Rome2Rio

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

Find Transport to Lake Michigan

See all options

There are 6 ways to get from Des Moines to Lake Michigan by plane, bus (Greyhound), car, bus, or train

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

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane DSM - ORD
    2h 31m
    $56–278

  2. Bus (Greyhound)

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0123S / ...
    7h 29m
    $62–90

  3. Drive  330.7 mi

    1. Drive from Des Moines to Chicagocar car 330.7 mi
    5h 33m
    $61–88

  4. Fly to General Mitchell International Airport

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)plane plane DSM - MKE
    3h 44m
    $94–503

  5. Fly to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane DSM - MDW
    2h 10m
    $66–348

  6. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Galesburgbus bus Greyhound US0157S
    2. Take the train from Galesburg Amtrak Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train Carl Sandburg / ...
    8h 37m
    $124–197

Des Moines to Lake Michigan by bus (Greyhound)

Calendar19Weekly Buses
Duration7h 29mAverage Duration
Ticket$62Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Des Moines to Lake Michigan.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 321.9 mi
  • Duration: 2h 31m

What companies run services between Des Moines, IA, USA and Lake Michigan, MI, USA?

American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) hourly. Alternatively, Greyhound USA operates a bus from Des Moines to Chicago Bus Station 3 times a day. Tickets cost $55–90 and the journey takes 7h 5m.

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