Recommended route
Des Moines
Direct trip to Chicago traveling by bus, flights
Chicago
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Alternative routes
Des Moines
Travel by flights to Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Travel by bus, train to Chicago
Chicago
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How to get from Des Moines to Chicago?

Planning to travel to Des Moines from Chicago and looking for the best transportation options for your trip? We know that it is often difficult to choose the best way of transportation for a trip from Des Moines to Chicago, whether it is for price, time or convenience reasons. Vivanoda will help you to find all the transportation solutions to travel between Des Moines and Chicago, be it by plane, train, bus or carpool.

With detailed information about each mode of transportation and about the transport companies (Amtrak, MegaBus - US, Greyhound, FlixBus or United Airlines), you will be able to easily compare fares, timetables and travel times, in order to choose the option that best suits your needs.

Whether you're a budget traveler or looking for a quick and convenient way to get from Des Moines to Chicago, we've got all the information you need to plan an unforgettable Des Moines Chicago trip.

For your trip from Des Moines to Chicago, you have several transportation options

Bus tickets from Des Moines to Chicago

Buses are often the most economical choice for travel from Des Moines to Chicago, offering direct travel options or with intermediate stops.

Des Moines to Chicago train tickets

If you like to travel more ecologically and economically, the Des Moines Chicago train is ideal and meets your expectations.

Des Moines to Chicago cheap flights

Many flights connect Des Moines to Chicago every day, offering a fast and convenient option for travelers. If you are in a hurry, flying is the fastest way to get to Chicago in record time.

Whichever way you choose, our price comparison tool will help you find the Des Moines to Chicago transportation option that best suits your needs and budget.

Des Moines Chicago Travel Information

Departure city
Des Moines
United States
Iowa
Destination city
Chicago
United States
Illinois
Distance
308 mi
Direct connection
Yes, direct connection by bus and flights
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Plan your trip from Des Moines to Chicago easily with Vivanoda

Plan your trip from Des Moines to Chicago easily with Vivanoda

With Vivanoda you can easily compare all available transportation options like flights, trains, buses and carpools according to your preferences and budget. You can also filter the results by price, travel time, schedule and comfort options. Thanks to its ease of use and clarity, Vivanoda allows you to find in a few clicks the tickets between Des Moines and Chicago that best suit your needs. Vivanoda also displays all the special offers and promotions of different airlines like Amtrak, MegaBus - US, Greyhound, FlixBus or United Airlines to help you save on your tickets. So don't hesitate and use Vivanoda now to prepare your trip between Des Moines and Chicago with peace of mind!

Comparison of the different ways to travel between Des Moines and Chicago

Advantages and disadvantages of traveling by train from Des Moines to Chicago?
Environmentally friendly The Des Moines Chicago train is considered a more environmentally friendly way to travel than flying or driving alone.
Accessibility The train stations in Des Moines or Chicago are located in the city center, making it easy to access other means of transportation to get to the city center.
Comfort Trains between Des Moines and Chicago generally offer more legroom and extra comfort for travelers.
Cost Des Moines Chicago train tickets can be more expensive than bus or carpool tickets, especially on high-speed trains.
Flexibility Des Moines Chicago train schedules can be limited and it may be more difficult to change trains when needed.
Advantages and disadvantages of flying from Des Moines to Chicago?
Speed Flying between Des Moines and Chicago is the fastest way to travel the 308 mi between Des Moines and Chicago.
Choice of airlines There are many airlines operating flights from Des Moines to Chicago, both direct and with a stopover, giving travelers a wide choice.
Security Checks Travelers to Chicago often have to arrive at Des Moines airport early due to strict security checks.
Environmental disadvantages Flights from Des Moines to Chicago have a negative impact on the environment due to greenhouse gas emissions, as flying is one of the most polluting modes of transportation.
Prices Airline tickets from Des Moines to Chicago can be more expensive than train or bus tickets, especially during busy periods (vacations, weekends, etc.).
Advantages and disadvantages of a bus trip from Des Moines to Chicago?
Flexibility Bus companies offer many schedule options for travel between Des Moines and Chicago, which can be convenient if you have specific time constraints.
On-board services Modern buses that travel between Des Moines and Chicago are usually equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, power outlets and toilets.
Price The price of bus tickets from Des Moines to Chicago are often much cheaper than train or plane tickets to Chicago (and sometimes cheaper than carpooling as well), making it an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.
Comfort Des Moines-Chicago buses can be less comfortable than trains, due to reduced legroom and suspension quality.
Travel time Buses from Des Moines to Chicago are mostly much slower than trains to Chicago to cover the 308 mi distance of the trip.

