San Diego, CA, USA to Des Moines, IA, USA from $165: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from San Diego to Des Moines: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$165 - Train, BusBest price

2313 kmDistance

4h 54m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Des Moines with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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San Diego - Des Moines operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Des Moines, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane

Website

allegiantair.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)

Average Duration

3h 28m

Estimated price

$4769-2288

Website

aa.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)

Average Duration

5h 37m

Estimated price

$2289-4760

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)

Average Duration

6h 22m

Estimated price

$4761-4762

Website

southwest.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)

Average Duration

5h 40m

Estimated price

$4765-4766

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)

Average Duration

5h 50m

Estimated price

$4767-4766

Website

united.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)

Average Duration

5h 11m

Estimated price

$4761-4760

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration

2h 56m

Estimated price

$1652-1653

Train from Los Angeles to Bloomington-Normal

Average Duration

49h 10m

Estimated price

$1925-4760

Bus

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal

Average Duration

5h 45m

Estimated price

$1922-1923

Bus from Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal to Kansas City Bus Station

Average Duration

28h

Estimated price

$4763-16560

Contact phone

+1-858-800-8898

Website

jeffersonlines.com

Bus from Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA

Average Duration

Estimated price

$0-0

Contact phone

1(800) 992-4618

Website

burlingtontrailways.com

Bus from Bloomington Normal, Il to Des Moines, Ia

Average Duration

Estimated price

$1928-9042

San Diego to Des Moines: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Diego and Des Moines offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from sunny San Diego to the charming city of Des Moines. Drive approximately 1755 miles northeast through diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. 💰 Prices for the journey range between $310 to $460, offering flexibility for budget-conscious travelers. Make stops along the way to explore hidden gems and local attractions, adding depth to your adventure. ⏳ Allow around 26 hours and 49 minutes for the drive, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the journey and create lasting memories. Experience the freedom of the open road on this unforgettable cross-country drive from the West Coast to the Midwest.

Average price

$310 - $460

🛫 Flying from San Diego to Des Moines is convenient with a direct flight that takes approximately 3 hours and 28 minutes. 💰 Prices for flights between Des Moines and San Diego range from $228 to $476, making it essential for travelers to compare and select the best deal for their journey.

Departure Point

San Diego Airport

Arrival Point

Des Moines Airport

🚌 Route 1: Traveling from San Diego to Des Moines takes approximately 1 day 19 hours with 3 transfers along the 1,947-mile journey. The trip involves stops in Sacramento, Las Vegas, Denver, Los Angeles, Kansas City, and finally Des Moines. 🚌 Route 2: Another option is a 1 day 16-hour journey covering 1,859 miles with 3 transfers including stops in Las Vegas, Kansas City, and finally reaching Des Moines. This route offers a mix of urban and scenic landscapes along the way. 🚌 Route 3: For a slightly longer but equally scenic route, travelers can opt for a 1 day 16-hour journey across 1,898 miles with 3 transfers through Las Vegas, Denver, Kansas City, and finally arriving in Des Moines. This route offers a diverse mix of city and nature views for a memorable bus adventure.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Diego to Des Moines.

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The cheapest way to travel from San Diego to Des Moines is by flying. Flight prices can range from $160 to $450, depending on the airline and time of booking. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 49 minutes.

The fastest way to travel from San Diego to Des Moines is to fly. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 49 minutes.

The distance between San Diego and Des Moines is approximately 2313 km. This is the direct distance, also known as the "as the crow flies" distance. If you are traveling by road, the distance is around 2824 km.

The most convenient way to travel from San Diego to Des Moines without a car is by bus. Several bus companies offer routes that connect the two cities. The journey takes approximately 42 hours and 35 minutes, and ticket prices range from $220 to $480 depending on the company and time of travel.

The quickest way to get from San Diego to Des Moines is to fly, which takes about 4 hours and 49 minutes.

You have plenty of options for accommodation in Des Moines. There are over 202 hotels to choose from, catering to different budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels in Des Moines start at $36 per night, so you can find something affordable.

Yes, it is possible to drive from San Diego to Des Moines. The driving distance is approximately 2824 km, and the journey takes approximately 26 hours and 49 minutes.

No, there is no direct bus between San Diego and Des Moines. However, there are bus services available with transfers. The journey usually involves departing from San Diego, transferring at Los Angeles Union Station, and then transferring again at Kansas City, MO before finally reaching Des Moines. The total travel time for this route is approximately 42 hours and 35 minutes.

You can catch the San Diego to Des Moines bus from the San Diego station. The bus service is operated by Flixbus USA.

The San Diego to Des Moines bus services operated by Jefferson Lines arrive at the Des Moines station.

Allegiant Air, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all offer flights from San Diego Airport to Des Moines Airport.

The fastest way to travel from San Diego to Des Moines is by taking a direct flight. This flight is offered by Allegiant Air, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. The journey typically takes around 3 hours and 26 minutes. The cost of a flight between the two cities can range from $168 to $446.

The quickest flight from San Diego to Des Moines is a direct flight that takes approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes.

The cost of a flight from San Diego to Des Moines can vary depending on a few factors such as the time of booking and availability. On average, prices can range from $160 to $450.

The cost of a bus ticket from San Diego to Des Moines can range from $227 to $471.

Driving from San Diego to Des Moines can be a cost-effective option. The estimated cost for the journey ranges from $310 to $460, taking into account fuel costs, tolls, and potential overnight stays.