Madison, WI, USA to Des Moines, IA, USA from $50: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$50 by carBest price

385 kmDistance

4h 57m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

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

Bus

Contact phone

+1 414-266-4409

Website

http://www.badgerbus.badgerbus.com/tickets

Bus from Madison, WI-Lake St. to Mall of America - IKEA - Bloomington

Average Duration

4h 35m

Estimated price

$2422-2423

Bus from Madison, WI-Lake St. to Milwaukee Intermodal

Average Duration

1h 35m

Estimated price

$2424-2425

Contact phone

+1-858-800-8898

Website

http://jeffersonlines.com

Bus from Mall of America - Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA

Average Duration

9h 46m

Estimated price

$81-166

Bus from Albert Lea, MN to Des Moines, IA

Average Duration

Estimated price

$0-0

Contact phone

+1 608-752-5407

Website

https://www.coachusa.com/van-galder-bus-company

Bus from Madison, WI-Lake St. to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

$688-684

Bus from Madison, WI-Lake St. to O'Hare International Terminal 2

Average Duration

3h 10m

Estimated price

$2426-684

Contact phone

1(800) 992-4618

Website

https://burlingtontrailways.com

Bus from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA

Average Duration

Estimated price

$2427-6835

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Portage to St. Paul-Minneapolis

Average Duration

4h 32m

Estimated price

$683-1660

Plane

Website

http://www.aa.com

Plane from Madison Airport (MSN) to Des Moines Airport (DSM)

Average Duration

4h 44m

Estimated price

$1663-1664

Website

http://www.delta.com

Plane from Madison Airport (MSN) to Des Moines Airport (DSM)

Average Duration

4h 4m

Estimated price

$1668-1669

Website

http://united.com

Plane from Madison Airport (MSN) to Des Moines Airport (DSM)

Average Duration

4h 52m

Estimated price

$818-819

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

Traveling between Madison 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 Madison to Des Moines covering 292 miles of beautiful Midwest landscapes. 🌳🌽 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $50 to $80 for the journey by car, making it an affordable travel choice. 🛣️ 🌆 Arrive in Des Moines after around 4 hours and 57 minutes of driving time, ready to explore the capital city of Iowa and all its attractions. 🏛️🌃

Average price

$50 - $80

🚆 Experience a scenic train journey from Madison to Des Moines covering a distance of 536 miles in approximately 11 hours and 19 minutes with a transfer along the way. 🚌 Start your trip by boarding a FlixBus from Madison Campus WI to Minneapolis, enjoying a comfortable 5-hour ride before transferring to a Jefferson Lines bus bound for Des Moines, which takes about 5 hours to reach your final destination.

🛫 Traveling from Madison to Des Moines by plane involves a one-stop flight that typically lasts around 3 hours and 27 minutes. American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines operate flights on this route. 🌆 Upon arrival in Des Moines, expect a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 8 minutes. There is no direct flight option connecting these two cities, but the journey offers a convenient air travel experience. 💸 Flight prices between Des Moines and Madison can range from $189 to $333, providing travelers with a variety of options to suit their budget and preferences.

Departure Point

Madison Airport

Arrival Point

Des Moines Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 27m and has one stopover

🚌 For travelers looking to journey from Madison to Des Moines by bus, there is no direct route available. The trip involves transfers, with services departing from Madison and passing through American & Thunderbird Station and Mall of America in Bloomington, MN, before reaching Des Moines. The total duration of the journey, including transfers, is approximately 9 hours and 46 minutes. 🛣️ Route options for this bus journey vary in terms of duration and distance covered. One route takes around 13 hours and 7 minutes, with a total distance of 582 miles and transfers in Minneapolis. Other routes offer shorter travel times, such as an 11-hour journey with a transfer in Minneapolis and a final stop in Des Moines, spanning a distance of 536 miles. 💰 Ticket prices for the bus from Madison to Des Moines can range from $81 to $166, depending on the route and availability. Passengers may plan their trip accordingly based on their preferred travel time, transfer points, and budget considerations. Jefferson Lines operates some of the bus services along this route, providing convenient options for travelers moving between these Midwestern destinations.

Departure Point

Madison, WI-Lake St. station

Arrival Point

Des Moines, IA station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Madison and Des Moines is 385 km by air or 470 km by road. Typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By plane, it takes approximately 5 hours and 14 minutes to travel between the two cities. Driving by car takes around 4 hours and 57 minutes. Taking a bus can take up to 9 hours and 46 minutes, while a combination of bus and train can take up to 12 hours and 55 minutes.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Madison to Des Moines is by driving. It takes approximately 4 hours and 57 minutes to cover the distance of 385 km by car. The cost of driving is also relatively affordable, ranging from $50 to $80.

The price range for a bus ticket between Madison and Des Moines is between $81 and $166.

To get from Madison to Des Moines without using public transportation, you can drive. The driving distance is about 470 km, which takes around 4 hours and 57 minutes. The cost of driving can vary between $50 and $80, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.

To travel from Madison to Des Moines without a car, the best option is to take a bus via Bloomington. The journey usually takes around 9 hours and 46 minutes, and the cost can range from $80 to $170.

Yes, there is a connection between Madison and Des Moines. However, there is no direct bus service available. To reach Des Moines from Madison, one would need to take a bus from Madison-Lake St. to American & Thunderbird Station, then transfer to another bus at Mall of America - Bloomington, MN, which would take approximately 9 hours and 46 minutes. The bus services are operated by Badger Bus and Jefferson Lines.

The flight between Madison and Des Moines typically takes around 3 hours and 38 minutes, with one stopover. However, there are no direct flights available between the two cities. The cost of a flight between Des Moines and Madison can vary, with prices ranging from $149 to $573.

There are plenty of accommodation options available near Des Moines. With over 202 hotels to choose from, visitors can find something suitable for their budget and preferences. Prices start at $36, providing affordable options for travelers.