Rome2Rio

How to get fromCalifornia to Des Moinesby plane, bus (Greyhound), train, bus, or car

Find Transport to Des Moines

See all options

There are 9 ways to get from California to Des Moines by plane, bus (Greyhound), train, bus, 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

    best
    1. Fly from John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane SNA - DSM
    3h 45m
    $170–575

  2. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane LAX - DSM
    5h 17m
    $106–426

  3. Bus (Greyhound)

    1. Take the bus from El Monte Bus Stop to Las Vegas Bus Terminalbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Las Vegas Bus Terminal to Denver Union Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Denver Union Station to Des Moinesbus bus
    37h 38m
    $297–476

  4. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Los Angeles to Kansas Citytrain train Southwest Chief
    2. Take the bus from Kansas City Bus Station to Des Moinesbus bus Greyhound US0156
    40h 4m
    $1,023–1,571

  5. Drive  1,682.1 mi

    1. Drive from Los Angeles to Des Moinescar car 1,682.1 mi
    26h 3m
    $307–444

  6. Fly from Sacramento International Airport

    1. Fly from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane SMF - DSM
    6h 24m
    $130–386

  7. Fly from Long Beach Airport

    1. Fly from Long Beach Airport (LGB) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane LGB - DSM
    6h 36m
    $159–674

  8. Fly from San Diego International Airport

    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane SAN - DSM
    6h 22m
    $106–418

  9. Fly from Fresno Yosemite International Airport

    1. Fly from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane FAT - DSM
    7h 46m
    $114–474

California to Des Moines by bus (Greyhound)

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration37h 38mAverage Duration
Ticket$297Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from California to Des Moines.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,445 mi
  • Duration: 3h 45m

What companies run services between California, USA and Des Moines, IA, USA?

Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, and two other airlines fly from John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA) to Des Moines (DSM) every 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Spring St and 1st St E to Des Moines via El Monte Station Upper Level, El Monte Bus Stop, Las Vegas Bus Terminal, and Denver Union Station in around 37h 38m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus 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