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How to get fromGrand Rapids to Des Moinesby plane, bus (Amtrak, Greyhound), train, bus, car, or taxi

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There are 10 ways to get from Grand Rapids to Des Moines by plane, bus (Amtrak, Greyhound), train, bus, car, or taxi

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 from Gerald R. Ford International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane GRR - DSM
    6h 32m
    $77–377

  2. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station to Chicago Union Stationbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    2. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Des Moinesbus bus Greyhound US0123S / ...
    11h 47m

  3. Train, bus via Galesburg

    1. Take the train from Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station 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
    13h 39m
    $213–345

  4. Drive  490.9 mi

    1. Drive from Grand Rapids to Des Moinescar car 490.9 mi
    8h 12m
    $90–130

  5. Train to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    2. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane ORD - DSM
    7h 45m
    $161–451

  6. Bus to Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport, fly

    1. Take the bus from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoobus bus
    2. Fly from Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane AZO - DSM
    7h 37m
    $85–389

  7. Train to Chicago Midway International Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    2. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane MDW - DSM
    7h 39m
    $178–568

  8. Taxi to Muskegon, fly

    1. Take the taxi from Grand Rapids to Muskegon (MKG)taxi taxi
    2. Fly from Muskegon (MKG) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane MKG - DSM
    4h 6m
    $155–460

  9. Bus, bus to Detroit, fly

    1. Take the bus from Grand Rapids to East Lansingbus bus
    2. Take the bus from East Lansing, MI to Detroit Metro Airportbus bus
    3. Fly from Detroit (DTW) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane DTW - DSM
    7h 50m
    $122–580

  10. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train Pere Marquette
    2. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Des Moinesbus bus Greyhound US0123S / ...
    11h 47m
    $153–235

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to Des Moines (DSM) flights

Calendar128Weekly Planes
Duration5h 6mAverage Duration
Ticket$56Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Grand Rapids to Des Moines.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 444.9 mi
  • Duration: 6h 32m

What companies run services between Grand Rapids, Kent County, MI, USA and Des Moines, IA, USA?

United Airlines, Delta, and two other airlines fly from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to Des Moines (DSM) hourly. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station to Des Moines via Chicago Union Station and Chicago Bus Station in around 11h 47m.

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