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How to get fromCalifornia to Amesby plane, shuttle, train, bus, bus (Greyhound), or car

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There are 8 ways to get from California to Ames by plane, shuttle, train, bus, bus (Greyhound), or car

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

  1. Fly from John Wayne Airport Orange County, shuttle

    best
    1. Fly from John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane SNA - DSM
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State Universityshuttle bus
    4h 48m
    $232–742

  2. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport, shuttle

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane LAX - DSM
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State Universityshuttle bus
    6h 21m
    $168–593

  3. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Los Angeles to Kansas Citytrain train Southwest Chief
    2. Take the bus from Kansas City to Amesbus bus Jefferson Lines 804 / ...
    41h 13m
    $1,043–1,601

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Tulsa Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US1210
    2. Take the bus from Tulsa to Amesbus bus Jefferson Lines 802
    43h 25m
    $380–559

  5. Drive  1,710.1 mi

    1. Drive from Los Angeles to Amescar car 1,710.1 mi
    26h 47m
    $313–451

  6. Fly from Long Beach Airport, shuttle

    1. Fly from Long Beach Airport (LGB) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane LGB - DSM
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State Universityshuttle bus
    7h 40m
    $221–841

  7. Fly from San Diego International Airport, shuttle

    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane SAN - DSM
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State Universityshuttle bus
    7h 25m
    $168–585

  8. Fly from Fresno Yosemite International Airport, shuttle

    1. Fly from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane FAT - DSM
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State Universityshuttle bus
    8h 50m
    $176–641

California to Ames by train, foot, and bus

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration41h 13mAverage Duration
Ticket$1,043Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from California to Ames.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,479.6 mi
  • Duration: 4h 48m

What companies run services between California, USA and Ames, IA, USA?

You can take a bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Ames via Tulsa in around 43h 25m.

Airlines
Train operators
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