St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA train

Thu, May 07
+ Add return
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
AVE
2,000+ travel companies
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
AVE
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $94. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $94, and a flight costs an average of $87.

Distance: 273 miles (440 km)

Compare flight with

Most popular
Flight
Bus

$271

Average price

$152

Average price

Cheapest

6h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 22m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

15h 30m

Average total duration

15h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

American Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA is a bus with an average price of $152 (€121).

This is compared to other travel options from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA:

A bus is $119 (€95) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA costing on average $271 (€216).

The fastest way to travel from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 22m.

Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:

Bus takes on average 15h 0m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between St. Louis, MO and Des Moines, IA including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users.

Compare prices and tickets St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA 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.

Thu
May 07
Fri
May 08
Sat
May 09
Sun
May 10
Mon
May 11
Tue
May 12
Wed
May 13

Journey information

Overview: Train from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Take a train from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA and enjoy the approximately 273 miles (440 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 $87 (€70)
Distance
273 miles (440 km)
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
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 $87 (€70)

FAQs: Trains from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA 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 Des Moines, IA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The distance by train from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA is 273 miles (440 km).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA.
The cheapest way to get from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA is by flight, with a cost of around $87 (€70).
The train journey from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of rolling farmlands, small towns, and sections of the Mississippi River, providing a pleasant, although not particularly dramatic, visual experience.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Des Moines, IA, allows visitors to explore major attractions such as the State Capitol, the Des Moines Art Center, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, while also enjoying local dining and entertainment.
No, you cannot take the train from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA.
Since neither St. Louis, MO nor Des Moines, IA 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.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA 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 Des Moines, IA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and occasional vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include fake ticket sellers for local events and unofficial ride services. Staying alert in busy downtown spots and using authorized transportation options helps ensure safety.
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 St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return journeys for trains from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO
Buses from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA
Tickets and more information for trains to St. Louis, MO
Tickets and more information for trains to Des Moines, IA

Most popular trains to and from Des Moines, IA and St. Louis, MO

Train Chicago, IL - Des Moines, IA
Train St. Louis, MO - Denver, CO
Train St. Louis, MO - Chicago, IL
Train St. Louis, MO - Austin, TX
Train St. Louis, MO - Seattle, WA
Train Richmond, VA - Des Moines, IA
Train St. Louis, MO - San Diego, CA
Train St. Louis, MO - Los Angeles, CA
Train St. Louis, MO - Atlanta, GA
Train St. Louis, MO - Champaign, IL
Train St. Louis, MO - Indianapolis, IN
Train St. Louis, MO - Detroit, MI
Train St. Louis, MO - Providence, RI
Train St. Louis, MO - Santa Barbara, CA
Train Washington, DC - Des Moines, IA
Train St. Louis, MO - Houston, TX
Train St. Louis, MO - Milwaukee, WI
Train New York, NY - Des Moines, IA
Train St. Louis, MO - San Antonio, TX
Train St. Louis, MO - Buffalo, NY
Train Jacksonville, FL - Des Moines, IA
Train St. Louis, MO - New York, NY
Train St. Louis, MO - Charlotte, NC
Train St. Louis, MO - Kansas City, MO
Train Los Angeles, CA - Des Moines, IA
Train Philadelphia, PA - Des Moines, IA
Train Miami, FL - Des Moines, IA
Train St. Louis, MO - Tampa, FL
Train St. Louis, MO - Boston, MA
Train St. Louis, MO - Dallas, TX

Most popular train connections to Des Moines, IA

Train Chicago, IL - Des Moines, IA
HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Des Moines, IASt. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone