Indianapolis, IN, USA to Des Moines, IA, USA from $73: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$73 - Train, BusBest price

762 kmDistance

5h 36m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

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

Plane

Website

aa.com

Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Des Moines (DSM)

Average Duration

5h 5m

Estimated price

$3730-3731

Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Des Moines (DSM) via Dallas/Ft.Worth

Average Duration

5h 56m

Estimated price

$3730-3731

Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Des Moines (DSM) via Charlotte

Average Duration

6h 47m

Estimated price

$3730-3731

Website

united.com

Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Des Moines (DSM) via Chicago O'Hare

Average Duration

4h 42m

Estimated price

$3738-3739

Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Des Moines (DSM) via Denver

Average Duration

5h 36m

Estimated price

$3738-3739

Website

delta.com

Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Des Moines (DSM) via Detroit

Average Duration

4h 23m

Estimated price

$3730-730

Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Des Moines (DSM) via Atlanta

Average Duration

5h 42m

Estimated price

$3732-730

Website

southwest.com

Plane from Indianapolis (IND) to Des Moines (DSM) via Denver

Average Duration

7h 47m

Estimated price

$3738-3739

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Indianapolis to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

$732-1147

Train from Chicago Union Station to Galesburg Amtrak Station

Average Duration

2h 38m

Estimated price

$2313-2314

Bus

Website

palmlandlines.com

Bus from Indianapolis IN to Chicago IL

Average Duration

3h 20m

Estimated price

$739-736

Contact phone

1(800) 992-4618

Website

burlingtontrailways.com

Bus from Chicago, Il to Des Moines, Ia

Average Duration

Estimated price

$736-2314

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from Indianapolis Bus Station to Chicago Bus Station

Average Duration

3h 45m

Estimated price

$2319-23130

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

Traveling between Indianapolis 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.

🚗 The road trip from Indianapolis to Des Moines spans 473 miles of picturesque Midwest landscapes, offering a blend of urban skylines and tranquil countryside. 💰 Travel costs to drive from Indianapolis to Des Moines typically range between $85 to $130, providing an affordable option for exploring the heartland of the United States. 🛣️ With an approximate driving time of 7 hours and 46 minutes, the journey from Indianapolis to Des Moines is a scenic adventure well worth the time spent behind the wheel.

Average price

$85 - $130

🚂 Traveling from Indianapolis to Des Moines by train is an adventurous journey spanning 685 miles with 2 transfers. The route involves buses from St. Louis to Kansas City, then onward to Des Moines with Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. 🌆 For a longer but scenic route, consider the 902-mile trip with 2 transfers via Chicago and Minneapolis. Board buses at Chicago Amtrak, head to Minneapolis, and finally reach Des Moines with FlixBus and Jefferson Lines. 🕒 Another option is a 894-mile route taking about 1 day and 2 hours with transfers in Chicago and Minneapolis. Travelers can embark on this journey with FlixBus and Greyhound, enjoying the sights on the way to Des Moines.

🛫 When traveling from Indianapolis to Des Moines by plane, prepare for a journey that typically involves a one-stop flight with a duration of approximately 3 hours and 44 minutes due to the lack of direct flights between the two cities. 🌆 Airlines such as Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta operate flights from Indianapolis Airport to Des Moines Airport, providing travelers with various options for their trip. The total travel time by plane from Indianapolis to Des Moines is around 5 hours and 36 minutes, including layover time. 💸 Prices for flights between these two cities can vary, ranging from $114 to $373 depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability of tickets.

Departure Point

Indianapolis Airport

Arrival Point

Des Moines Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 44m and has one stopover

🚌 Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from Indianapolis to Des Moines. The journey requires a transfer in Chicago, IL and takes approximately 11 hours and 32 minutes. 🗺️ Route options vary in duration and distance, with transfers in cities like St Louis, Kansas City, and Minneapolis. Prices for the bus between Des Moines and Indianapolis range from $117 to $195. ⏱️ Depending on the chosen route, travelers can expect a journey time of around 13 to 20 hours with multiple transfers along the way.

Departure Point

Indianapolis IN station

Arrival Point

Des Moines, Ia station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Indianapolis to Des Moines.

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The distance between Indianapolis and Des Moines is approximately 664.7 km by road. The road distance is slightly longer at 761.9 km. If you prefer to travel by train and bus, it would take around 13 hours and 14 minutes to reach Des Moines from Indianapolis. Alternatively, flying would be the quickest option, taking approximately 5 hours and 33 minutes. If you are driving, it would take around 7 hours and 46 minutes to reach Indianapolis from Des Moines, while traveling by bus would be slightly longer at around 11 hours and 32 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Indianapolis to Des Moines is to drive, with a cost of $85-$130 and a travel time of 7 hours and 46 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying is the quickest option, with a travel time of 5 hours and 33 minutes and a cost of $110-$290.

The prices for a bus ticket from Indianapolis to Des Moines range from $117 to $195.

To get from Indianapolis to Des Moines without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 761.2 km, and it takes about 7 hours and 46 minutes to drive from Indianapolis to Des Moines. The cost of driving can vary, but it is generally around $85 to $130 for gas and other expenses.

If you do not have a car, the best way to travel from Indianapolis to Des Moines is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 11 hours and 32 minutes. Fares for the bus can range from $110 to $200.

Yes, there is a direct link between Indianapolis and Des Moines. However, there is no direct bus service between the two cities. Instead, you would need to take a bus from Indianapolis to Chicago and then transfer to a bus heading to Des Moines. The total travel time for this journey, including transfers, is approximately 11 hours and 32 minutes. Alternatively, you could also consider taking a flight, which would take around 5 hours and 33 minutes.

The flight between Indianapolis and Des Moines typically takes around 3 hours and 41 minutes with one stopover. The cost of the flight can range from $114 to $283 depending on the airline and time of booking.

There are numerous options for accommodation near Des Moines with over 202 hotels available. Prices for hotels in the area start at $36 per night, offering a range of options to suit every budget.