What is the cheapest way to get from Madison to Des Moines?

The cheapest way to get from Madison to Des Moines is to drive which costs $50 - $75 and takes 5h 5m.

What is the fastest way to get from Madison to Des Moines?

The fastest way to get from Madison to Des Moines is to drive which takes 5h 5m and costs $50 - $75.

Is there a direct bus between Madison and Des Moines?

No, there is no direct bus from Madison to Des Moines. However, there are services departing from Madison and arriving at Des Moines via Rochester and Owatonna. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 11h 24m.

How far is it from Madison to Des Moines?

The distance between Madison and Des Moines is 261 miles. The road distance is 276.1 miles.

How do I travel from Madison to Des Moines without a car?

The best way to get from Madison to Des Moines without a car is to bus via Owatonna which takes 11h 24m and costs $100 - $190.

How long does it take to get from Madison to Des Moines?

It takes approximately 5h 22m to get from Madison to Des Moines, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Madison to Des Moines bus from?

Madison to Des Moines bus services, operated by Jefferson Lines, depart from Madison station.

Bus or fly from Madison to Des Moines?

The best way to get from Madison to Des Moines is to fly which takes 5h 22m and costs $100 - $600. Alternatively, you can bus via Owatonna, which costs $100 - $190 and takes 11h 24m.

Where does the Madison to Des Moines bus arrive?

Madison to Des Moines bus services, operated by Jefferson Lines, arrive at Rochester station.

Can I drive from Madison to Des Moines?

Yes, the driving distance between Madison to Des Moines is 276 miles. It takes approximately 5h 5m to drive from Madison to Des Moines.

How do I get a bus ticket from Madison to Des Moines?

Book your Madison to Des Moines bus tickets online with Omio.

Where can I stay near Des Moines?

There are 248+ hotels available in Des Moines.

Madison to Des Moines - 7 ways to travel via plane, bus, and car

How to get fromMadison to Des Moines

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There are 7 ways to get from Madison to Des Moines by plane, bus, car, or bus (Greyhound)

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Fly from Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field
best
1. Fly from Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field (MSN) to Des Moines (DSM)plane MSN - DSM
5h 22m
$100–575
Drive 274.5 mi
cheapest
1. Drive from Madison to Des Moinescar 274.5 mi
5h 5m
$51–73
Bus via Owatonna
1. Take the bus from Madison to Rochesterbus
2. Take the bus from Rochester to Owatonnabus
3. Take the bus from Owatonna to Des Moinesbus
11h 24m
$109–189
Bus to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, fly
1. Take the bus from 250 N. Lake St - Madison UW Campus to O'Hare International Airport - Terminal 1 Departuresbus
2. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Des Moines (DSM)plane ORD - DSM
5h 35m
$82–353
Bus to General Mitchell International Airport, fly
1. Take the bus from Madison, WI-Lake St. to Mitchell Airportbus
2. Fly from General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to Des Moines (DSM)plane MKE - DSM
6h 44m
$109–505
Bus to Chicago Midway International Airport, fly
1. Take the bus from 250 N. Lake St - Madison UW Campus to O'Hare International Airport - Terminal 1 Departuresbus
2. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Des Moines (DSM)plane MDW - DSM
6h 59m
$101–473
Bus
1. Take the bus from 250 N. Lake St - Madison UW Campus to W Jackson Blvd, after S Clinton Stbus Van Galder
2. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Des Moinesbus Greyhound US0123S / ...
11h 37m
$76–141

Madison to Des Moines by bus

7Weekly Buses

11h 24mAverage Duration

$109Cheapest Price

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Map of how to get from Madison to Des Moines.

Launch map view

Distance: 259.8 mi
Duration: 5h 22m

What companies run services between Madison, WI, USA and Des Moines, IA, USA?

United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines fly from Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field (MSN) to Des Moines (DSM) hourly. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Madison to Des Moines via Rochester and Owatonna in around 11h 24m.

Airlines

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