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

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There are 8 ways to get from Kentucky to Iowa by plane, bus (Amtrak, Greyhound), 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 30m
    $85–396

  2. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Louisville, KY to Indianapolis Union Stationbus bus Nashville
    2. Take the bus from Indianapolis Union Station to Des Moinesbus bus Greyhound US0157S
    13h 15m
    $111–184

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Louisville, KY 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 56m
    $251–419

  4. Drive  580.9 mi

    1. Drive from Louisville to Des Moinescar car 580.9 mi
    9h 46m
    $96–139

  5. Fly Covington to Des Moines

    1. Fly from Covington (CVG) to Des Moines (DSM)plane plane CVG - DSM
    5h 42m
    $120–674

  6. Fly Covington to Quad City International Airport

    1. Fly from Covington (CVG) to Quad City International Airport (MLI)plane plane CVG - MLI
    6h 56m
    $94–604

  7. Fly Louisville International Airport to Omaha

    1. Fly from Louisville International Airport (SDF) to Omaha (OMA)plane plane SDF - OMA
    7h 35m
    $105–557

  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 35m
    $116–190

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

Calendar108Weekly Planes
Duration5h 24mAverage Duration
Ticket$65Cheapest 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 30m

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

Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and three other airlines fly from Louisville International Airport (SDF) to Des Moines (DSM) hourly. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Louisville, KY to Des Moines via Indianapolis Union Station and Des Moines in around 13h 15m.

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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.

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