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How to get fromDes Moines to Californiaby plane, bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), bus, train, or car

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There are 9 ways to get from Des Moines to California by plane, bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), bus, train, 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 to John Wayne Airport Orange County

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA)plane plane DSM - SNA
    4h 11m
    $209–738

  2. Fly to Fresno Yosemite International Airport

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)plane plane DSM - FAT
    7h 47m
    $120–524

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Denver Union Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Denver Union Station to Las Vegas Bus Terminalbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Las Vegas Bus Terminal to Los Angeles Union Station Arrivalsbus bus
    36h 5m
    $294–457

  4. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Kansas City Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0156
    2. Take the train from Kansas City to Los Angelestrain train Southwest Chief
    40h 36m
    $985–1,652

  5. Drive  1,682.8 mi

    1. Drive from Des Moines to Los Angelescar car 1,682.8 mi
    26h 3m
    $308–444

  6. Fly to Los Angeles International Airport

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane DSM - LAX
    5h
    $121–326

  7. Fly to San Diego International Airport

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane DSM - SAN
    6h 9m
    $141–408

  8. Fly to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC)plane plane DSM - SJC
    6h 17m
    $145–629

  9. Fly to Long Beach Airport

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Long Beach Airport (LGB)plane plane DSM - LGB
    7h 3m
    $121–515

Des Moines to California by bus

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration36h 5mAverage Duration
Ticket$294Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Des Moines to California.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,445.9 mi
  • Duration: 4h 11m

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

Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, and two other airlines fly from Des Moines (DSM) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA) every 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Des Moines to Los Angeles Union Station Arrivals via Denver Union Station and Las Vegas Bus Terminal in around 36h 5m.

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