AirOrSeaTravel is an independent guide. Bookings on this page are completed on the provider’s own website. How we are funded.

AirOrSeaTravel — find your way there
Des Moines · United States

Trains to Des Moines

Stations on record, the cities within reach by rail, and estimated times from distance.

OverviewFlightsHotelsTrainsBusesCar rentalTours

Wikidata lists 2 railway stations in Des Moines: Des Moines Union Station, East Des Moines Union Depot. Which one a service uses is set by the operator, so check the station name on the ticket, not just the city.

Rail routes from Des Moines

Trains from Des Moines: distances and estimated journey times
RouteCountryDistanceEstimated time
Des Moines to OmahaUnited States198 km (123 mi)about 2 h 41 min
Des Moines to DavenportUnited States252 km (157 mi)about 3 h 25 min
Des Moines to LincolnUnited States271 km (168 mi)about 3 h 40 min
Des Moines to IndependenceUnited States287 km (179 mi)about 3 h 53 min
Des Moines to Kansas CityUnited States290 km (180 mi)about 3 h 55 min
Des Moines to ColumbiaUnited States314 km (195 mi)about 4 h 15 min
Des Moines to TopekaUnited States334 km (207 mi)about 4 h 31 min
Des Moines to Sioux FallsUnited States334 km (208 mi)about 4 h 32 min
Des Moines to PeoriaUnited States351 km (218 mi)about 4 h 45 min
Des Moines to Saint PaulUnited States374 km (232 mi)about 5 h 4 min
Des Moines to MinneapolisUnited States377 km (234 mi)about 5 h 6 min
Des Moines to RockfordUnited States381 km (237 mi)about 5 h 9 min
Des Moines to TorontoCanada1,184 km (736 mi)about 16 h 1 min
Des Moines to ChicagoUnited States495 km (308 mi)about 6 h 42 min
Des Moines to HoustonUnited States1,326 km (824 mi)about 17 h 56 min
Des Moines to San AntonioUnited States1,424 km (885 mi)about 19 h 16 min
Des Moines to DallasUnited States1,020 km (634 mi)about 13 h 48 min
Des Moines to Fort WorthUnited States1,040 km (646 mi)about 14 h 4 min
Des Moines to AustinUnited States1,314 km (816 mi)about 17 h 46 min
Des Moines to ColumbusUnited States911 km (566 mi)about 12 h 20 min

Distances are straight-line; road and rail routes run about 15–25% longer. Times are estimates from distance and typical speeds, not timetables.

Where to buy train tickets

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.

Common questions

Which railway stations does Des Moines have?

Des Moines Union Station, East Des Moines Union Depot.

How are the journey times on this page worked out?

From straight-line distance and typical speeds for each mode, so they are estimates for planning, not timetables. Road and rail routes run 15–25% longer than the straight line.

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.