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How to get fromSacramento to Amesby plane, shuttle, bus (Greyhound), train, bus, taxi, or car

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There are 7 ways to get from Sacramento to Ames by plane, shuttle, bus (Greyhound), train, bus, taxi, 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 Sacramento International Airport to Des Moines, shuttle

    best
    1. Fly from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane SMF - DSM
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State Universityshuttle bus
    7h 20m
    $182–673

  2. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Sacramento Bus Station to Sparks Transit Centerbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Sparks Transit Center to Denver Union Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Denver Union Station to Kansas City Bus Stationbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Kansas City to Amesbus bus
    42h 20m
    $331–538

  3. Train, bus, taxi

    1. Take the train from Sacramento to Denvertrain train
    2. Take the bus from Denver Union Station to Des Moinesbus bus
    3. Take the taxi from Des Moines to Amestaxi taxi
    45h 46m
    $487–991

  4. Drive  1,737.6 mi

    1. Drive from Sacramento to Amescar car 1,737.6 mi
    26h 36m
    $318–458

  5. Fly Sacramento International Airport to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport, taxi

    1. Fly from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD)plane plane SMF - FOD
    2. Take the taxi from Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD) to Amestaxi taxi
    11h 29m
    $242–663

  6. Train to Oakland International Airport, fly to Des Moines, shuttle

    1. Take the train from Sacramento to Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtraktrain train
    2. Fly from Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane OAK - DSM
    3. Take a shuttle bus from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State Universityshuttle bus
    9h 45m
    $206–737

  7. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Sacramento to Denvertrain train
    2. Take the bus from Denver Union Station to Kansas City Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Kansas City to Amesbus bus
    2d
    $472–981

Sacramento to Ames by bus

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration42h 20mAverage Duration
Ticket$331Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Sacramento to Ames.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,534.9 mi
  • Duration: 7h 20m

What companies run services between Sacramento, CA, USA and Ames, IA, USA?

You can take a bus from Sacramento Bus Station to Ames via Sparks Transit Center, Denver Union Station, Kansas City Bus Station, and Kansas City in around 42h 20m.

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