Rome2Rio

How to get fromDes Moines to Grand Rapidsby plane, bus (Greyhound, Amtrak), bus, train, or car

Find Transport to Grand Rapids

See all options

There are 6 ways to get from Des Moines to Grand Rapids by plane, bus (Greyhound, Amtrak), 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 Gerald R. Ford International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)plane plane DSM - GRR
    5h 14m
    $103–577

  2. Drive  491 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Des Moines to Grand Rapidscar car 491 mi
    8h 12m
    $90–130

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0123S / ...
    2. Take the bus from Chicago Union Station to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Stationbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    12h 18m

  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 Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Stationtrain train
    13h 29m
    $216–343

  5. Fly to Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport (AZO)plane plane DSM - AZO
    2. Take the bus from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapidsbus bus
    7h 23m
    $111–599

  6. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0123S / ...
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Stationtrain train Pere Marquette
    12h 18m
    $154–236

Des Moines (DSM) to Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) flights

Calendar120Weekly Planes
Duration4h 46mAverage Duration
Ticket$84Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Des Moines to Grand Rapids.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 447 mi
  • Duration: 5h 14m

What companies run services between Des Moines, IA, USA and Grand Rapids, Kent County, MI, USA?

Southwest Airlines, Delta, and two other airlines fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) hourly. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Des Moines to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station via Chicago Bus Station and Chicago Union Station in around 12h 18m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

Booking & Getting There