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

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There are 8 ways to get from Des Moines to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane DSM - LAX
    4h 55m
    $136–586

  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 Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus
    37h 40m
    $257–429

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Kansas City Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0156
    2. Take the train from Kansas City to Los Angelestrain train Southwest Chief
    40h 36m
    $491–1,148

  4. Drive  1,682.8 mi

    1. Drive from Des Moines to Los Angelescar car 1,682.8 mi
    26h 3m
    $308–444

  5. Fly to Burbank Bob Hope Airport

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR)plane plane DSM - BUR
    7h 5m
    $195–833

  6. Fly to Long Beach Airport

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Long Beach Airport (LGB)plane plane DSM - LGB
    7h 59m
    $145–629

  7. Fly to Ontario International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Ontario International Airport (ONT)plane plane DSM - ONT
    2. Take the train from Rancho Cucamonga to L.A. Union Stationtrain train
    8h 19m
    $179–737

  8. Fly to John Wayne Airport Orange County

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA)plane plane DSM - SNA
    8h 4m
    $209–891

Des Moines to Los Angeles by bus (Greyhound)

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration37h 40mAverage Duration
Ticket$257Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Des Moines to Los Angeles.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,466.5 mi
  • Duration: 4h 55m

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

American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and two other airlines fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) every 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Des Moines to Los Angeles Union Station via Denver Union Station and Las Vegas Bus Terminal in around 37h 40m.

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Need to know: Greyhound

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