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How to get fromAmes to Chicagoby shuttle, plane, bus, car, or taxi

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There are 6 ways to get from Ames to Chicago by shuttle, plane, bus, car, or taxi

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

  1. Shuttle to Des Moines, fly to Chicago Midway International Airport

    best
    1. Take a shuttle bus from Ames, IA - Iowa State University to Des Moines International Airport, IAshuttle bus
    2. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane DSM - MDW
    3h 41m
    $154–645

  2. Drive 325 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Ames to Chicagocar car 325 mi
    6h
    $60–86

  3. Shuttle, bus

    1. Take a shuttle bus from Ames, IA - Iowa State University to Des Moines International Airport, IAshuttle bus
    2. Take the bus from Des Moines to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0123S / ...
    9h 6m
    $155–313

  4. Shuttle to Des Moines, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    1. Take a shuttle bus from Ames, IA - Iowa State University to Des Moines International Airport, IAshuttle bus
    2. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane DSM - ORD
    4h 6m
    $144–575

  5. Taxi to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    1. Take the taxi from Ames to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD)taxi taxi
    2. Fly from Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane FOD - ORD
    3h 38m
    $187–436

  6. Bus to Mason City, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    1. Take the bus from Ames to Mason Citybus bus
    2. Fly from Mason City (MCW) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane MCW - ORD
    4h 58m
    $68–298

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

Calendar14Weekly Planes
Duration1h 19mAverage Duration
Ticket$71Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Ames to Chicago.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 357.7 mi
  • Duration: 3h 41m

What companies run services between Ames, IA, USA and Chicago, IL, USA?

There is no direct connection from Ames to Chicago. However, you can take the shuttle to Des Moines International Airport, IA, walk to Des Moines (DSM) airport, fly to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), walk to Midway, then take the subway to Harold Washington Library. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle from Ames, IA - Iowa State University to Chicago Bus Station via Des Moines International Airport, IA and Des Moines in around 9h 6m.

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