Is there a train to Des Moines?

No, Des Moines does not have active passenger rail service.

What is the best route?

I-80 East is the most direct and well-maintained route.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes approximately 18 hours of active driving time.

There are no major toll roads on the I-80 route between Utah and Iowa.

No, there are no direct flights from SLC to DSM.

Logan

Des Moines

Flight Driving

Logan to Des Moines

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Logan to Des Moines spans approximately 1,850 kilometers across the American West and Midwest. Most travelers drive south to Salt Lake City to access I-80 East, which serves as the primary artery through Wyoming and Nebraska. Alternatively, flying from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is the most efficient method. The drive typically takes 18 hours of pure transit time, crossing the Continental Divide. You will encounter diverse landscapes ranging from the Wasatch Range to the flat plains of Iowa. Plan for significant elevation changes and potential weather delays in the mountain passes.

Total Distance: 1,850 km driving distance; 1,580 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from SLC to DSM takes approximately 5 hours including layovers.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest for groups of two or more, costing roughly $300 in fuel.

Compare Logan to Des Moines Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	5 hours	18 hours
Avg Price	$350-$600	$250-$400 in fuel
Operator	Delta Air Lines	Personal Vehicle
Route	SLC to DSM via Minneapolis or Denver hubs.	US-89 South to I-80 East through Cheyenne and Omaha.
Tip	Book at least 21 days in advance to secure lower fares on connecting flights.	Check wind conditions in Wyoming before departing as I-80 is prone to high-wind closures.

Travel Tips

Fuel Stops
Fill up in Laramie, Wyoming, as gas prices fluctuate significantly across the rural stretches of I-80.
Time Zones
You will cross from Mountain Time to Central Time, so adjust your watch accordingly.
Airport Parking
Use the long-term economy lot at SLC to save on daily parking fees while you are away.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water while driving through the high-altitude regions of Wyoming to avoid fatigue.
Offline Maps
Download offline maps for the stretch between Rawlins and Cheyenne, as cellular service is intermittent.

Safety Tips

Winter Driving
Avoid I-80 during winter storms as the highway frequently closes due to drifting snow.
Wildlife
Watch for deer and elk crossings, especially during dawn and dusk in Wyoming.
Emergency Kit
Carry a winter survival kit including blankets and non-perishable food in your vehicle.
Tire Pressure
Check your tire pressure before leaving, as the temperature drop from the mountains to the plains affects inflation.