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How to get fromIowa to Carlsbadby plane, bus, train, bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), or car

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There are 8 ways to get from Iowa to Carlsbad by plane, bus, train, bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), 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 Des Moines to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport (CLD)plane plane DSM - CLD
    6h 35m
    $210–876

  2. Fly Omaha to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Omaha (OMA) to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport (CLD)plane plane OMA - CLD
    8h 49m
    $145–658

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Kansas Citybus bus
    2. Take the train from Kansas City to Fullerton Amtrak Stationtrain train
    3. Take the train from Fullerton Amtrak Station to Oceansidetrain train
    42h 12m
    $613–1,286

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Tulsabus bus
    2. Take the bus from Tulsa Bus Station to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Los Angeles Downtown to Oceanside Transportation Centerbus bus
    47h 40m
    $342–615

  5. Drive 1,718.7 mi

    1. Drive from Des Moines to Carlsbadcar car 1,718.7 mi
    26h 44m
    $314–454

  6. Fly Des Moines to Los Angeles International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane DSM - LAX
    2. Take the bus from LAX Terminal 3 Shared Rides Stop to Oceansidebus bus
    7h

  7. Fly Omaha to San Diego International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Omaha (OMA) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane OMA - SAN
    2. Take the train from San Diego - Old Town to Carlsbad Village Stationtrain train
    8h 9m
    $155–710

  8. Fly Des Moines to John Wayne Airport Orange County, train

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA)plane plane DSM - SNA
    2. Take the train from Fullerton Amtrak Station to Oceansidetrain train
    8h 40m
    $262–1,039

Iowa to Carlsbad by bus, foot, and train

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration42h 12mAverage Duration
Ticket$613Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Iowa to Carlsbad.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,428.6 mi
  • Duration: 6h 35m

What companies run services between Iowa, USA and Carlsbad, CA, USA?

American Airlines, United Airlines, and two other airlines fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport (CLD) 5 times a day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Des Moines to Carlsbad Village Station Stall 5 via Tulsa Bus Station, Los Angeles Union Station, Los Angeles Downtown, Oceanside Transportation Center, and Oceanside Transit Center Stall 8 in around 47h 40m.

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