By bus
Jefferson Lines
Regional transport, primarily the Midwest but also the South, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains and parts of Canada. Pick-up at Greyhound station at 1107 Keosauqua Way.
Megabus
Offers a route from Chicago, Iowa City, and Omaha.
Des Moines International Airport
IATA: DSM Although the airport has had a reputation of being expensive in the past, many flights are now more affordable and travelers have noticed, breaking usage records year-in and year-out. Most hotels offer free shuttle service and rental cars are also available. Long-term parking varies in price from $5-12/day. There are non-stop flights from the following cities some cities may be seasonal or only offer service certain days of the week: Atlanta, Branson, Charlotte starting Mar 2012, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis St Paul, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, Tampa and Washington DC.
Amtrak
Nearest Amtrak station is 45 mi 72 km south in Osceola at Main and E Clay Sts. In the town there are not many traveler services, although there is a casino to help pass the time, so it's best to do any extensive overnight stays in Des Moines. It is also possible to reach Des Moines from Osceola or vice-versa by Jefferson Lines bus which leaves from Osceola Amtrak station and arrives at Greyhound bus station in Des Moines.
By car
Most travelers to Des Moines are likely to come via interstate, on either I-80 from the east or west or I-35 from the north or south. Travelers will not have to worry about encountering any tollways or major traffic jams. Once in the area, those wishing to enter the city will use I-235 to get into Des Moines proper.The majority of area residents get around by use of their automobiles, so bringing or renting one is a good idea. The roads are in good shape and most drivers would not be classified as aggressive.
The main thoroughfare, I-235 (http://www.i235.com/), runs through the downtown area and is free of tolls. Semi-trailers passing through are advised to avoid I-235 as the traffic is usually heavier, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours 7AM-8AM and 4:30PM-6PM as people travel to and from work. Additionally, the speed limit on I-235 is 5-10 m.p.h. less than on I-80/I-35.
The city has two interstates surrounding it, I-80 running east/west and I-35 north/south. Chicago is roughly 330 mi 539 km east of Des Moines while Omaha is about 135 mi 215 km west of the city. Popular destinations along I-35 include Kansas City, just under 200 mi 320 km to the south and Minneapolis/Saint Paul to the north, nearly 250 mi 500 km away.
Safe-driving tips, road closures due to weather and construction, and other pieces of information, are available from the Iowa Department of Transportation (http://www.dot.state.ia.us/). Wi-fi is available throughout the state at public rest areas.