Getting Around Des Moines
Find the best way to access the city from anywhere.
Des Moines Airport information
Hey there, event planners and travelers! Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is your friendly gateway to Iowa's capital, sitting just 5 miles southwest of downtown—super convenient for kicking off business trips or group events without a hassle. It's served by major airlines like American, Delta, Southwest, United, Allegiant, and Frontier, with direct flights to hubs like Denver, Chicago, and Dallas, making it easy to bring teams together quickly. Whether you're shuttling clients to a conference or arriving for a quick meeting, this airport offers straightforward ground options and is expanding with a new terminal by 2026 to handle even more passengers smoothly.
Airport code: DSM; located 5 miles (8 km) southwest of downtown Des Moines.
Airlines include nonstop service to over 20 cities; top routes are Denver, Chicago-O'Hare, and Dallas/Fort Worth.
Ground transport: Rideshares (Uber/Lyft), taxis, limos, rental cars, and shuttles right outside—perfect for group pickups.
Tip for planners: Book group shuttles or charters early, especially in winter, as new de-icing pads (ready by late 2025) will speed things up.
Parking: 7 facilities available; suggest pre-booking for events to save time.
Airport code: DSM; located 5 miles (8 km) southwest of downtown Des Moines.
Airlines include nonstop service to over 20 cities; top routes are Denver, Chicago-O'Hare, and Dallas/Fort Worth.
Ground transport: Rideshares (Uber/Lyft), taxis, limos, rental cars, and shuttles right outside—perfect for group pickups.
Tip for planners: Book group shuttles or charters early, especially in winter, as new de-icing pads (ready by late 2025) will speed things up.
Parking: 7 facilities available; suggest pre-booking for events to save time.
Des Moines Public information
Getting around Des Moines is a breeze with DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit), Iowa's biggest public transit system covering the city and suburbs like West Des Moines and Ankeny—ideal for event teams zipping between venues without renting cars. The free Link shuttle loops downtown hotspots, while buses handle wider routes efficiently. Travelers and planners love how affordable and reliable it is for daily moves, leaving more time for networking or sightseeing.
Main system: DART buses serve Des Moines, suburbs, and Polk County; routes to airport area available.
Free option: Link Shuttle from Center Street Park & Ride through downtown to D-Line Trolley spots.
DART Central Station: Key hub at Cherry St and 6th Ave for transfers.
Planner suggestion: Use for staff shuttles or attendee overflow; apps show real-time tracking.
Tip: Fares are low (around $1.75 one-way); group passes make events budget-friendly.
Main system: DART buses serve Des Moines, suburbs, and Polk County; routes to airport area available.
Free option: Link Shuttle from Center Street Park & Ride through downtown to D-Line Trolley spots.
DART Central Station: Key hub at Cherry St and 6th Ave for transfers.
Planner suggestion: Use for staff shuttles or attendee overflow; apps show real-time tracking.
Tip: Fares are low (around $1.75 one-way); group passes make events budget-friendly.
Des Moines Train Information
Planning rail travel to Des Moines? While there's no Amtrak station right in the city, the closest one is in Osceola, about 40-50 minutes south by car or bus—think of it as a quick hop for eco-friendly groups heading to events. Jefferson Lines buses connect Des Moines directly to Osceola station daily, or grab a rideshare for flexibility. This setup works great for planners coordinating out-of-town speakers, as routes like the California Zephyr link to bigger networks.
Nearest Amtrak: Osceola (OSC), 40-50 minutes south; serves California Zephyr to Chicago, Denver, and beyond.
Bus to station: Jefferson Lines from Des Moines, 45 minutes, $21–50 once daily.
No direct passenger trains in Des Moines; freight lines dominate locally.
Event tip: Arrange charter buses from Osceola for groups—book 3-6 months ahead to avoid peak times.
Suggestion: Combine with airport shuttles for hybrid travel; check Amtrak.com for schedules.
Nearest Amtrak: Osceola (OSC), 40-50 minutes south; serves California Zephyr to Chicago, Denver, and beyond.
Bus to station: Jefferson Lines from Des Moines, 45 minutes, $21–50 once daily.
No direct passenger trains in Des Moines; freight lines dominate locally.
Event tip: Arrange charter buses from Osceola for groups—book 3-6 months ahead to avoid peak times.
Suggestion: Combine with airport shuttles for hybrid travel; check Amtrak.com for schedules.
