Des Moines, IA, USA to Kansas City, MO, USA from $35: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Des Moines to Kansas City: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$35 - DriveBest price
314 kmDistance
3h 10m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Des Moines to Kansas City 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 - Kansas City operators
Explore transport companies operating between Des Moines and Kansas City, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1-858-800-8898Website
https://www.jeffersonlines.com
Bus from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO
Average Duration
3h 10mEstimated price
$35-90Website
https://www.southwest.com
Plane from Des Moines (DSM) to Kansas City (MCI)
Average Duration
4h 47mEstimated price
$140-470Plane from Des Moines (DSM) to Kansas City (MCI)
Average Duration
5h 28mEstimated price
$350-650Website
https://www.united.com
Plane from Des Moines (DSM) to Kansas City (MCI)
Average Duration
5h 37mEstimated price
$200-650Plane from Des Moines (DSM) to Kansas City (MCI)
Average Duration
6h 32mEstimated price
$351-352Website
https://www.aa.com
Plane from Des Moines (DSM) to Kansas City (MCI)
Average Duration
5h 14mEstimated price
$353-650Plane from Des Moines (DSM) to Kansas City (MCI)
Average Duration
5h 40mEstimated price
$350-354Website
https://www.delta.com
Plane from Des Moines (DSM) to Kansas City (MCI)
Average Duration
5h 37mEstimated price
$200-550Plane from Des Moines (DSM) to Kansas City (MCI)
Average Duration
5h 30mEstimated price
$355-550Website
https://www.flyfrontier.com
Plane from Des Moines (DSM) to Kansas City (MCI)
Average Duration
5h 49mEstimated price
$353-356Des Moines to Kansas City: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Des Moines and Kansas City 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.
Average price
$35 - $55
Traveling from Des Moines, to Kansas City, by plane requires a stopover, with the quickest flight option taking approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes. Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all offer flights between Des Moines Airport and Kansas City Airport. The total travel time by plane from Des Moines to Kansas City is around 4 hours and 46 minutes. Prices for flights between the two cities range from $197 to $720, providing a variety of options to suit different budgets.
Departure Point
Des Moines Airport
Arrival Point
Kansas City Airport. The quickest flight takes 4h 5m and has one stopover
The journey from Des Moines to Kansas City by bus is a convenient and affordable travel option. The direct bus operated by Jefferson Lines departs four times a day and takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes to reach its destination. The buses operate every day, providing flexibility for travelers. With ticket prices ranging from $35 to $90, passengers can choose the option that best suits their budget. Travelers can look forward to a comfortable and scenic journey as they make their way from Des Moines to Kansas City by bus.
Departure Point
Des Moines, IA station
Arrival Point
Kansas City, MO station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Check Jefferson Lines' schedule for the specific departure times, as there are four daily services running from Des Moines to Kansas City; it's best to arrive at the station 30 minutes early to secure your seat and handle any last-minute ticketing needs. You can view the schedule at Jefferson Lines Schedule.
• During your bus trip, consider downloading offline content such as podcasts, e-books, or movies to enjoy during the approximately 3-hour and 10-minute journey, as Wi-Fi on long-distance buses can sometimes be unreliable.
• When you arrive at Kansas City’s bus station, be prepared for a bustling environment; familiarize yourself with the station layout by checking out the Kansas City Transport Map in advance, and note that ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have designated pick-up spots outside the station to help you navigate on your arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Des Moines to Kansas City.
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The cheapest way to get from Des Moines to Kansas City is by driving. The approximate cost for gas and tolls can range from $35 to $55, depending on the vehicle's fuel efficiency. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes via I-35 S. However, it is advisable to check traffic conditions and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and cost-effective trip.
The fastest way to travel from Des Moines to Kansas City is by bus. It typically takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes to complete the journey. The bus is a convenient and efficient mode of transportation, with multiple departures throughout the day. The cost of a bus ticket ranges from $35 to $90, depending on the service provider and the time of booking.
The distance from Des Moines to Kansas City is approximately 291 kilometers. The road distance is slightly longer at 314 kilometers. The journey typically takes around 3 hours and 12 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions and the chosen route.
The best way to travel from Des Moines to Kansas City without a car is by taking a bus. Greyhound offers direct bus service from Des Moines to Kansas City, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. The ticket prices can range from $35 to $90, depending on the date and time of travel.
The bus from Des Moines to Kansas City takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes, including transfers.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Kansas City. With over 292 hotels to choose from, travelers have a wide range of choices to suit their budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in Kansas City start at $42 per night, making it accessible for various budgets.
Yes, you can drive from Des Moines to Kansas City. The driving distance is approximately 314 km, and it takes around 3 hours and 12 minutes to complete the journey.
Yes, there is a direct bus between Des Moines and Kansas City. The bus service operates four times a day, every day. The journey typically takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes.
To catch the bus from Des Moines to Kansas City you will need to go to the Des Moines bus station. The bus services are operated by Jefferson Lines.
Buses from Des Moines to Kansas City arrive at the Kansas City station. The bus service is operated by Jefferson Lines, providing a convenient and affordable transportation option.
To get from the airport to Kansas City the best option is to take a taxi. The taxi ride from Des Moines Airport to downtown Kansas City typically takes around 10 minutes and costs between $16 and $20.
Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all offer flights from Des Moines Airport to Kansas City Airport.
The fastest way to travel from Des Moines to Kansas City by plane is to book a flight with one stopover. Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all offer flights from Des Moines Airport to Kansas City Airport. The quickest flight takes approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes, but the overall travel time is around 4 hours and 46 minutes. The price range for a flight between the two cities is typically between $197 and $720, depending on various factors such as airline, time of booking, and availability.
The flight duration from Des Moines to Kansas City can vary depending on the airline and the number of stops. The quickest flight with one layover can take around 3 hours and 5 minutes.
The cost of a flight from Des Moines to Kansas City can range from $197 to $720.
The cost of a bus from Des Moines to Kansas City can range from $35 to $90.
The cost of driving from Des Moines to Kansas City can range between $35 and $55.