- Must visit
Seattle Art Museum
Major art museum with global collections, strong Native and modern holdings, and rotating blockbuster exhibitions downtown.
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Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $228. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $228, and a flight costs an average of $191.
Distance: 1463 miles (2355 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$265 Average price Cheapest | $507 Average price | $355 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
57h 42m Average total duration 57h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 30m Average total duration Fastest 6h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 49m 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 Seattle, WA is a bus with an average price of $265 (€218).
This is compared to other travel options from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA:
A bus is $242 (€198) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA costing on average $507 (€416).
The fastest way to travel from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA is by flight with an average journey time of 6h 30m.
Other travel options to Seattle, WA take longer:
Bus takes on average 57h 12m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Des Moines, IA and Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA by bus or flight
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA
USAUSA
Take a train from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA and enjoy the approximately 1463 miles (2355 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 $191 (€157)
Distance 1463 miles (2355 km) |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 $191 (€157)
Complete guide to Seattle, WA
Things to do in Seattle, WA
Discover the best of Seattle, WA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Seattle, WA trip today.
- Must visit
Museum of Pop Culture
Immersive pop-culture museum with music, science fiction, gaming, and film exhibits in a Frank Gehry building.
- Must visit
The Museum of Flight
Leading aviation museum featuring historic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on exhibits near Boeing Field.
- Must visit
Discovery Park
Vast urban park with forests, beaches, bluffs, and trails, plus some of Seattle’s finest Puget Sound views.
- Must visit
Seattle Waterfront
Lively waterfront district with ferries, the Great Wheel, promenades, and classic Elliott Bay scenery.
- Must visit
Kerry Park
Beloved hilltop park offering postcard views of downtown, Elliott Bay, and Mount Rainier, especially at sunset.
- Gluten-free
Cedar Plank Salmon
Cedar plank salmon is Pacific Northwest salmon roasted on cedar, adding smoky wood aroma. It reflects Seattle's strong salmon culture and regional cooking style.
Seattle-Style Teriyaki
Seattle-style teriyaki is grilled meat with sweet-savory sauce, usually over rice and salad. It became a defining everyday local meal across the city.
- Gluten-free
Geoduck
Geoduck is a large Pacific Northwest clam, often served raw or lightly cooked. It is prized locally for its sweet taste and connection to regional seafood.
Pike Place Chowder
Historic Pike Place Market spot famed for clam chowder, seafood sandwiches, and casual counter service with a lively market atmosphere.
Matt's in the Market
Long-running market restaurant known for Dungeness crab cakes, seafood entrées, and views over Pike Place with a classic local feel.
The Pink Door
Acclaimed fine dining destination focused on seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients, refined tasting menus, and elegant service near Pike Place.
US dollar ($)
Seattle is pricier than many US cities, with higher hotel, dining, and parking costs. Transit is reasonable, but central stays and waterfront meals raise typical visitor budgets.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $80+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-7 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or screens; small tips are appreciated.
FAQs: Trains from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The distance by train from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA is 1463 miles (2355 km).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA.
The cheapest way to get from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA is by flight, with a cost of around $191 (€157).
The train journey from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA offers scenic views of the changing landscapes, including the rolling plains of the Midwest, the rugged terrain of the Rockies, and the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest, making it a visually enriching experience.
In Seattle, WA, you can take a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island for stunning views and a charming small-town experience, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Capitol Hill and Fremont, visit the Seattle Aquarium, and enjoy a walk or bike ride along the Burke-Gilman Trail. For cultural experiences, see a live performance at the historic Paramount Theatre. Must-see sights include the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Seattle Art Museum.
For a comprehensive experience in Seattle, WA, 3 to 4 days are typically sufficient to explore major attractions such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Museum of Pop Culture, while also allowing time for side trips to nearby destinations like Mount Rainier or Bainbridge Island.
No, you cannot take the train from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA.
Since neither Des Moines, IA nor Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA include Olympia, WA, Tacoma, WA, Lacey, WA, Centralia, WA, Mount Vernon, WA.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots like Pike Place Market. Scams involving fake charity collectors and street performers asking for money are common. It's advisable to stay alert in public transit and avoid unlicensed taxis. Travelers should also be aware of occasional aggressive panhandling in certain neighborhoods.
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 Seattle, WA
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Most popular trains to and from Seattle, WA and Des Moines, IA
Most popular train connections to Seattle, WA
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