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How to get fromDes Moines to East Lansingby plane, bus, train, car, bus (Amtrak), or bus (Greyhound, Flixbus)

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There are 8 ways to get from Des Moines to East Lansing by plane, bus, train, car, bus (Amtrak), or bus (Greyhound, Flixbus)

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 Capital Region International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Capital Region International Airport (LAN)plane plane DSM - LAN
    5h 30m
    $172–925

  2. Bus via South Haven

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to South Havenbus bus
    3. Take the bus from South Haven Potatoes Plus to East Lansing Michigan Flyerbus bus
    14h 50m
    $95–180

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Chicagobus bus Btw 1202 / ...
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to East Lansing Amtrak Stationtrain train Blue Water
    11h 38m

  4. Bus, train via Galesburg

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Galesburgbus bus
    2. Take the train from Galesburg Amtrak Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    3. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to East Lansing Amtrak Stationtrain train
    13h 41m

  5. Drive 534.1 mi

    1. Drive from Des Moines to East Lansingcar car 534.1 mi
    8h 56m
    $98–141

  6. Fly to Detroit, bus

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Detroit (DTW)plane plane DSM - DTW
    2. Take the bus from DTW McNamara Terminal to East Lansing Marriottbus bus
    5h 10m
    $157–756

  7. Fly to Bishop International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Bishop International Airport (FNT)plane plane DSM - FNT
    2. Take the bus from Flint Station to East Lansing Michigan Flyerbus bus
    6h 20m
    $157–640

  8. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Chicagobus bus Btw 1202 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Chicago Union Station to East Lansing Amtrak Stationbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    11h 43m

Des Moines (DSM) to Capital Region International Airport (LAN) flights

Calendar47Weekly Planes
Duration5h 28mAverage Duration
Ticket$158Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Des Moines to East Lansing.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 488.5 mi
  • Duration: 5h 30m

What companies run services between Des Moines, IA, USA and East Lansing, MI, USA?

American Airlines and Delta fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Capital Region International Airport (LAN) every 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Des Moines to EBD Michigan Ave before Delta St via Chicago, Chicago Union Station, East Lansing Amtrak Station, and NBD Harrison past Service in around 11h 43m.

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