San Francisco, CA, USA to Des Moines, IA, USA from $90: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$90 - PlaneBest price

2504 kmDistance

6h 57m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco 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 Francisco - Des Moines operators

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

Plane

Website

united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Des Moines (DSM)

Average Duration

6h 57m

Estimated price

$90-903

Plane from San Jose to Des Moines

Average Duration

6h 3m

Estimated price

$3213-909

Plane from Sacramento to Des Moines

Average Duration

5h 26m

Estimated price

$3214-3210

Website

southwest.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Des Moines (DSM)

Average Duration

6h 20m

Estimated price

$904-900

Plane from San Jose to Des Moines

Average Duration

6h 47m

Estimated price

$3219-3070

Plane from Sacramento to Des Moines

Average Duration

6h 57m

Estimated price

$3214-900

Website

aa.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Des Moines (DSM)

Average Duration

6h 4m

Estimated price

$3212-3215

Plane from San Jose to Des Moines

Average Duration

7h 31m

Estimated price

$3213-3216

Plane from Sacramento to Des Moines

Average Duration

6h 57m

Estimated price

$3214-3217

Website

delta.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Des Moines (DSM)

Average Duration

7h 5m

Estimated price

$3218-3216

Plane from San Jose to Des Moines

Average Duration

6h 47m

Estimated price

$3219-3070

Plane from Sacramento to Des Moines

Average Duration

6h 17m

Estimated price

$3071-906

Bus

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Des Moines, IA

Average Duration

47h 28m

Estimated price

$30750-7825

Bus from Bakersfield Train Station to Kansas City, MO

Average Duration

28h

Estimated price

$78210-907

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Richmond to Sacramento

Average Duration

1h 38m

Estimated price

$3075-3076

Train from Richmond to Denver

Average Duration

32h 16m

Estimated price

$7828-307580

Train from Bakersfield to Las Vegas Amtrak

Average Duration

5h 23m

Estimated price

$0-0

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

Traveling between San Francisco 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 an epic road trip from San Francisco to Des Moines spanning 1809 miles, promising breathtaking scenery and memorable pit stops along the way. The journey will take approximately 27 hours and 10 minutes, so be prepared for a long but rewarding adventure. 💸 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $320 to $480 for the drive from San Francisco to Des Moines by car, allowing you to choose a budget-friendly or more luxurious travel experience. Keep an eye out for gas stations and dining spots to refuel and recharge during your trip.

Average price

$320 - $480

🛫 For travelers flying from San Francisco to Des Moines be prepared for a journey with a one-stop flight. The fastest route takes approximately 5 hours and 17 minutes. 🛬 Multiple airlines such as Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta operate flights connecting San Francisco Airport to Des Moines Airport. The total travel time from San Francisco to Des Moines by plane is around 6 hours and 57 minutes. 💸 Ticket prices for flights between Des Moines and San Francisco can range from $90 to $321, offering travelers a variety of options to suit their budget and schedule.

Departure Point

San Francisco Airport

Arrival Point

Des Moines Airport. The quickest flight takes 5h 17m and has one stopover

🚌 The trip from San Francisco to Des Moines by bus is a lengthy journey with multiple transfers. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 47 hours and 28 minutes.

Departure Point

San Francisco Bus Station

Arrival Point

Des Moines, IA station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Francisco and Des Moines is 2504.1 km, or 2912.1 km by road. The typical travel time by train and flight combination is 9h 45m, while a direct flight takes 6h 48m. If you decide to drive, it will take approximately 27h 10m to cover the distance.

The most cost-effective way to travel from San Francisco to Des Moines is by taking a combination of train and bus, which typically costs between $180 and $600. However, this option can be time-consuming, taking approximately 2 days and 0 hours to reach your destination. If time efficiency is a priority, flying is the quickest option, taking around 6 hours and 48 minutes. Although it may be a bit more expensive, with ticket prices ranging from $180 to $480, it allows you to arrive at your destination much faster.

The prices for a bus trip from San Francisco to Des Moines vary between $251 and $535.

To get from San Francisco to Des Moines without using public transportation, the most convenient option is to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 2911.3 km, which takes approximately 27 hours and 10 minutes to drive. The cost of driving can vary between $320 and $480, depending on factors such as the vehicle's fuel efficiency and gas prices.

To travel from San Francisco to Des Moines without a car, the best option is to take a train and bus combination. The journey takes approximately 2 days and costs between $180 and $600. You can start by taking a train from San Francisco to Sacramento and then transfer to a bus that will take you to Des Moines.

Yes, there is a link between San Francisco and Des Moines but it is not a direct one. There is no direct bus route, but it is possible to travel by bus with transfers. The journey typically takes approximately 2 days, including transfers at Los Angeles Union Station and Kansas City, MO. The bus services from San Francisco to Des Moines are operated by Flixbus USA and Jefferson Lines.

The flight time between San Francisco and Des Moines typically takes around 5 hours and 8 minutes with one stopover. However, there is no direct flight available between the two cities. The cost of a flight between Des Moines and San Francisco can range from $185 to $471, depending on various factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.

There are plenty of options for accommodation in Des Moines, with over 202 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels start at $36 per night, offering a range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences. Some popular hotel chains in the area include Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt, as well as several independent hotels.