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

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There are 8 ways to get from Philadelphia to Des Moines by plane, bus (Greyhound), train, bus, car, or bus (Flixbus, Greyhound)

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 Philadelphia International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane PHL - DSM
    4h 25m
    $220–1,024

  2. Bus (Greyhound)

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Philadelphia Bus Station to Indianapolis Union Stationbus bus Greyhound US0421
    2. Take the bus from Indianapolis Union Station to Des Moinesbus bus Greyhound US0157S
    25h 40m
    $164–317

  3. Train, bus via Galesburg

    1. Take the train from 30th Street Station to Washington Union Stationtrain train
    2. Take the train from Rockville Amtrak to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    3. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Galesburg Amtrak Stationtrain train
    4. Take the bus from Galesburg to Des Moinesbus bus
    30h 31m
    $328–1,286

  4. Drive 1,073.9 mi

    1. Drive from Philadelphia to Des Moinescar car 1,073.9 mi
    17h 41m
    $196–284

  5. Train to Newark Liberty International Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from 30th Street Station to Newark Liberty International Airporttrain train
    2. Fly from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane EWR - DSM
    5h 17m
    $201–871

  6. Train to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from 30th Street Station to Washington Union Stationtrain train
    2. Fly from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane DCA - DSM
    6h 18m
    $292–1,861

  7. Bus via Chicago

    1. Take the bus from Philadelphia Bus Station to Readingbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Reading to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Des Moinesbus bus
    29h 5m
    $173–319

  8. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from 30th Street Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train Cardinal
    2. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Des Moinesbus bus Greyhound US0123S / ...
    34h 49m
    $363–763

Philadelphia to Des Moines by bus (Greyhound)

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration25h 40mAverage Duration
Ticket$164Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Philadelphia to Des Moines.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 984 mi
  • Duration: 4h 25m

What companies run services between Philadelphia, PA, USA and Des Moines, IA, USA?

American Airlines, Allegiant Air, and three other airlines fly from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Des Moines (DSM) every 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Philadelphia Bus Station to Des Moines via Indianapolis Union Station in around 25h 40m.

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