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How to get fromDes Moines to Elginby plane, bus, train, or car

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There are 5 ways to get from Des Moines to Elgin by plane, 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 Chicago O'Hare International Airport, bus

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane DSM - ORD
    2. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D to Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop Dbus bus
    3h 17m
    $58–282

  2. Drive  299.1 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Des Moines to Elgincar car 299.1 mi
    5h 15m
    $52–74

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0155S / ...
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Elgintrain train Md-W
    10h 6m
    $70–102

  4. Fly to Chicago Midway International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane DSM - MDW
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Elgintrain train
    4h 17m
    $76–385

  5. 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 Elgintrain train
    10h 17m
    $128–203

Des Moines to Elgin by bus, foot, and train

Calendar37Weekly Services
Duration10h 6mAverage Duration
Ticket$70Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Des Moines to Elgin.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 332.7 mi
  • Duration: 3h 17m

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

There is no direct connection from Des Moines to Elgin. However, you can take the taxi to Des-Moines-Airport-DSM airport, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), walk to O'Hare, take the subway to Rosemont, walk to Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D, then take the bus to Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop D. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Des Moines to Elgin via Chicago Bus Station and Chicago Union Station in around 10h 6m.

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