- Must visit
Portland Art Museum
Major art museum with Native American, modern, and Northwest collections; one of Portland’s core cultural attractions.
No trains found
We are not able to find a train between these two places.
The cheapest and fastest trainsfrom Des Moines, IA to Portland, ORShowing times and prices for Jul 10
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Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR train
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $229. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $229, and a flight costs an average of $197.
Distance: 1472 miles (2369 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$271 Average price Cheapest | $468 Average price | $357 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
72h 55m Average total duration 72h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 39m Average total duration Fastest 5h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 26h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR is a bus with an average price of $271 (€223).
This is compared to other travel options from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR:
A bus is $197 (€162) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR costing on average $468 (€384).
The fastest way to travel from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 39m.
Other travel options to Portland, OR take longer:
Bus takes on average 72h 25m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Des Moines, IA and Portland, OR including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR by bus or flight
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR
USAUSA
Take a train from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR and enjoy the approximately 1472 miles (2369 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $197 (€162)
Distance 1472 miles (2369 km) |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $197 (€162)
Complete guide to Portland
Things to do in Portland
Discover the best of Portland — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portland trip today.
- Must visit
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Large hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and rotating special displays.
- Recommended
Pittock Mansion
Historic house museum overlooking Portland, known for period interiors and strong city-history interpretation.
- Must visit
Washington Park
Major urban park with gardens, trails, memorials, and viewpoints; one of Portland’s essential outdoor destinations.
- Must visit
Forest Park
Huge urban forest with extensive hiking trails, popular for nature access close to the city center.
- Must visit
International Rose Test Garden
Famous hillside rose garden with seasonal blooms and postcard-worthy views of downtown and Mount Hood.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Craft Beer
Portland is one of the leading craft beer cities in the United States, known for hop-forward IPAs, seasonal ales, and a deep brewery culture.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Third-Wave Coffee
The city is famous for meticulous third-wave coffee culture, with carefully sourced beans, lighter roasts, and expertly prepared espresso drinks.
- Vegetarian
Voodoo Doughnuts
Playful, highly recognizable doughnuts helped define Portland food tourism, blending classic American doughnut culture with quirky local flair.
Le Pigeon
Acclaimed French-inspired restaurant known for rich, inventive dishes and an intimate dining room. One of Portland’s best-known fine dining spots.
Screen Door
Popular Southern restaurant celebrated for fried chicken, waffles, and brunch, with a lively atmosphere and long-standing local following.
Jake's Famous Crawfish
Historic downtown seafood restaurant known for oyster, salmon, and classic Pacific Northwest specialties in an old-school setting.
United States Dollar
Moderate by U.S. city standards. Food and coffee are reasonable, but hotels and fine dining can be pricey in central areas.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for casual or food cart meals.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 75+ per person before drinks.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a standard coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants with table service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip delivery drivers about 15-20%. Little or no tip is expected at counter-service cafes.
FAQs: Trains from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Portland, OR, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The distance by train from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR is 1472 miles (2369 km).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR.
The cheapest way to get from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR is by flight, with a cost of around $197 (€162).
The train journey from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the varied landscapes of the Midwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest, providing a diverse and picturesque travel experience.
Three to four days in Portland, OR, is ideal to explore its vibrant food scene, visit nearby natural attractions like the Columbia River Gorge, and experience local cultural highlights such as the Portland Art Museum and Powell's City of Books.
No, you cannot take the train from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR.
Since neither Des Moines, IA nor Portland, OR are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Portland, OR include Salem, OR, Olympia, WA, Albany, OR, Lacey, WA, Centralia, WA.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Portland, OR, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and occasional vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake ticket sellers and unauthorized ride services have been reported, so it’s best to use official transportation providers and purchase tickets through reputable sources. Staying aware of surroundings and securing belongings can help ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Portland, OR and Des Moines, IA
Most popular train connections to Portland, OR
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