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

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There are 6 ways to get from Chicago to Des Moines by plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Greyhound), car, or train

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 Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)plane plane ORD - SEA
    7h 24m
    $152–294

  2. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Seattletrain train Empire Builder
    47h 34m
    $724–1,454

  3. Bus (Greyhound)

    1. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Denver Union Stationbus bus Greyhound US0123S
    2. Take the bus from Denver Union Station to Seattle Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0550
    2d 4h
    $369–698

  4. Drive 2,018.3 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to Des Moinescar car 2,018.3 mi
    32h 32m
    $369–532

  5. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)plane plane MDW - SEA
    7h 7m
    $172–714

  6. Train to General Mitchell International Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Milwaukeetrain train
    2. Fly from General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)plane plane MKE - SEA
    8h 36m
    $349–539

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) flights

Calendar144Weekly Planes
Duration4h 42mAverage Duration
Ticket$129Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Chicago to Des Moines.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,740.3 mi
  • Duration: 7h 24m

What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and Des Moines, WA, USA?

Alaska Airlines, Inc., American Airlines, and two other airlines fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) hourly. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Chicago Union Station to Seattle once daily. Tickets cost $700–1,500 and the journey takes 46h 24m.

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