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How to get fromDes Moines to Santa Monicaby plane, bus (Greyhound), bus, train, or car

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There are 7 ways to get from Des Moines to Santa Monica 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
    5h 27m
    $132–577

  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
    39h 41m
    $269–431

  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
    41h 39m
    $505–1,152

  4. Drive  1,698.4 mi

    1. Drive from Des Moines to Santa Monicacar car 1,698.4 mi
    26h 20m
    $310–448

  5. Fly to Burbank Bob Hope Airport

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR)plane plane DSM - BUR
    7h 25m
    $192–825

  6. Fly to Long Beach Airport

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Long Beach Airport (LGB)plane plane DSM - LGB
    8h 37m
    $144–627

  7. Fly to John Wayne Airport Orange County, bus

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA)plane plane DSM - SNA
    2. Take the bus from Disneyland Employee's Entrance to Figueroa / Picobus bus
    9h 8m
    $205–879

Des Moines to Santa Monica by bus (Greyhound)

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration39h 41mAverage Duration
Ticket$269Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Des Moines to Santa Monica.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,470.4 mi
  • Duration: 5h 27m

What companies run services between Des Moines, IA, USA and Santa Monica, 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 5th / Santa Monica via Denver Union Station, Las Vegas Bus Terminal, and Patsaouras Transit Plaza in around 39h 41m.

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