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How to get fromIowa to Columbusby bus, train, car, or plane

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There are 5 ways to get from Iowa to Columbus by bus, train, car, or plane

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, train

    best
    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to St. Paulbus bus Jefferson Lines 806 / ...
    2. Take the train from St. Paul-Minneapolis to Columbus Amtrak Stationtrain train Empire Builder / ...
    10h 37m
    $205–309

  2. Drive  302.5 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Des Moines to Columbuscar car 302.5 mi
    5h 43m
    $56–80

  3. Bus, train via Milwaukee

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to St. Paulbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Saint Paul Union Depot to Milwaukee Intermodal Stationbus bus
    3. Take the train from Milwaukee to Columbus Amtrak Stationtrain train
    13h 20m
    $180–254

  4. Fly from Des Moines, train

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane DSM - ORD
    2. Take the train from Glenview Amtrak Station to Columbus Amtrak Stationtrain train
    6h 38m
    $127–401

  5. Fly from Quad City International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Quad City International Airport (MLI) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane MLI - ORD
    2. Take the train from Glenview Amtrak Station to Columbus Amtrak Stationtrain train
    8h 15m
    $105–360

Iowa to Columbus by bus and train

Calendar11Weekly Services
Duration10h 37mAverage Duration
Ticket$205Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Iowa to Columbus.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 512.6 mi
  • Duration: 10h 37m

What companies run services between Iowa, USA and Columbus, WI, USA?

There is no direct connection from Iowa to Columbus. However, you can take the bus to St. Paul, walk to St. Paul-Minneapolis, then take the train to Columbus Amtrak Station. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Des Moines to Columbus Amtrak Station via Saint Paul Union Depot, Milwaukee Intermodal Station, and Milwaukee in around 13h 20m.

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