Des Moines, IA, USA to Chicago, IL, USA from $65: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Des Moines to Chicago: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$65 by busBest price
501 kmDistance
2h 23m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Des Moines to Chicago 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.
Des Moines - Chicago operators
Explore transport companies operating between Des Moines and Chicago, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
aa.com
Plane from Des Moines Airport (DSM) to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)
Average Duration
1h 28mEstimated price
$130-1097Website
delta.com
Plane from Des Moines Airport (DSM) to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)
Average Duration
1h 24mEstimated price
$1091-1092Website
united.com
Plane from Des Moines Airport (DSM) to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)
Average Duration
1h 29mEstimated price
$1098-600Website
southwest.com
Plane from Des Moines Airport (DSM) to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Average Duration
3h 37mEstimated price
$1099-4550Contact phone
1(800) 992-4618Website
burlingtontrailways.com
Bus from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL
Average Duration
7hEstimated price
$65-130Bus from Des Moines, IA to Burlington, IA
Average Duration
Estimated price
$652-60Bus from Burlington, IA to Galesburg, IL
Average Duration
Estimated price
$655-652Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Galesburg Amtrak Station to Chicago Union Station
Average Duration
2h 56mEstimated price
$4552-4553Des Moines to Chicago: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Des Moines and Chicago 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 Des Moines to Chicago, covering a distance of 335 miles. Enjoy the Midwest landscapes as you drive through charming towns and open highways.
💸 The cost of driving from Des Moines to Chicago ranges from $60 to $90, offering an affordable and flexible transportation option. Explore different routes and plan for stops along the way to enhance your journey.
🌆 Arrive in bustling Chicago after approximately 5 hours and 32 minutes of driving. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture, iconic skyline, and diverse culinary scene.
Average price
$60 - $90
🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from Des Moines to Chicago. Covering a distance of 699 miles, the trip takes approximately 17 hours and 15 minutes with a transfer along the way.
🚌 The first leg of the journey involves a comfortable bus ride towards Minneapolis, lasting about 5 hours and 35 minutes. Board the Jefferson Lines bus 804 departing from Des Moines and arriving in Minneapolis to continue on to your destination.
🌆 Complete your adventure with the final bus ride from Minneapolis to Chicago, spanning around 8 hours and 35 minutes. Board the Greyhound bus labeled "Minneapolis, MN - Chicago" at the Greyhound Bus Station in Minneapolis for a seamless transition to the Windy City.
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Des Moines to Chicago, you'll primarily be traveling on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief or the Illinois Zephyr. Onboard services include complimentary Wi-Fi and a café car offering light snacks, beverages, and meals for purchase. The café menu features sandwiches, salads, and various drink options, so be sure to bring some cash or a credit card for your purchases.
• Seating options on Amtrak trains vary. The Illinois Zephyr provides Coach Class (Economy seating), which is comfortable and reasonably priced, while the Southwest Chief offers Roomettes and Bedrooms in addition to Coach Class. These premium options provide greater privacy and additional amenities like complimentary meals and access to the lounge car. Consider upgrading if you prefer more space and comfort!
• For your route, Amtrak is the primary operator. You can find more information, schedules, and book your tickets at Amtrak's official website. Upon arrival in Chicago at Union Station, be prepared for a bustling environment. You can store your luggage at the station for a small fee; check out the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge, which offers restrooms and free Wi-Fi, though there are no showers available. For fast access to downtown Chicago, hop on the 'Union Station' stop and use the 'Chicago Transit Authority's' Blue Line towards O'Hare. It'll take you directly to the city center in about 20 minutes. For further details on local transit, visit Chicago Transit Authority.
🛫 Flying from Des Moines to Chicago is a quick and convenient option, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 24 minutes. Delta, United Airlines, and American Airlines provide flights for this route from Des Moines Airport to Chicago O'Hare Airport.
🏙 Once you land in Chicago, you'll have covered a distance of 299 miles in approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes. The city offers a vibrant mix of cultural attractions, delicious food, and architectural marvels to explore.
💸 Flight prices between Chicago and Des Moines can range from $109 to $455, depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability. It's recommended to plan ahead and compare different options to find the best deal for your trip.
Departure Point
Des Moines Airport
Arrival Point
Chicago O'Hare Airport
🚌 Traveling from Des Moines to Chicago by bus offers a convenient and affordable option. The journey, operated by Burlington Trailways, takes approximately 7 hours with three daily departures.
🛣️ The route from Des Moines to Chicago spans 666 miles and can vary in price from $65 to $130. For those looking for alternate routes, transfers are available with varying durations, distances, and agencies such as Jefferson Lines and Greyhound.
Departure Point
Des Moines, Ia station
Arrival Point
Chicago, Il station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• To make your bus trip from Des Moines to Chicago as seamless as possible, check the Burlington Trailways schedule and book your ticket in advance through their website at burlingtontrailways.com as there are only three departures daily.
• If you have some downtime before your departure from Des Moines, consider grabbing a bite at one of the nearby dining options, like 'The Cheese Shop', known for its sandwiches and snacks, located just a short walk from the bus station.
• Upon arrival at Chicago’s bus station, familiarize yourself with the layout by reviewing the station map available at greyhound.com and plan your next steps accordingly, whether taking public transportation or finding a nearby taxi service.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Des Moines to Chicago.
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The distance between Des Moines and Chicago is 500.5 km or approximately 538.5 km by car. If you prefer to take public transportation, it takes 8 hours and 56 minutes to reach Chicago from Des Moines by taking a bus and then a train, or 2 hours and 26 minutes by plane. On the return trip, it takes about 5 hours and 32 minutes to travel by car, while the bus ride from Chicago to Des Moines takes approximately 7 hours.
To travel from Des Moines to Chicago in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner, the best option is to fly. It takes only 2 hours and 26 minutes to reach Chicago by plane, making it the quickest option available. However, driving is a more affordable option, costing approximately $60-$90 and taking 5 hours and 32 minutes.
The prices for traveling from Des Moines to Chicago vary depending on the mode of transportation. Taking a bus between Chicago and Des Moines can range from $65 to $130.
To travel from Des Moines to Chicago without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 539.1 km, which takes about 5 hours and 32 minutes. The driving route offers flexibility and allows you to stop at different attractions along the way. Rental car prices vary, but you can expect to pay around $60 to $90 for the journey.
The best way to travel from Des Moines to Chicago without a car is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 7 hours and the cost ranges from $65 to $130. Another option is to take a bus to a nearby city and then catch a train to Chicago, which takes a total of 8 hours and 56 minutes. There is also the option of flying, which is the fastest mode of transportation, taking only 2 hours and 26 minutes.
Yes, there is a direct link between Des Moines and Chicago by bus. The bus service, operated by Burlington Trailways, departs from Des Moines and arrives in Chicago. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and there are three departures per day, operating every day.
The flight duration between Des Moines and Chicago typically takes about 1 hour and 26 minutes on a direct flight. However, it is important to note that flight times can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and the specific airline. As for the cost of the flight, prices can range from $114 to $445, depending on various factors such as the time of booking and the airline.
Near Chicago there are numerous accommodation options available. There are over 1116 hotels in the area, offering a range of prices starting from $58. Popular neighborhoods to consider for accommodations include the Loop, Magnificent Mile, River North, and West Loop, which offer convenient access to the city's attractions, dining, and entertainment options.