Rome2Rio

How to get fromIowa to Kentuckyby plane, bus (Greyhound, Amtrak), bus, train, car, or bus (Greyhound)

Find Transport to Kentucky

See all options
QR code to download the Rome2Rio app

Download the Rome2Rio travel app

Scan QR code with your phone to download the app

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

There are 8 ways to get from Iowa to Kentucky by plane, bus (Greyhound, Amtrak), bus, train, car, or bus (Greyhound)

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly Des Moines to Louisville International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Louisville International Airport (SDF)plane plane DSM - SDF
    5h 16m
    $130–676

  2. Drive  579.9 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Des Moines to Louisvillecar car 579.9 mi
    9h 44m
    $96–139

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Indianapolis Union Stationbus bus Greyhound US0157S
    2. Take the bus from Indianapolis Union Station to Louisville, KYbus bus Chicago
    12h 25m
    $110–185

  4. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Galesburgbus bus
    2. Take the train from Galesburg Amtrak Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    3. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Indianapolistrain train
    4. Take the bus from Indianapolis Union Station to Louisville, KYbus bus
    17h 19m
    $250–420

  5. Fly Des Moines to Covington

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Covington (CVG)plane plane DSM - CVG
    5h 9m
    $123–677

  6. Fly Omaha to Covington

    1. Fly from Omaha (OMA) to Covington (CVG)plane plane OMA - CVG
    7h 33m
    $137–757

  7. Fly Omaha to Louisville International Airport

    1. Fly from Omaha (OMA) to Louisville International Airport (SDF)plane plane OMA - SDF
    7h 35m
    $144–806

  8. Bus via Speedway

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Indianapolis Union Stationbus bus Greyhound US0157S
    2. Take the bus from Indianapolis to El Mercadito Grocery - Clarksville, INbus bus Indianapolis
    15h 2m
    $116–190

Des Moines (DSM) to Louisville International Airport (SDF) flights

Calendar103Weekly Planes
Duration5h 24mAverage Duration
Ticket$113Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Iowa to Kentucky.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 492.4 mi
  • Duration: 5h 16m

What companies run services between Iowa, USA and Kentucky, USA?

Southwest Airlines, Delta, and two other airlines fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Louisville International Airport (SDF) hourly. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Des Moines to Louisville, KY via Des Moines and Indianapolis Union Station in around 12h 25m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

Booking & Getting There