Getting Around Des Moines
Everything you need to navigate Des Moines — parking, the famous skywalk system, bike share, transit, and more.
Parking & ParkDSM
Download the ParkDSM app to pay from your phone. Garage rates and street-parking hours change, so treat the figures below as a rough guide and confirm posted signage or the app.
Capital Square Garage
400 Locust St
City Parking Ramp
300 SW 5th St
Civic Center Garage
221 Walnut St
Wells Fargo Arena Lots
730 3rd St
Court Avenue Garage
309 Court Ave
Skywalk System
The Des Moines Skywalk is a 4+ mile network of enclosed, climate-controlled walkways connecting over 40 buildings throughout downtown. It's free to use and essential during Iowa winters when temperatures can drop below zero.
- Hours: Generally 6am–9pm weekdays, varies on weekends
- Cost: Free — open to the public
- Connects: Hotels, parking garages, restaurants, offices, Iowa Events Center, Des Moines Civic Center
- Pro Tip: Look for blue “Skywalk” signs at building entrances to access the system from street level
BCycle Bike Share
Des Moines BCycle offers bike share stations throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Grab a bike for quick trips or leisurely rides along the trail system.
- Single Ride: $1 to unlock + $0.20/min
- Day Pass: $15 for unlimited 60-minute rides
- Monthly: $20/month for unlimited 60-minute rides
- Stations: 20+ stations from downtown to Gray's Lake to the East Village
Rideshare
Both Uber and Lyft operate throughout the Des Moines metro. Waits are usually shortest downtown and longer in the suburbs. Fares move with demand, so check the app for a live quote rather than a printed range.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
DSM is a convenient, easy-to-navigate airport located just 5 miles from downtown (10 minute drive).
Airlines Serving DSM
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Airlines
- Southwest Airlines (hub cities)
- United Airlines
Ground Transportation
- Uber/Lyft: Pick up at the arrivals curb; check the app for a fare quote
- Taxi: Available at taxi stand ($18-22 to downtown)
- DART Route 8: Bus to downtown ($1.75, ~20 min)
- Hotel Shuttles: Many downtown hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle
- Rental Cars: All major companies in the terminal
Public Transit (DART)
DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) operates bus routes across the metro, with real-time tracking and mobile fare payment in the MyDART app.
- One trip: $1.75 (regular fare)
- Half fare: $0.75 (seniors, riders with disabilities, Medicare)
- Day pass: $4 (unlimited trips)
- Weekly pass: $16
- Monthly pass: $48
Checked against DART on September 9, 2026.
Distances From Downtown
Approximate, from the edge of downtown in normal traffic.
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Transit/Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Village | 0.3 mi | 3 min | 5 min walk |
| Gray's Lake | 2.1 mi | 5 min | 15 min bike |
| Valley Junction | 5.2 mi | 10 min | 25 min DART |
| Jordan Creek Mall | 10.5 mi | 15 min | 30 min DART |
| Adventureland | 14.2 mi | 20 min | N/A |
| Ames (Iowa State) | 30 mi | 35 min | N/A |
| DSM Airport (DSM) | 5.1 mi | 10 min | 20 min DART |