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How to get fromChicago to Amesby plane, shuttle, bus, car, or taxi

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There are 6 ways to get from Chicago to Ames by plane, shuttle, 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. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Des Moines, shuttle

    best
    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane ORD - DSM
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State Universityshuttle bus
    4h 27m
    $158–685

  2. Drive 324.4 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Chicago to Amescar car 324.4 mi
    6h
    $60–86

  3. Bus, shuttle

    1. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Des Moinesbus bus Greyhound US0123S / ...
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State Universityshuttle bus
    8h 2m
    $153–313

  4. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Des Moines, shuttle

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane MDW - DSM
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Des Moines International Airport, IA to Ames, IA - Iowa State Universityshuttle bus
    4h 9m
    $178–845

  5. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport, taxi

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD)plane plane ORD - FOD
    2. Take the taxi from Fort Dodge Municipal Airport (FOD) to Amestaxi taxi
    4h 39m
    $188–485

  6. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Mason City, bus

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Mason City (MCW)plane plane ORD - MCW
    2. Take the bus from Mason City to Amesbus bus
    5h 58m
    $78–350

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Des Moines (DSM) flights

Calendar63Weekly Planes
Duration1h 30mAverage Duration
Ticket$77Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Chicago to Ames.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 356.6 mi
  • Duration: 4h 27m

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

There is no direct connection from Chicago to Ames. However, you can take the subway to O'Hare, walk to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) airport, fly to Des Moines (DSM), walk to Des Moines International Airport, IA, then take the shuttle to Ames, IA - Iowa State University. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Chicago Bus Station to Ames, IA - Iowa State University via Des Moines and Des Moines International Airport, IA in around 8h 2m.

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