Rome2Rio

How to get fromDes Moines to San Diegoby plane, bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), bus, train, or car

Find Transport to San Diego

See all options

There are 4 ways to get from Des Moines to San Diego by plane, bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), 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

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane DSM - SAN
    5h 22m
    $218–921

  2. Bus

    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 Santa Ana Bus Stopbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to San Diegobus bus
    40h 10m
    $269–523

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Kansas Citybus bus
    2. Take the train from Kansas City to Fullerton Amtrak Stationtrain train
    3. Take the train from Fullerton Amtrak Station to San Diegotrain train
    43h 23m
    $633–1,342

  4. Drive 1,745.2 mi

    1. Drive from Des Moines to San Diegocar car 1,745.2 mi
    27h 5m
    $319–461

Des Moines to San Diego by bus

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration40h 10mAverage Duration
Ticket$269Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Des Moines to San Diego.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,433.3 mi
  • Duration: 5h 22m

What companies run services between Des Moines, IA, USA and San Diego, CA, USA?

Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and two other airlines fly from Des Moines (DSM) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) every 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Des Moines to San Diego via Denver Union Station, Las Vegas Bus Terminal, and Santa Ana Bus Stop in around 40h 10m.

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

More Questions & Answers