Rome2Rio

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

Find Transport to Des Moines

See all options

There are 5 ways to get from Cincinnati to Des Moines by plane, bus (Greyhound), car, bus, 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 Covington

    best
    1. Fly from Covington (CVG) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane CVG - DSM
    5h 20m
    $120–674

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Cincinnati to Indianapolisbus bus Bsb 14 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Indianapolis Union Station to Des Moinesbus bus Greyhound US0157S
    15h
    $94–210

  3. Drive  573.2 mi

    1. Drive from Cincinnati to Des Moinescar car 573.2 mi
    9h 46m
    $105–152

  4. Drive to Louisville International Airport, fly

    1. Drive from Cincinnati to Louisville-Airport-SDFcar car
    2. Fly from Louisville International Airport (SDF) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane SDF - DSM
    5h 27m
    $117–511

  5. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Cincinnati to Indianapolisbus bus
    2. Take the train from Indianapolis to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    3. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Galesburg Amtrak Stationtrain train
    4. Take the bus from Galesburg to Des Moinesbus bus
    19h 41m
    $234–445

Cincinnati to Des Moines by bus

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration15hAverage Duration
Ticket$94Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Cincinnati to Des Moines.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 523.6 mi
  • Duration: 5h 20m

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

Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and two other airlines fly from Covington (CVG) to Des Moines (DSM) hourly. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cincinnati to Des Moines via Cincinnati and Indianapolis Union Station in around 15h.

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