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How to get fromCrystal Lake to Amesby train, plane, shuttle, bus, car, or taxi

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There are 7 ways to get from Crystal Lake to Ames by train, plane, shuttle, bus, car, or taxi

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

  1. Train to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, fly to Des Moines, shuttle

    best
    1. Take the train from Crystal Lake to Irving Parktrain train
    2. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane ORD - DSM
    3. Take a shuttle bus from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State Universityshuttle bus
    5h 13m
    $163–682

  2. Drive 302.1 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Crystal Lake to Amescar car 302.1 mi
    5h 53m
    $56–80

  3. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Crystal Lake to Chicago OTCtrain train
    2. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Des Moinesbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Des Moines to Amesbus bus
    10h 45m
    $78–137

  4. Train to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, fly to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport, taxi

    1. Take the train from Crystal Lake to Irving Parktrain train
    2. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD)plane plane ORD - FOD
    3. Take the taxi from Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD) to Amestaxi taxi
    5h 26m
    $193–492

  5. Train to Chicago Midway International Airport, fly to Des Moines, shuttle

    1. Take the train from Crystal Lake to Chicago OTCtrain train
    2. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane MDW - DSM
    3. Take a shuttle bus from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State Universityshuttle bus
    5h 58m
    $183–852

  6. Train to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, fly to Mason City, bus

    1. Take the train from Crystal Lake to Irving Parktrain train
    2. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Mason City (MCW)plane plane ORD - MCW
    3. Take the bus from Mason City to Amesbus bus
    6h 42m
    $83–347

  7. Train, bus via Galesburg

    1. Take the train from Crystal Lake to Chicago OTCtrain train
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Galesburg Amtrak Stationtrain train
    3. Take the bus from Galesburg to Des Moinesbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Des Moines to Amesbus bus
    12h 40m
    $108–212

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Des Moines (DSM) flights

Calendar82Weekly Planes
Duration1h 31mAverage Duration
Ticket$75Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Crystal Lake to Ames.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 385.1 mi
  • Duration: 5h 13m

What companies run services between Crystal Lake, IL, USA and Ames, IA, USA?

There is no direct connection from Crystal Lake to Ames. However, you can take the train to Irving Park, walk to Irving Park-Blue, take the subway to O'Hare, walk to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) airport, fly to Des Moines (DSM), walk to Des Moines International Airport, IA, then take the shuttle to Ames, IA - Iowa State University. Alternatively, you can take a train from Crystal Lake to Ames via Chicago OTC, Madison & Canal, Harrison & Jefferson, Chicago Bus Station, and Des Moines in around 10h 45m.

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