Des Moines Airport Economy Parking: Red $7, Grey $8, Blue $14 a Day and 24/7 Shuttles (2026)

As of October 2026, Des Moines airport economy parking costs $7/day in the Red Lot, $8/day in the Grey Lot and $14/day in the Blue Lot, all card payment only. Free shuttles run 24/7, every 10 minutes or less for the Grey and Blue Lots and every 15 minutes for Red. A week in the Red Lot is about $49.

This page covers long-term parking at DSM. Our complete DSM airport parking guide covers the garage, pick-ups and every other option.

DSM Long-Term Parking Rates

Each economy lot charges $2 per hour up to a daily maximum of $7, $8 or $14.

Multi-day totals assume one daily maximum per day; the airport does not publish weekly rates or how a partial last day is billed. Rates are from the airport's DSM parking rates page. For the garage and the full price list, see our DSM parking cost breakdown.

Red Lot: The Cheapest DSM Parking

The Red Lot is the lowest-priced lot at DSM at $7/day, with a shuttle every 15 minutes.

It sits east of Fleur Drive at Leland Avenue, with stops at its West and East ends. It is served by the Blue-Red Route, which stops at the Blue Lot first and then the Red Lot before returning to the terminal, so allow for a slightly longer ride.

Grey Lot: $8/Day With a 10-Minute Shuttle

The Grey Lot costs $1 more than Red but has its own shuttle route running every 10 minutes or less.

It lies south-west of the terminal off Leland Avenue, next to employee parking and the Rental Car Center, with North, Central and South shuttle stops. The Grey Route stops at the Grey Lot and then the Employee Lot. The airport does not publish a street address for the Grey Lot. Its maps and directions page has a short video on reaching the Grey Lot when heading south on Fleur Drive, plus a downloadable parking map.

Blue Lot: $14/Day on the Blue-Red Route

The Blue Lot is $14/day and sits along Fleur Drive between the main entrance and Leland Avenue.

It has North and South shuttle stops on the Blue-Red Route, with a shuttle every 10 minutes or less. It costs twice as much as Red, so it makes most sense when Red and Grey don't suit your trip.

How the DSM Economy Shuttle Works

Shuttles are free, run 24 hours a day, and stop at the terminal's drop-off and pick-up areas on Terminal Way.

• Two routes: the Grey Route and the Blue-Red Route.
• Frequency: every 10 minutes or less for Grey and Blue; every 15 minutes for Red.
• Ride time: the airport says Blue and Grey rides take about 10 minutes from pick-up to drop-off.
• Coming back: take the same route you boarded when you left.
• Shuttle tracker: the airport's live shuttle tracking page shows each bus in real time.

Getting to the Economy Lots

Use Leland Avenue, just south of the airport's main entrance, to reach the Blue and Grey Lots without driving past the terminal.

At the T intersection, signs direct you right for the Blue Lot and left for the Grey Lot. The Red Lot is on the east side of Fleur Drive at Leland Avenue. Check live space counts on the airport's parking page before you leave.

Long-Term Parking Rules at DSM

• Maximum stay: 60 consecutive days in any lot; longer and the car may be removed. Call SP+ at 515-256-5038 first.
• Payment: card only in all three economy lots.
• No coupons: the airport says its parking does not offer or accept them.
• No booking: the airport's booking site sells garage parking only, so the economy lots are drive-up. If you want a reserved space, the airport sells garage parking online; see our DSM parking garage guide.

Economy vs an Off-Site Hotel Lot

For our sample week, the off-site lot on Triply cost more than the Red and Grey Lots but less than the Blue Lot.

Triply prices are for a sample stay (check-in 10 AM on 13 November, check-out 2 PM on 19 November 2026, billed as 7 days), include fees, and change by date. The stay is 6 days and 4 hours, so airport totals are shown for 6 and 7 daily charges. Clarion Inn Des Moines Airport, 1.3 miles away, runs a free on-demand shuttle 24/7 and refunds 100% if you cancel up to the day of arrival. If price is all that matters, Red or Grey wins; the hotel lot suits travelers who want a booked space and a shuttle on call. See our Des Moines park and fly hotel parking guide, or check DSM long-term parking prices on Triply. Meeting someone on your return? Our DSM cell phone lot page covers free pick-up options.