There are 4 ways to get from Chicago to Des Moines by plane, 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.
Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport
best- Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Des Moines (DSM)plane ORD - DSM
3h 23m$100–576Bus (Greyhound)
cheapest- Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Des Moinesbus Greyhound US0123 / ...
6h 34m$40–110Drive 330 mi
- Drive from Chicago to Des Moinescar 330 mi
5h 32m$61–87Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport
- Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Des Moines (DSM)plane MDW - DSM
3h 8m$120–726
Chicago to Des Moines by bus (Greyhound)
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Chicago to Des Moines is to bus which costs $40 - $110 and takes 6h 34m.
The fastest way to get from Chicago to Des Moines is to fly which takes 3h 8m and costs $120 - $750.
Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Chicago Bus Station station and arriving at Des Moines. Services depart three times a day, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 6h 34m.
The distance between Chicago and Des Moines is 324 miles. The road distance is 332 miles.
The best way to get from Chicago to Des Moines without a car is to bus which takes 6h 34m and costs $40 - $110.
It takes approximately 3h 23m to get from Chicago to Des Moines, including transfers.
Chicago to Des Moines bus services, operated by Greyhound USA, depart from Chicago Bus Station.
The best way to get from Chicago to Des Moines is to fly which takes 3h 23m and costs $95 - $600. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $40 - $110 and takes 6h 34m.
Chicago to Des Moines bus services, operated by Greyhound USA, arrive at Des Moines station.
Yes, the driving distance between Chicago to Des Moines is 332 miles. It takes approximately 5h 32m to drive from Chicago to Des Moines.
What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and Des Moines, IA, USA?
American Airlines and United Airlines fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Des Moines (DSM) every 4 hours. Alternatively, Greyhound USA operates a bus from Chicago Bus Station to Des Moines 3 times a day. Tickets cost $40–110 and the journey takes 6h 34m.
- Website
- united.com
Flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Des Moines
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 33m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $80–550
- Website
- aa.com
Flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Des Moines
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 31m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $80–550
- Website
- southwest.com
Flights from Chicago Midway International Airport to Des Moines
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 25m
- When
- Monday, Thursday, and Friday
- Estimated price
- $100–700
Rome2Rio's guide to Greyhound USA
Contact Details
- Phone
- +1 214-849-8100
- ifsr@greyhound.com
- Website
- greyhound.com
Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Des Moines
- Ave. Duration
- 6h 34m
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- $40–110
- Website
- https://www.greyhound.com/
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
Travelling to the US: What do I need to know?
Read the travel guide
Need to know: Greyhound
Read the travel guide
More Questions & Answers
Book your Chicago to Des Moines bus tickets online with Omio and FlixBus.
There are 245+ hotels available in Des Moines.


