What is the cheapest way to get from Des Moines to Brainerd?

The cheapest way to get from Des Moines to Brainerd is to drive which costs $65 - $100 and takes 6h 15m.

What is the fastest way to get from Des Moines to Brainerd?

The fastest way to get from Des Moines to Brainerd is to fly which takes 3h 56m and costs $120 - $600.

Is there a direct bus between Des Moines and Brainerd?

No, there is no direct bus from Des Moines to Brainerd. However, there are services departing from Des Moines and arriving at Brainerd via Minneapolis. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 8h 55m.

How far is it from Des Moines to Brainerd?

The distance between Des Moines and Brainerd is 353 miles. The road distance is 369.2 miles.

How do I travel from Des Moines to Brainerd without a car?

The best way to get from Des Moines to Brainerd without a car is to bus which takes 8h 55m and costs $35 - $180.

How long does it take to get from Des Moines to Brainerd?

It takes approximately 3h 56m to get from Des Moines to Brainerd, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Des Moines to Brainerd bus from?

Des Moines to Brainerd bus services, operated by Jefferson Lines, depart from Des Moines station.

Bus or fly from Des Moines to Brainerd?

The best way to get from Des Moines to Brainerd is to fly which takes 3h 56m and costs $120 - $600. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $35 - $180 and takes 8h 55m.

Where does the Des Moines to Brainerd bus arrive?

Des Moines to Brainerd bus services, operated by Jefferson Lines, arrive at Minneapolis station.

Can I drive from Des Moines to Brainerd?

Yes, the driving distance between Des Moines to Brainerd is 369 miles. It takes approximately 6h 15m to drive from Des Moines to Brainerd.

Where can I stay near Brainerd?

There are 79+ hotels available in Brainerd.

Des Moines to Brainerd - 5 ways to travel via plane, bus, and car

There are 5 ways to get from Des Moines to Brainerd by plane, bus, 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 to Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport
best
1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD)plane DSM - BRD
3h 56m
$120–592
Bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Minneapolisbus Jefferson 802 / ...
2. Take the bus from Minneapolis to Brainerdbus Jefferson 927
8h 55m
$36–177
Drive 367 mi
1. Drive from Des Moines to Brainerdcar 367 mi
6h 15m
$67–97
Fly to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, bus
1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)plane DSM - MSP
2. Take the bus from Minneapolis / St Paul Airport to Perkins Restaurant & Bakery - Brainerdbus
5h 57m
$178–831
Bus via Minneapolis Airport (MSP)
1. Take the bus from Des Moines to MSP Airportbus Jefferson 802
2. Take the bus from Minneapolis / St Paul Airport to Perkins Restaurant & Bakery - Brainerdbus Groome Transportation - Brainerd
9h 5m
$83–162

Des Moines to Brainerd by bus

7Weekly Buses

8h 55mAverage Duration

$36Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Des Moines to Brainerd.

Launch map view

Distance: 350.5 mi
Duration: 3h 56m

What companies run services between Des Moines, IA, USA and Brainerd, MN, USA?

Delta flies from Des Moines (DSM) to Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD) twice daily. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Des Moines to Brainerd via Minneapolis in around 8h 55m.

Airlines

Bus operators

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