Rome2Rio

How to get fromAmes to Grand Rapidsby shuttle, plane, bus, train, car, taxi, or bus (Greyhound, Flixbus, Amtrak)

Find Transport to Grand Rapids

See all options

There are 9 ways to get from Ames to Grand Rapids by shuttle, plane, bus, train, car, taxi, or bus (Greyhound, Flixbus, Amtrak)

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 Gerald R. Ford International Airport

    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 Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)plane plane DSM - GRR
    6h 47m
    $141–544

  2. Drive  494.3 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Ames to Grand Rapidscar car 494.3 mi
    8h 59m
    $91–131

  3. Shuttle, bus

    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 bus from Chicago Union Station to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Stationbus bus
    14h 20m

  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 Union Station to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Stationtrain train
    17h 31m
    $373–580

  5. Taxi to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport, fly to Gerald R. Ford International Airport

    1. Take the taxi from Ames to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD)taxi taxi
    2. Fly from Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD) to Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)plane plane FOD - GRR
    6h 57m
    $204–525

  6. Shuttle to Des Moines, fly to Chicago O'Hare 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 O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane DSM - ORD
    3. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Stationtrain train
    9h 23m
    $217–598

  7. 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 Union Station to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Stationtrain train
    9h 1m
    $224–665

  8. Shuttle to Des Moines, fly to Muskegon, taxi

    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 Muskegon (MKG)plane plane DSM - MKG
    3. Take the taxi from Muskegon (MKG) to Grand Rapidstaxi taxi
    5h 48m
    $217–630

  9. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Ames to St. Paulbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Saint Paul Union Depot to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Chicago Union Station to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Stationbus bus
    18h 3m

Ames to Grand Rapids by bus and train

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration17h 31mAverage Duration
Ticket$373Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Ames to Grand Rapids.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 481.5 mi
  • Duration: 6h 47m

What companies run services between Ames, IA, USA and Grand Rapids, Kent County, MI, USA?

You can take a bus from Ames to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station via Saint Paul Union Depot, Chicago Bus Station, and Chicago Union Station in around 18h 3m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators
Other operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

Booking & Getting There