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How to get fromSan Diego to Des Moinesby plane, train, bus, bus (Greyhound), or car

Find Transport to Des Moines

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There are 5 ways to get from San Diego to Des Moines by plane, train, bus, bus (Greyhound), 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

    best
    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane SAN - DSM
    5h 11m
    $210–843

  2. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from San Diego to Fullerton Amtrak Stationtrain train
    2. Take the train from Fullerton Amtrak Station to Kansas Citytrain train
    3. Take the bus from Kansas City to Des Moinesbus bus
    42h 36m
    $613–1,328

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from San Diego to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Tulsa Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Tulsa to Des Moinesbus bus
    45h 55m
    $354–628

  4. Drive 1,743.7 mi

    1. Drive from San Diego to Des Moinescar car 1,743.7 mi
    27h 7m
    $319–460

  5. Bus via Ciudad Juárez

    1. Take the bus from San Diego - Santa Fe Depot to Cross Border Xpressbus bus 4.1
    2. Take the bus from Cross Border Express, San Diego to El Pasobus bus Cbx
    3. Take the bus from El Paso to 2745 Southwest Blvd - Kansas Citybus bus
    4. Take the bus from Kansas City to Des Moinesbus bus
    2d 4h
    $327–467

San Diego to Des Moines by train, foot, and bus

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration42h 36mAverage Duration
Ticket$613Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from San Diego to Des Moines.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,433 mi
  • Duration: 5h 11m

What companies run services between San Diego, CA, USA and Des Moines, IA, USA?

Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and two other airlines fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Des Moines (DSM) every 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from San Diego to Des Moines via Los Angeles Union Station and Tulsa in around 45h 55m.

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