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

🚗 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. 🏛️🌃

🚆 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.

🚌 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.