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How to get fromAmes to Crystal Lakeby shuttle, plane, train, bus, car, or taxi

Find Transport to Crystal Lake

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There are 7 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.

  1. 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 bus
    2. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane DSM - ORD
    3. Take the train from Irving Park to Crystal Laketrain train
    5h 16m
    $134–532

  2. Drive  302.9 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Ames to Crystal Lakecar car 302.9 mi
    5h 53m
    $56–80

  3. Shuttle, bus, train

    1. Take a shuttle bus from Ames, IA - Iowa State University to Des Moines International Airport, IAshuttle bus
    2. Take the bus from Des Moines to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the train from Chicago OTC to Crystal Laketrain train
    11h 10m
    $165–315

  4. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Ames to St. Paulbus bus
    2. Take the train from St. Paul-Minneapolis to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    3. Take the train from Chicago OTC to Crystal Laketrain train
    14h 32m
    $167–331

  5. 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 taxi
    2. Fly from Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane FOD - ORD
    3. Take the train from Irving Park to Crystal Laketrain train
    5h 7m
    $187–433

  6. 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 bus
    2. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane DSM - MDW
    3. Take the train from Chicago OTC to Crystal Laketrain train
    5h 51m
    $150–623

  7. Bus to Mason City, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, train

    1. Take the bus from Ames to Mason Citybus bus
    2. Fly from Mason City (MCW) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane MCW - ORD
    3. Take the train from Irving Park to Crystal Laketrain train
    6h 33m
    $73–305

Ames to Crystal Lake by bus, train, and foot

Calendar11Weekly Services
Duration14h 32mAverage Duration
Ticket$167Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Ames to Crystal Lake.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 385.3 mi
  • Duration: 5h 16m

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 shuttle from Ames, IA - Iowa State University to Crystal Lake via Des Moines International Airport, IA, Des Moines, Chicago Bus Station, Jefferson & Harrison, Washington & Canal, and Chicago OTC in around 11h 10m.

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