DSM
-
LIR
1 stop7h 15m
Delta
Fri 9/181:25 pm
LIR
-
DSM
1 stop8h 01m
Delta
Deal found 3/20$686
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 3/24. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 9/115:45 am
DSM
-
SJO
1 stop7h 09m
Delta
Wed 9/161:25 pm
SJO
-
DSM
1 stop8h 01m
Delta
Deal found 3/24$688

Find flight deals from Des Moines to Costa Rica

Keep the following information in mind while searching for Des Moines to Costa Rica flight deals. Data was last updated March 24, 2026.

Most accurate provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Most trusted provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Round-trip from

$460
(Kiwi.com)

One-way from

$278
(Southwest)

Popular in

March

Cheapest in

January

Average price

$943
Provider with most accurate pricing for Des Moines-San José Juan Santamaria Intl flight deals.
Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for Des Moines-San José Juan Santamaria Intl flights.
From Des Moines to Costa Rica
One-way flight from Des Moines to Costa Rica
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 9% potential increase in price ($70 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease ($23 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Average for round-trip flights in March 2026

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Des Moines to Costa Rica that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated March 24, 2026.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Des Moines to Costa Rica that are best for you.

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest round-trip

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Sun 5/3

5:20 am-7:00 pm

2 stops14h 40m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Wed 5/13

9:00 am-10:10 pm

2 stops12h 10m

$605

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Fri 4/17

7:10 pm-11:25 am

2 stops17h 15m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Wed 4/22

9:00 am-10:10 pm

2 stops12h 10m

$630

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Fri 9/11

5:40 am-6:40 pm

2 stops14h 00m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Mon 9/14

9:00 am-10:10 pm

2 stops12h 10m

$655

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Mon 5/4

5:45 am-11:56 am

1 stop7h 11m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Wed 5/13

1:20 pm-10:32 pm

1 stop8h 12m

$668

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Tue 7/14

5:20 am-7:40 pm

2 stops15h 20m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Sat 7/18

8:45 am-9:55 pm

1 stop12h 10m

$675

Des MoinesLiberia

DSM - LIR

DSMLIR

Des Moines

Sun 9/13

5:45 am-12:00 pm

1 stop7h 15m

Liberia

Fri 9/18

1:25 pm-10:26 pm

1 stop8h 01m

$686

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Fri 4/17

8:20 am-7:37 pm

1 stop12h 17m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Wed 4/22

11:13 am-10:43 pm

1 stop10h 30m

$688
Quickest round-trip

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Fri 9/11

5:45 am-11:54 am

1 stop7h 09m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Wed 9/16

1:25 pm-10:26 pm

1 stop8h 01m

$688

Des MoinesLiberia

DSM - LIR

DSMLIR

Des Moines

Sun 9/13

6:34 pm-11:00 am

2 stops17h 26m

Liberia

Fri 9/18

2:10 pm-1:04 pm

2 stops21h 54m

$691

Des MoinesSan José

DSM - SJO

DSMSJO

Des Moines

Wed 4/22

5:00 am-9:36 pm

1 stop17h 36m

San José Juan Santamaria Intl

Sun 4/26

11:35 pm-11:26 am

1 stop10h 51m

$693

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 3/21

Showing 1-10 of 28 resultsSorted by cheapest first
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Best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Costa Rica

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Costa Rica from Des Moines with our price prediction graph.
Estimated round-trip price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Des Moines to Costa Rica

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Des Moines to Costa Rica?

Currently, April is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to Costa Rica (average of $289). Flying from Des Moines to Costa Rica in October is currently the most expensive (average of $675). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

Reviews of airlines servicing Costa Rica

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Costa Rica. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Costa Rica. Reviews last updated March 24, 2026.
See what other customers who have flown with Delta,United Airlines, andAmerican Airlines from Des Moines to Costa Rica have to say. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.

Crew

8.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

7.9

Entertainment

7.8

Food

7.2

Comfort

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Jim,Nov 2025

AVL - ATL

The exit row seats without a seat in front are great for leg room but don’t have a fold out entertainment console so you’re forced to use the screen several feet in front of you (there is, at least, a remote). Best to bring a tablet loaded with entertainment or a book.

Crew

8.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

7.9

Entertainment

7.8

Food

7.2

Comfort

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Jim,Nov 2025

AVL - ATL

The exit row seats without a seat in front are great for leg room but don’t have a fold out entertainment console so you’re forced to use the screen several feet in front of you (there is, at least, a remote). Best to bring a tablet loaded with entertainment or a book.

Crew

8.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

7.9

Entertainment

7.8

Food

7.2

Comfort

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Jim,Nov 2025

AVL - ATL

The exit row seats without a seat in front are great for leg room but don’t have a fold out entertainment console so you’re forced to use the screen several feet in front of you (there is, at least, a remote). Best to bring a tablet loaded with entertainment or a book.

Crew

8.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

7.9

Entertainment

7.8

Food

7.2

Comfort

7.9

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Jim,Nov 2025

AVL - ATL

The exit row seats without a seat in front are great for leg room but don’t have a fold out entertainment console so you’re forced to use the screen several feet in front of you (there is, at least, a remote). Best to bring a tablet loaded with entertainment or a book.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Des Moines to Costa Rica. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.
  • What airport do you fly from for flights from Des Moines to Costa Rica?

    Des Moines (DSM) is the airport you will fly out of if you book a flight from Des Moines to Costa Rica. It is only a 3.6 mi journey to Des Moines (DSM) from Des Moines’s city center.

  • How long is the flight from Des Moines to Costa Rica?

    For as low as $686, Southwest can have you in Costa Rica from Des Moines in 7h 15m. The distance between Des Moines and Costa Rica is about 2193 mi. This flight may include one or multiple stops.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Des Moines to Costa Rica that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Des Moines to Costa Rica flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Des Moines to Costa Rica?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Des Moines to Costa Rica.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Des Moines to Costa Rica?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Des Moines to Costa Rica by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Des Moines to Costa Rica?

    Currently, April is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Des Moines to Costa Rica (average of $289). Flying from Des Moines to Costa Rica in October is currently the most expensive (average of $675). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

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Top 3 airlines flying from Des Moines to Costa Rica

Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from Des Moines to Costa Rica. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated March 24, 2026.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
DeltaCheapest$289Average$621FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
American AirlinesCheapest$419Average$704FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$525Average$695FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%

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