Rome2Rio

How to get fromIndianapolis to Des Moinesby plane, bus (Greyhound), car, or train

Find Transport to Des Moines

See all options

There are 5 ways to get from Indianapolis to Des Moines by plane, bus (Greyhound), car, or train

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 Indianapolis to Des Moines

    best
    1. Fly from Indianapolis (IND) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane IND - DSM
    5h 35m
    $90–455

  2. Bus (Greyhound)

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Indianapolis Union Station to Des Moinesbus bus Greyhound US0157S
    9h 50m
    $80–120

  3. Drive  466.6 mi

    1. Drive from Indianapolis to Des Moinescar car 466.6 mi
    7h 55m
    $86–123

  4. Train to Purdue University Airport, fly to Des Moines

    1. Take the train from Indianapolis to Lafayette Amtrak Stationtrain train
    2. Fly from Purdue University Airport (LAF) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane LAF - DSM
    7h 12m
    $115–428

  5. Fly Indianapolis to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport, drive

    1. Fly from Indianapolis (IND) to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD)plane plane IND - FOD
    2. Drive from Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD) to Des Moinescar car
    7h 41m
    $93–467

Indianapolis to Des Moines by bus (Greyhound)

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration9h 50mAverage Duration
Ticket$80Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Indianapolis to Des Moines.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 427.5 mi
  • Duration: 5h 35m

What companies run services between Indianapolis, IN, USA and Des Moines, IA, USA?

United Airlines, Delta, and two other airlines fly from Indianapolis (IND) to Des Moines (DSM) hourly. Alternatively, Greyhound USA operates a bus from Indianapolis Union Station to Des Moines once daily. Tickets cost $80–120 and the journey takes 9h 50m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

Booking & Getting There