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Des Moines, IA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $138: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Des Moines, United States
to
San Diego, United States

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

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$138 - PlaneBest price
2313 kmDistance
4h 23m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Des Moines to San Diego 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.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  23m
Estimated price
$138-445
Recommended
route map
Distance: 2313 km
Duration: 4h 23m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
42h 
Estimated price
$216-488
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
47h  53m
Estimated price
$229-447
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
26h  51m
Estimated price
$310-460

Des Moines - San Diego operators

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

Plane
Website
allegiantair.com

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

Average Duration
3h 45m
Estimated price
$138-4450
Website
southwest.com

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

Average Duration
5h 13m
Estimated price
$1385-1386

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

Average Duration
5h 20m
Estimated price
$1385-1386
Website
united.com

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

Average Duration
5h 47m
Estimated price
$1387-1388
Website
aa.com

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

Average Duration
6h 59m
Estimated price
$1383-1384
Bus
Contact phone
+1-858-800-8898
Website
jeffersonlines.com

Bus from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO

Average Duration
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

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

Average Duration
28h 40m
Estimated price
$4451-4452

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

Average Duration
5h 30m
Estimated price
$4453-4454
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to San Diego

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$4455-4456
Website
crossborderxpress.com

Bus from 1100 S Main St. to San Ysidro Bus Terminal

Average Duration
12h 15m
Estimated price
$4456-4457

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

Traveling between Des Moines and San Diego 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 Des Moines to San Diego spanning a mesmerizing distance of 1755 miles. Experience the diverse landscapes of the American Midwest and the beautiful coast of California along the way. 💰 Plan your budget accordingly as the cost to journey from Des Moines to San Diego by car ranges from $310 to $460. Enjoy the flexibility and freedom of driving as you explore new towns, cities, and attractions en route to your destination. 🌊 Arrive in sunny San Diego after approximately 26 hours and 51 minutes of driving, ready to soak in the stunning Pacific Ocean views, vibrant downtown scene, and endless outdoor activities. Your road trip from the heartland to the West Coast promises unforgettable memories and sights along the way.
Average price
$310 - $460
🛫 Experience a smooth and efficient journey from Des Moines to San Diego with a direct flight lasting just 3 hours and 45 minutes. Choose from reputable airlines like Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines for your trip. 🌴 Arrive in sunny San Diego after a comfortable 4 hour and 23 minute flight from Des Moines. Enjoy the convenience of multiple airline options and find the schedule that best fits your travel plans. 💸 Ticket prices for flights between San Diego and Des Moines range from $138 to $445, offering flexibility for various budgets. Plan your trip ahead to secure the best deals and make the most of your adventure to the West Coast.
Departure Point
Des Moines Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
🚌 Traveling from Des Moines to San Diego by bus involves multiple transfers, with the journey spanning approximately 42 hours. 🌴 Route options vary in terms of duration and number of transfers, ranging from 1 day 21 hours to 2 days 6 hours, covering distances of up to 2,276 miles. 🎟️ Prices for the bus trip between San Diego and Des Moines can range from $216 to $488, offering travelers flexibility in their budget for this long-distance adventure.
Departure Point
Des Moines, IA station
Arrival Point
San Diego station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The cheapest way to travel from Des Moines to San Diego is by flying. There are several airlines that offer affordable tickets, with prices ranging from $160 to $450. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 26 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from Des Moines to San Diego is by taking a direct flight. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 26 minutes, which makes it the quickest option.
The direct distance from Des Moines to San Diego is approximately 2313 km. If traveling by car, the road distance is longer, totaling around 2825 km. The driving time can vary depending on traffic and route choice, but it typically takes around 28-31 hours.
The most convenient way to travel from Des Moines to San Diego without a car is by taking a bus. The journey takes approximately 43 hours and 18 minutes, and ticket prices range from $230 to $480 depending on the time and type of bus service selected. Greyhound and other bus operators offer regular routes between the two cities, providing a comfortable and cost-effective means of transportation for travelers.
The quickest way to travel from Des Moines to San Diego is by taking a flight, which typically takes around 4 hours and 26 minutes, including transfers. Flights are available from Des Moines International Airport to San Diego International Airport, with ticket prices ranging from $160 to $450, depending on the airline and time of booking.
There are plenty of accommodation options available in San Diego, with over 1163 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in San Diego start as low as $53 per night, so there are options to suit different budgets. Some popular areas to stay in San Diego include Downtown, Gaslamp Quarter, and Mission Bay.
Yes, you can drive from Des Moines to San Diego. The driving distance is approximately 2824 km. It takes approximately 26 hours and 51 minutes to drive from Des Moines to San Diego, depending on traffic and breaks.
Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, and two other airlines offer flights from Des Moines Airport to San Diego Airport.
The fastest way to travel from Des Moines to San Diego is by taking a direct flight. The flight duration is approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes. Airlines such as Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, and American Airlines offer flights from Des Moines Airport to San Diego Airport. The prices for flights between these two cities can range from $168 to $445.
The flight from Des Moines to San Diego typically takes approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes for a direct flight.
The cost of a flight from Des Moines to San Diego can range from $168 to $445.
The cost of a bus journey from Des Moines to San Diego typically ranges from $230 to $476.
The cost of driving from Des Moines to San Diego can range from $310 to $460, depending on various factors such as fuel prices, vehicle efficiency, and tolls.