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Des Moines → Columbia

Des Moines to Columbia by train

Columbia lies 314 km (195 mi) south of Des Moines, in the same time zone. What the numbers say about getting there.

By rail the journey is about 4 h 15 min at the speeds typical of United States rail, over roughly 383 km (238 mi) of track; the operator’s timetable is the number that counts.

Des MoinesColumbia

Open Columbia in Google Maps

The two ends, side by side
Des MoinesColumbia
CountryUnited StatesUnited States
Population214,133129,330
Elevation264 m (866 ft)219 m (719 ft)
Time nowUTC-5 (America/Chicago)UTC-5 (America/Chicago)
Stations on recordDes Moines Union Station, East Des Moines Union DepotWabash Railroad Station and Freight House
Postal codes50301–5098365201–65218

Where to book trains from Des Moines to Columbia

AmtrakThe US national operator, and the only place to book most American rail. Fare tiers and refund rights are set at the point of sale, so booking direct matters here.Check times and fares on Amtrak (opens www.amtrak.com in a new tab)
OmioCompares trains, buses and some flights across European operators in one search.Explore train options on Omio (opens www.omio.com in a new tab)
Every link above leaves this site.

We take no bookings for these providers and hold no reservation with them. The provider you choose handles payment, confirmation, changes and refunds. How that works.

Staying in Columbia

Live rooms and prices for Columbia are in the search below.

Book a hotel in Columbia

Live rooms and prices from our booking partner, booked and paid for here. Free cancellation is marked where it applies.

Common questions

How far is Columbia from Des Moines?

314 km (195 mi) in a straight line, south of Des Moines; by road roughly 383 km (238 mi).

How long does it take to get from Des Moines to Columbia by train?

About 4 h 15 min, estimated from distance and typical speeds. Timetables and traffic decide the real figure.

Is there a time difference between Des Moines and Columbia?

No, both are on America/Chicago at the moment.

Where these facts come from

  • GeoNames (CC BY 4.0): population, elevation, time zone, postal codes
  • Wikidata (CC0): area, sister cities, visitor numbers, heritage listings, stations and ports
  • OurAirports (public domain): airports, runways
  • Natural Earth (public domain): map outlines

Data compiled 14 September 2026. Hotel and hostel figures are from our booking partner’s catalogue on that date. Journey times on this page are estimates from distance, not timetables; check the operator before you rely on one.