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How to get fromElgin to Des Moinesby bus, plane, train, or car

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There are 5 ways to get from Elgin to Des Moines by bus, plane, 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. Bus to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, fly

    best
    1. Take the bus from Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop D to Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop Dbus bus
    2. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane ORD - DSM
    3h 25m
    $63–292

  2. Drive  298.3 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Elgin to Des Moinescar car 298.3 mi
    5h 14m
    $51–74

  3. Train, bus via Galesburg

    1. Take the train from Elgin to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Galesburg Amtrak Stationtrain train
    3. Take the bus from Galesburg to Des Moinesbus bus
    10h 48m
    $126–207

  4. Train to Chicago Midway International Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from Elgin to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    2. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane MDW - DSM
    4h 49m
    $91–465

  5. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Elgin to Chicago Union Stationtrain train Md-W
    2. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Des Moinesbus bus Greyhound US0155S / ...
    10h 51m
    $66–102

Elgin to Des Moines by train and bus

Calendar14Weekly Services
Duration10h 48mAverage Duration
Ticket$126Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Elgin to Des Moines.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 332.3 mi
  • Duration: 3h 25m

What companies run services between Elgin, IL, USA and Des Moines, IA, USA?

There is no direct connection from Elgin to Des Moines. However, you can take the bus to Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D, walk to Rosemont, take the subway to O'Hare, walk to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) airport, fly to Des Moines (DSM), then take the taxi to Des Moines. Alternatively, you can take a train from Elgin to Des Moines via Chicago Union Station, Galesburg Amtrak Station, and Galesburg in around 10h 48m.

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