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

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There are 7 ways to get from Des Moines to Carlsbad by plane, bus (Greyhound), 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 Mcclellan–Palomar Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport (CLD)plane plane DSM - CLD
    6h 36m
    $210–876

  2. Bus (Greyhound)

    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 Santa Ana Bus Stopbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to Oceanside Transportation Centerbus bus
    40h
    $268–517

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Kansas City Bus Stationbus bus
    2. Take the train from Kansas City to Fullerton Amtrak Stationtrain train
    3. Take the train from Fullerton Amtrak Station to Oceansidetrain train
    41h 58m
    $589–1,269

  4. Drive 1,718.7 mi

    1. Drive from Des Moines to Carlsbadcar car 1,718.7 mi
    26h 44m
    $314–454

  5. Fly to San Diego International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane DSM - SAN
    2. Take the train from San Diego - Old Town to Carlsbad Village Stationtrain train
    7h 37m
    $220–928

  6. Fly to Los Angeles International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane DSM - LAX
    2. Take the bus from LAX Terminal 3 Shared Rides Stop to Oceansidebus bus
    7h 1m

  7. Fly to John Wayne Airport Orange County, train

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA)plane plane DSM - SNA
    2. Take the train from Fullerton Amtrak Station to Oceansidetrain train
    8h 41m
    $262–1,039

Des Moines to Carlsbad by bus (Greyhound)

Calendar14Weekly Buses
Duration40hAverage Duration
Ticket$268Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Des Moines to Carlsbad.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,428.7 mi
  • Duration: 6h 36m

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

American Airlines, United Airlines, and two other airlines fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport (CLD) 5 times a day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Des Moines to Carlsbad Village Station Stall 5 via Denver Union Station, Las Vegas Bus Terminal, Santa Ana Bus Stop, Oceanside Transportation Center, and Oceanside Transit Center Stall 8 in around 40h.

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