- Must visit
Denver Art Museum
One of the largest art museums in the West, known for Indigenous art, global collections, and striking architecture.
Cheapest price
$138
Average price
$158
Fastest journey
13 h 59 m
Average duration
13 h 59 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1074 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ottumwa, IA to Denver, CO is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ottumwa, IA to Denver, CO will cost around $158 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $138.
Of the 2 trains that leave Ottumwa, IA for Denver, CO on Fri, Jul 24, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 24 the direct trains cover the 1074 km distance in an average of 13 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 h 59 m .
On Fri, Jul 24 the slowest trains will take 13 h 59 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ottumwa, IA to Denver, CO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $80. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $80, and a flight costs an average of $154.
Distance: 667 miles (1074 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$158 Average price | $93 Average price Cheapest | $370 Average price | $30 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 17m Average total duration 13h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 25m Average total duration 16h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ottumwa, IA to Denver, CO:
A bus is $65 (€65) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ottumwa, IA to Denver, CO costing on average $158 (€158).
A bus is $277 (€277) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ottumwa, IA to Denver, CO costing on average $370 (€370).
Other travel options to Denver, CO take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 47m.
Bus takes on average 16h 55m.
Tickets start at around $158 (€158) compared to roughly $30 (€30) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-128.57 (€-128.57). The journey takes 13h 47m versus 10h 53m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Ottumwa, IA to Denver, CO trains for today, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 California Zephyr | 6:57 PM Ottumwa Station, Ottumwa, IA | 13h59 | 7:56 AM Union Station, Denver, CO | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, July 23 | |||||
![]() | 12:57 AM Ottumwa, IA | 13h59 | 2:56 PM Denver, CO | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, 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.
Trains from Ottumwa, IA to Denver, CO run on average 1 times per day, taking around 13h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $94 (€94) but you can travel from only $80 (€80) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 18:57, the last at 19:59. The fastest train covers the 667 miles (1074 km) distance in 13h 59m.
Distance 667 miles (1074 km) |
Average train duration 13h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $94 (€94) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 13h 59m |
First train 6:57 PM |
Last train 7:59 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Denver, CO — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Denver, CO trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the West, known for Indigenous art, global collections, and striking architecture.
A major natural history museum with dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, wildlife dioramas, and rooftop city views.
This museum explores Colorado and Western heritage through Native history, artifacts, and regional storytelling.
Denver's landmark downtown park and civic heart, framed by museums, government buildings, festivals, and open lawns.
A scenic urban lake and park with skyline and mountain views, trails, boating, and one of Denver's best sunsets.
A lively pedestrian mall lined with shops, public art, and free shuttle service through the center of downtown Denver.
Denver omelet with ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheese. It is strongly associated with the city and remains a classic local breakfast order.
Green chile is a beloved Front Range staple, served as a pork-rich stew or smothered over burritos, fries, and breakfast plates across Denver.
A juicy burger topped with roasted green chiles and cheese. It reflects Colorado's chile-loving comfort food culture and is common in Denver pubs.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant focused on wood-fired New American cuisine, seasonal Colorado ingredients, and polished service in an elegant room.
Popular modern Mexican spot celebrated for green chile, tacos, and strong margaritas. Casual atmosphere with a long local following.
Beloved neighborhood eatery serving creative breakfasts and brunch. A reliable place to try a Denver omelet in a relaxed, local setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels and dining are mid-to-high, while transit is reasonable. Costs are usually lower than New York or San Francisco.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-$2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip screens; rounding up or $1 is common.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ottumwa, IA to Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ottumwa, IA to Denver, CO trains use the Ottumwa Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Ottumwa, IA and Denver, CO train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Ottumwa Station has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, and Accessibility.
Food and drink options are available at Ottumwa Station.
ATMs are available at Ottumwa Station.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ottumwa Station.
Union Station is 2 km from Denver city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Snooze an A.M. Eatery, Mercantile Dining & Provision, Ultreia
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Crawford Hotel, The Oxford Hotel, Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need