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

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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 49m
    $279–1,033

  2. Fly from Fresno Yosemite International Airport

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane FAT - DSM
    7h 47m
    $198–822

  3. Bus (Greyhound)

    1. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station 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 5m
    $253–499

  4. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Los Angeles to Kansas Citytrain train Southwest Chief
    2. Take the bus from Kansas City to Des Moinesbus bus Jefferson 802 / ...
    39h 53m
    $643–1,243

  5. Drive 1,682.1 mi

    1. Drive from Los Angeles to Des Moinescar car 1,682.1 mi
    26h 2m
    $307–444

  6. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport

    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane LAX - DSM
    5h 26m
    $215–884

  7. Fly from Long Beach Airport

    1. Fly from Long Beach Airport (LGB) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane LGB - DSM
    6h 35m
    $218–922

  8. Fly from San Diego International Airport

    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane SAN - DSM
    6h 33m
    $220–926

  9. Fly from Burbank Bob Hope Airport

    1. Fly from Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane BUR - DSM
    6h 29m
    $244–980

California to Des Moines by bus (Greyhound)

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration37h 5mAverage Duration
Ticket$253Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from California to Des Moines.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,445 mi
  • Duration: 3h 49m

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

Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, and three other airlines fly from John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA) to Des Moines (DSM) every 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Des Moines via Las Vegas Bus Terminal and Denver Union Station in around 37h 5m.

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