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

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There are 7 ways to get from Des Moines to San Mateo by plane, bus (Greyhound), 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 San Francisco International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)plane plane DSM - SFO
    6h 15m
    $169–467

  2. Bus (Greyhound)

    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 San Francisco Bus Stationbus bus
    45h 23m
    $284–563

  3. 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 Millbraesubway subway
    2d 1h
    $594–1,137

  4. Drive 1,811.9 mi

    1. Drive from Des Moines to San Mateocar car 1,811.9 mi
    27h 42m
    $331–478

  5. Fly to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, Caltrain

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC)plane plane DSM - SJC
    2. Take the train from Santa Clara Caltrain Northbound to San Mateo Caltrain Northboundtrain train
    6h 58m
    $207–833

  6. Fly to Oakland International Airport

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Oakland International Airport (OAK)plane plane DSM - OAK
    7h 5m
    $210–888

  7. Bus, train, Caltrain

    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
    4. Take the train from San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound to San Mateo Caltrain Northboundtrain train
    2d 4h
    $716–1,544

Des Moines to San Mateo by bus (Greyhound)

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration45h 23mAverage Duration
Ticket$284Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Des Moines to San Mateo.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,559.9 mi
  • Duration: 6h 15m

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

Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and three other airlines fly from Des Moines (DSM) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) every 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Des Moines to S Delaware St & Cypress Ave via Denver Union Station, Sparks Transit Center, and Mission St & 1st St in around 45h 23m.

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Need to know: Greyhound

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