Rome2Rio

How to get fromWest Des Moines to Chicagoby plane, bus, car, bus (Greyhound), or train

Find Transport to Chicago

See all options

There are 6 ways to get from West Des Moines to Chicago by plane, bus, car, bus (Greyhound), or train

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 to Chicago Midway International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane DSM - MDW
    2h 8m
    $90–476

  2. Drive 336.9 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from West Des Moines to Chicagocar car 336.9 mi
    5h 41m
    $62–89

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Chicagobus bus Btw 1202 / ...
    6h 19m

  4. Fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane DSM - ORD
    2h 33m
    $80–406

  5. Bus via Des Moines

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0123 / ...
    7h 20m
    $73–127

  6. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Galesburgbus bus Btw 1402
    2. Take the train from Galesburg Amtrak Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train Carl Sandburg / ...
    8h 34m

Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) flights

Calendar14Weekly Planes
Duration1h 19mAverage Duration
Ticket$72Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from West Des Moines to Chicago.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 323 mi
  • Duration: 2h 8m

What companies run services between West Des Moines, IA, USA and Chicago, IL, USA?

Southwest Airlines flies from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) twice daily. Alternatively, Burlington Trailways operates a bus from Des Moines to Chicago 3 times a day, and the journey takes 6h 10m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

More Questions & Answers