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

Planning to travel to Chicago from Des Moines 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 Chicago to Des Moines, whether it is for price, time or convenience reasons. Vivanoda will help you to find all the transportation solutions to travel between Chicago and Des Moines, 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 Southwest 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 Chicago to Des Moines, we've got all the information you need to plan an unforgettable Chicago Des Moines trip.

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

Bus tickets from Chicago to Des Moines

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

Chicago to Des Moines train tickets

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

Chicago to Des Moines cheap flights

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

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

Chicago Des Moines Travel Information

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

Plan your trip from Chicago to Des Moines 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 Chicago and Des Moines that best suit your needs. Vivanoda also displays all the special offers and promotions of different airlines like Amtrak, MegaBus - US, Greyhound, FlixBus or Southwest Airlines to help you save on your tickets. So don't hesitate and use Vivanoda now to prepare your trip between Chicago and Des Moines with peace of mind!

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

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

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

Chicago Departure Bus Stations

Union Station
Map

Departure stations in Chicago

Chicago
Map

Departure airports in Chicago

O'Hare International
Map
Midway International
Map

Des Moines arrival bus stations

Center Street Park and Ride
Map

Des Moines Arrival Airports

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

Have you decided to travel from Chicago to Des Moines 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 Chicago to Des Moines trip.

  • 1. Be flexible on dates
    Chicago-Des Moines tickets are often cheaper on weekdays than on weekends. If you can afford to travel to Des Moines on weekdays instead of weekends, you could save money on your Chicago-Des Moines ticket. Furthermore, being flexible on dates can also help you find the best prices to Des Moines.
  • 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 Chicago to Des Moines. While flying or taking the train may seem like the quickest option to get to Des Moines, 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
    Chicago-Des Moines 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 Des Moines during off-peak hours can allow you to enjoy a more comfortable trip.

Bus Chicago Des Moines

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

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

The duration of the bus trip between Chicago and Des Moines 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 Des Moines for your travel date.

Passengers are generally allowed to take luggage on the Chicago-Des Moines 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 Chicago and Des Moines 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 Chicago-Des Moines bus ticket will incur additional costs.

Bus companies Chicago Des Moines

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

There may be a price difference depending on the time of day you travel by train from Chicago to Des Moines. 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 Chicago and Des Moines.

Of course passengers can take luggage with them on the train from Chicago to Des Moines. 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 Chicago to Des Moines at least a few weeks in advance to get the best price.

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

Train companies between Chicago and Des Moines

Amtrak
Amtrak
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Flights Chicago Des Moines

Airlines Chicago Des Moines

Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
United Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
AirTran Airways
AirTran Airways
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