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Best way to get to Ames from DSM airport

WhatchaGonnaDo

WhatchaGonnaDo

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Jun 28, 2011
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I'm planning a trip to Ames but will have to fly in to DSM. I'm wondering what the most convenient way to get to Ames is.

I've looked at the Executive Express shuttles, anyone have experience with those?

Also, is there bus service that picks you up at the DSM airport, not the bus terminal 15 minutes away? Seems to be inconvenient.

Just looking for some insight. Thanks in advance.
 
CascadeClone

CascadeClone

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Oct 24, 2009
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rdtindsm

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Jan 30, 2008
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I used executive express recently and was satisfied.

Round trip cost was reasonable to Holiday Inn express on 13th st. near the I. But they had a number of foreign students come in and will deliver you to where you want to go.

Desk is handy to baggage pickup and readily available.
 
ISUKyro

ISUKyro

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Oct 28, 2006
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Houston, TX
Does ISU still have a student drive share program?
If so there may be a chance a group will want to head to Ames around your same time. (may be like waiting for a bus though)
 
T

Transient

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Apr 17, 2008
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Other than Executive Express, take Dart (City Bus) to Greyhound Station, then Greyhound to Ames, drops you at Memorial Union, or a Taxi, or hitchhike. Not sure is ISU is running it's own service to campus.
 
capitalcityguy

capitalcityguy

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Jun 14, 2007
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Des Moines
I'm a volunteer at the Airport's Information desk, so here's my two cents worth based on my experience and the information we're provided.

Executive Express Shuttle is definitely a very economical way to go. I can't believe how inexpensive it is. You just need to be sure to contact them ahead of time because they won't make the run to Ames if there are no expected passengers. You want to take this option if their schedule works with yours.

DART, (Des Moines' city bus service), doesn't run to the terminal any longer, so it means you'd need to hike to nearby Fleur Drive (street that runs by the airport) approx 1/2 mile to nearest bus stop. Not terrible, but few use this option given the proximity of the bus stop to the airport. Also, I'm sure you'd have to transfer buses to get to the Greyhound station. If you're going to go this route, I'd contact DART ahead of time and get this figured out. It might be easier to take a Taxi from the airport to the bus terminal. I assume that will run you $15.
 
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AdamO

AdamO

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May 28, 2010
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I've used Executive Express a number of times, though usually for the reverse direction, to get from Ames to DSM airport for business travel. Great service, reasonable price, as someone above mentioned, just make sure you call them ahead of time (24 hours or more is better, if not required), to make sure they know when you'll be arriving so they have a shuttle there.

I've usually done the pick-up-at-door option, but a few times I had my wife drive me out to the Holiday Inn Express as well. I think they may now be stopping at the new intermodal transportation facility just west of campustown, so if that gets you close to your destination, that may work. There's usually an extra fee for drop-off/pick-up at your final destination otherwise.
 
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