What is the cheapest way to get from Ames to Crystal Lake?

The cheapest way to get from Ames to Crystal Lake is to drive which costs $55 - $80 and takes 5h 53m.

What is the fastest way to get from Ames to Crystal Lake?

The fastest way to get from Ames to Crystal Lake is to taxi and fly and train which takes 5h 12m and costs $180 - $440.

How far is it from Ames to Crystal Lake?

The distance between Ames and Crystal Lake is 388 miles. The road distance is 304.6 miles.

How do I travel from Ames to Crystal Lake without a car?

The best way to get from Ames to Crystal Lake without a car is to bus and train which takes 11h 28m and costs $75 - $140.

How long does it take to get from Ames to Crystal Lake?

It takes approximately 5h 40m to get from Ames to Crystal Lake, including transfers.

Can I drive from Ames to Crystal Lake?

Yes, the driving distance between Ames to Crystal Lake is 305 miles. It takes approximately 5h 53m to drive from Ames to Crystal Lake.

Where can I stay near Crystal Lake?

There are 87+ hotels available in Crystal Lake.

Ames to Crystal Lake - 8 ways to travel via train, shuttle, plane, bus, and car

How to get fromAmes to Crystal Lake

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There are 8 ways to get from Ames to Crystal Lake by shuttle, plane, train, bus, car, or taxi

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Shuttle to Des Moines, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, train
best
1. Take a shuttle bus from Ames, IA - Iowa State University to Des Moines International Airport, IAshuttle
2. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane DSM - ORD
3. Take the train from Irving Park to Crystal Laketrain
5h 40m
$144–572
Drive 302.9 mi
cheapest
1. Drive from Ames to Crystal Lakecar 302.9 mi
5h 53m
$56–80
Bus, train
1. Take the bus from Ames to Des Moinesbus
2. Take the bus from Des Moines to Chicago Bus Stationbus
3. Take the train from Chicago OTC to Crystal Laketrain
11h 28m
$79–138
Bus, train via Saint Paul
1. Take the bus from Ames to St. Paulbus
2. Take the train from St. Paul-Minneapolis to Chicago Union Stationtrain
3. Take the train from Chicago OTC to Crystal Laketrain
14h 42m
$198–363
Taxi to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, train
1. Take the taxi from Ames to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD)taxi
2. Fly from Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane FOD - ORD
3. Take the train from Irving Park to Crystal Laketrain
5h 12m
$187–433
Shuttle to Des Moines, fly to Chicago Midway International Airport, train
1. Take a shuttle bus from Ames, IA - Iowa State University to Des Moines International Airport, IAshuttle
2. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane DSM - MDW
3. Take the train from Chicago OTC to Crystal Laketrain
5h 51m
$155–643
Bus to Mason City, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, train
1. Take the bus from Ames to Mason Citybus
2. Fly from Mason City (MCW) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane MCW - ORD
3. Take the train from Irving Park to Crystal Laketrain
6h 29m
$73–295
Bus, train via Galesburg
1. Take the bus from Ames to Des Moinesbus
2. Take the bus from Des Moines to Galesburgbus
3. Take the train from Galesburg Amtrak Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain
4. Take the train from Chicago OTC to Crystal Laketrain
12h 21m
$109–213

Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) flights

88Weekly Planes

1h 50mAverage Duration

$57Cheapest Price

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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Ames to Crystal Lake.

Launch map view

Distance: 385.3 mi
Duration: 5h 40m

What companies run services between Ames, IA, USA and Crystal Lake, IL, USA?

There is no direct connection from Ames to Crystal Lake. However, you can take the shuttle to Des Moines International Airport, IA, walk to Des Moines (DSM) airport, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), walk to O'Hare, take the subway to Irving Park-Blue, walk to Irving Park, then take the train to Crystal Lake. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Ames to Crystal Lake via Des Moines, Chicago Bus Station, Desplaines & Harrison Terminal, Washington & Canal, and Chicago OTC in around 11h 28m.

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