Chicago, IL, USA to Des Moines, IA, USA from $60: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Chicago to Des Moines: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$60 by busBest price
501 kmDistance
3h 14m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago 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.
Chicago - Des Moines operators
Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Des Moines, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
aa.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Des Moines
Average Duration
1h 27mEstimated price
$130-1103Website
united.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Des Moines
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$110-600Website
delta.com
Plane from Chicago Midway to Des Moines
Average Duration
4h 24mEstimated price
$1104-1105Plane from Chicago Midway to Des Moines
Average Duration
4h 5mEstimated price
$160-1105Plane from Chicago Midway to Des Moines
Average Duration
5h 28mEstimated price
$1106-1105Website
southwest.com
Plane from Chicago Midway to Des Moines
Average Duration
4h 55mEstimated price
$130-1107Plane from Chicago Midway to Des Moines
Average Duration
6h 12mEstimated price
$1106-650Contact phone
1(800) 992-4618Website
burlingtontrailways.com
Bus from Chicago, Il to Des Moines, Ia
Average Duration
7h 5mEstimated price
$65-130Bus from Burlington, Ia to Des Moines, Ia
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$4568-60Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Chicago Train Station to Davenport Ground Transportation Ctr
Average Duration
4h 5mEstimated price
$600-60Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Chicago Union Station to Galesburg Amtrak Station
Average Duration
2h 38mEstimated price
$1108-4560Chicago to Des Moines: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Chicago 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 Chicago to Des Moines, covering a distance of 334 miles. Enjoy the Midwest landscapes as you make your way through Illinois and Iowa.
💵 Experience budget-friendly travel with prices ranging from $60 to $90 for the journey by car. Enjoy the flexibility and freedom of driving at your own pace and making pit stops along the way.
🌽 Immerse yourself in the heartland charm as you reach Des Moines after approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes of driving. Explore the city's cultural attractions, vibrant dining scene, and friendly locals for a memorable Midwest adventure.
Average price
$60 - $90
🚆 Embark on an exciting train journey from Chicago to Des Moines spanning 698 miles. The first route entails a single transfer, with a scenic bus ride to Minneapolis taking around 8 hours and 35 minutes, followed by a 5-hour bus journey to reach the vibrant city of Des Moines.
🌆 For a slightly longer but equally enriching adventure, consider the second route covering 719 miles with two transfers. Begin by boarding a bus to Madison from Chicago Union Station, followed by a journey to Minneapolis before finally reaching Des Moines after a total travel time of 16 hours and 50 minutes.
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Chicago to Des Moines, you'll be traveling with Amtrak, which offers a Cafe Car with a range of snacks, sandwiches, beverages, and light meals. Make sure to check out their menu onboard for local specialties!
• Amtrak provides various seating options for this route, including Business Class and Coach Class. Business Class offers more spacious seating, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, and extra legroom. Coach Class is the standard option, which is comfortable and budget-friendly.
• The main operator for this route is Amtrak (amtrak.com). Another operator is the Illinois and Iowa Railway (iowacentral.com), but they might not run regular passenger services on this route. For local transportation information in Des Moines, check the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) site at (dartiowa.com)
🛫 Traveling from Chicago to Des Moines can be a quick and convenient journey by plane. The quickest direct flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Des Moines Airport takes only 1 hour and 17 minutes.
✈️ Both United Airlines and American Airlines provide flights between Chicago O'Hare Airport and Des Moines Airport, making it easy to find a suitable flight option for your trip. The total travel time to reach Des Moines from Chicago by plane is approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes.
💸 Prices for flights between Des Moines and Chicago can vary, typically ranging from $110 to $456, offering travelers a range of options to fit their budget and travel preferences. Whether for business or leisure, flying between these cities offers a convenient and efficient travel experience.
Departure Point
Chicago O'Hare Airport
Arrival Point
Des Moines Airport
🚌 The direct bus from Chicago to Des Moines takes approximately 7 hours and 5 minutes, with services operating three times a day, every day. Burlington Trailways is the operator for this route, making travel convenient and reliable.
💰 Prices for bus tickets between Des Moines and Chicago can range from $60 to $143, giving travelers a budget-friendly transportation option for their journey. Whether opting for a direct trip or exploring transfer routes, passengers can enjoy a comfortable and scenic ride to their destination.
Departure Point
Chicago, Il station
Arrival Point
Des Moines, Ia station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Pack snacks and drinks for your journey, but make sure to check out the food options at the Chicago, IL bus terminal before departure, as there are several quick bites available to help you start your journey on a full stomach.
• Verify the bus schedule with Burlington Trailways at Burlington Trailways or call them at 1-800-322-8181, as there are three daily departures, but seats can fill up quickly, especially during peak times.
• Upon arriving at the Des Moines, IA bus station, which is centrally located, check for local transit options like the DART buses, as they can take you to various destinations in the city; for schedules and routes, visit DART to plan your next leg of the journey.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Chicago to Des Moines.
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The distance between Chicago and Des Moines is approximately 500 km. The typical travel times for various modes of transportation are as follows: by train and then bus, it takes around 8 hours and 53 minutes; by plane, it takes approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes; by car, the travel time is around 5 hours and 30 minutes; and finally, by bus, it takes about 8 hours and 55 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chicago to Des Moines is to drive, which typically costs between $60 and $90 and takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes. Although flying is more expensive, with prices ranging from $110 to $450, it allows for a significantly shorter travel time compared to driving.
The prices for a bus ticket between Des Moines and Chicago range from $60 to $143.
To get from Chicago to Des Moines without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 538 km, which takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes. The price for a car trip can vary between $60 to $90, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
The recommended way to travel from Chicago to Des Moines without a car is by bus. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 5 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $65 to $130.
Yes, there is a direct link between Chicago and Des Moines by bus. The bus service operated by Burlington Trailways departs from Chicago and arrives in Des Moines three times a day, every day. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 5 minutes.
The flight from Chicago to Des Moines typically takes around 1 hour and 21 minutes. The cost of a flight between the two cities can vary, with prices ranging from $114 to $446.
There are plenty of options for accommodations near Des Moines. There are over 202 hotels available, offering a range of prices starting at $36 per night.