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How to get fromKentucky to Iowaby plane, bus (Greyhound, Amtrak), bus, train, car, or bus (Greyhound)

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There are 8 ways to get from Kentucky to Iowa by plane, bus (Greyhound, Amtrak), bus, train, car, or bus (Greyhound)

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 Louisville International Airport to Des Moines

    best
    1. Fly from Louisville International Airport (SDF) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane SDF - DSM
    5h 25m
    $105–516

  2. Fly Louisville International Airport to Quad City International Airport

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Louisville International Airport (SDF) to Quad City International Airport (MLI)plane plane SDF - MLI
    7h 6m
    $74–455

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Louisville Bus Station to Indianapolis Union Stationbus bus Greyhound US0100 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Indianapolis Union Station to Des Moinesbus bus Greyhound US0157S
    12h 55m
    $101–174

  4. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Louisville Bus Station to Indianapolis Union Stationbus bus
    2. Take the train from Indianapolis to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    3. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Galesburg Amtrak Stationtrain train
    4. Take the bus from Galesburg to Des Moinesbus bus
    17h 31m
    $151–324

  5. Drive  580.9 mi

    1. Drive from Louisville to Des Moinescar car 580.9 mi
    9h 46m
    $106–154

  6. Fly Louisville International Airport to Omaha

    1. Fly from Louisville International Airport (SDF) to Omaha (OMA)plane plane SDF - OMA
    5h 29m
    $147–683

  7. Fly Covington to Quad City International Airport

    1. Fly from Covington (CVG) to Quad City International Airport (MLI)plane plane CVG - MLI
    6h 56m
    $78–474

  8. Bus via Speedway

    1. Take the bus from El Mercadito Grocery - Clarksville, IN to Indianapolisbus bus Memphis
    2. Take the bus from Indianapolis Union Station to Des Moinesbus bus Greyhound US0157S
    15h 40m
    $106–180

Louisville International Airport (SDF) to Des Moines (DSM) flights

Calendar134Weekly Planes
Duration5h 4mAverage Duration
Ticket$87Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Kentucky to Iowa.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 492.5 mi
  • Duration: 5h 25m

What companies run services between Kentucky, USA and Iowa, USA?

Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and two other airlines fly from Louisville International Airport (SDF) to Des Moines (DSM) hourly. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Louisville Bus Station to Des Moines via Indianapolis Union Station and Des Moines in around 12h 55m.

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