Where to start from in Des Moines? Where do I arrive in Chicago?

Des Moines Departure Bus Stations

Center Street Park and Ride
Map

Departure airports in Des Moines

Des Moines International
Map

Chicago arrival bus stations

Union Station
Map

Chicago Arrival Stations

Chicago
Map

Chicago Arrival Airports

O'Hare International
Map
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3 tips for cheaper travel from Des Moines to Chicago

Have you decided to travel from Des Moines to Chicago and are looking for ways to save money on your travel ticket? We present you with 3 useful tips to save money on your trip. Whether you choose to take a bus, train or flights, these tips will help you find the best rates for your Des Moines to Chicago trip.

  • 1. Be flexible on dates
    Des Moines-Chicago tickets are often cheaper on weekdays than on weekends. If you can afford to travel to Chicago on weekdays instead of weekends, you could save money on your Des Moines-Chicago ticket. Furthermore, being flexible on dates can also help you find the best prices to Chicago.
  • 2. Compare modes of transportation
    It may be a good idea to compare the different modes of transportation available to save money on your trip from Des Moines to Chicago. While flying or taking the train may seem like the quickest option to get to Chicago, carpooling or taking the bus can often be cheaper alternatives. Also consider the travel time and route to find the most economical solution that best suits your needs.
  • 3. Avoid rush hour traffic
    Des Moines-Chicago tickets are very often cheaper if you travel outside of rush hour. By avoiding these high demand times of the day, you could save money on your ticket. In addition, traveling to Chicago during off-peak hours can allow you to enjoy a more comfortable trip.

Bus Des Moines Chicago

Most buses between Des Moines and Chicago are new and offer on-board power outlets for charging devices, but this may vary depending on the carrier.

The frequency of departures to Des Moines from Chicago varies depending on the carrier, the time period and the day of the week. To get a complete overview of all bus departures to Chicago, please specify your departure date and start a search on Vivanoda.

The duration of the bus trip between Des Moines and Chicago usually varies depending on the traffic conditions and possible stops along the way. Vivanoda will allow you to see in real time all the buses traveling to Chicago for your travel date.

Passengers are generally allowed to take luggage on the Des Moines-Chicago bus, but it is important to check the weight and size limits with the carrier. The number of pieces of luggage is also very often limited.

Buses between Des Moines and Chicago usually offer on-board toilets for passengers, but it is always advisable to check with the carrier before the trip. In any case, breaks at freeway service stations are provided.

Cancellation and modification policies may vary depending on the bus company, so it is important to check the terms and conditions when making a reservation. Most of the time, cancelling or changing your Des Moines-Chicago bus ticket will incur additional costs.

Bus companies Des Moines Chicago

MegaBus - US
MegaBus - US
Greyhound
Greyhound
FlixBus
FlixBus
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Trains Des Moines Chicago

There may be a price difference depending on the time of day you travel by train from Des Moines to Chicago. Tickets purchased during off-peak hours are cheaper than those purchased during peak hours. To get a detailed overview of all prices, Vivanoda compares all modes of transportation between Des Moines and Chicago.

Of course passengers can take luggage with them on the train from Des Moines to Chicago. There is no weight limit, but some train companies limit the amount of luggage you can take and require you to pay a supplement. On the other hand, the size of the luggage should be reasonable due to the often limited space inside the trains.

It is recommended to book your train ticket from Des Moines to Chicago at least a few weeks in advance to get the best price.

Trains between Des Moines and Chicago are equipped with power outlets and free Wi-Fi for passengers. Power outlets are available in most cars, while the Wi-Fi connection may be unstable in some areas.

Train tickets from Des Moines to Chicago can be refunded or exchanged but are usually more expensive. The cheapest tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

To get the best train fares between Des Moines and Chicago, it is recommended to book in advance, be flexible with time schedules and compare train fares with Vivanoda.

Train companies between Des Moines and Chicago

Amtrak
Amtrak
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Flights Des Moines Chicago

Airlines Des Moines Chicago

United Airlines
United Airlines
AirTran Airways
AirTran Airways
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