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

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There are 7 ways to get from Des Moines to San Jose by plane, bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), bus, train, subway, 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 Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC)plane plane DSM - SJC
    5h 56m
    $182–826

  2. Fly to San Francisco International Airport, Caltrain

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)plane plane DSM - SFO
    2. Take the train from Millbrae Caltrain Southbound to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southboundtrain train
    6h 54m
    $154–594

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Denver Union Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Denver Union Station to Sparks Transit Centerbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Sparks Transit Center to Oaklandbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Oakland to San Jose Diridon Stationbus bus
    44h 45m
    $310–506

  4. Bus, train, BART

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Omaha, NEbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Omaha, NE to Denverbus bus
    3. Take the train from Denver to Richmondtrain train
    4. Take the subway from Richmond to Berryessa / North San Josesubway subway
    2d 1h
    $501–1,076

  5. Drive  1,824 mi

    1. Drive from Des Moines to San Josecar car 1,824 mi
    27h 53m
    $333–481

  6. Fly to Oakland International Airport, BART

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Oakland International Airport (OAK)plane plane DSM - OAK
    2. Take the subway from Coliseum to Berryessa / North San Josesubway subway
    6h 38m
    $197–835

  7. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Kansas City Bus Stationbus bus
    2. Take the train from Kansas City to Los Angelestrain train
    3. Take the train from Los Angeles to San Josetrain train
    2d 3h
    $571–1,408

Des Moines to San Jose by bus

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration44h 45mAverage Duration
Ticket$310Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Des Moines to San Jose.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,537.6 mi
  • Duration: 5h 56m

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

Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and two other airlines fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) every 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Des Moines to San Jose Diridon Station via Denver Union Station, Sparks Transit Center, and Oakland in around 44h 45m.

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