Hatrack River Forum: What's the best way to get to Ames, Iowa?

This is topic What's the best way to get to Ames, Iowa? in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :

I know that April 2nd of next year is a ways off, but with the job I have, I need to start saving now so I can afford the trip.

Missing Kamacon was bad enough, but missing the wedding of the century would be a dreadful thing. [Frown]

I know Dana's probably busy with planning the big event, so anyone who knows the answer to the question, please feel free to answer.

Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :

I would drive. But it may not be as direct for you.

Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :

Well, driving isn't an option for me. My options are flying, the bus, Amtrak, or catching a ride with somebody who is driving from this part of the country. [Wall Bash]

Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :

Bus maybe be cheaper, but takes a long time. If you keep your ears open, you might strike a good ticket. You should keep open to flying for cheap to a place you could then carpool the rest of the way. Since "Ames International Airport" doesn't ring a bell with me. Everytime I've checked on Amtrak, it is as expensive as a middling airline ticket combined with slow. I would be open to Amtrak if it weren't way more expensive than bus, because I love the actually journey.

Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :

Yeah, riding the train is cool. I took the train to Salt Lake City when I went to the MTC.

By the way, pooka [Wave]

. It was nice getting to meet you and your kids.

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

Ames has its own airport . . . but unless you own your own plane, you won't find it too useful. [Wink]

About 40 miles from Ames is the Des Moines International Airport, served by a number of fine airlines.

If one wishes to include a visit to scenic Omaha, Nebraska (a mere 2.5 hours drive from Ames), there's an airport there as well.

Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :

I just want to say that if Dana is already so busy planning the wedding now that she can't answer the question, there's no way I'm missing this thing. [Big Grin]

Hobbes

Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :

I wonder if I'll be able to get away from school long enough to go to the wedding. Transportation would be a huge problem for me--I need to fly due to time constraints, but then I might have trouble getting from Des Moines to Ames. Oh well.

Posted by CaySedai (Member # 6459) on :

Greyhound no longer goes to Ames. (Scroll down the page and click on Regional Route Changes, then click on Iowa.) It does say "Interline carrier service available." I think they mean Jefferson Lines.

Anyway, maybe a central Iowa Jatraquero/a could bring one or two people from Des Moines if they can get that far.

Edited to add: Fort Dodge also has an airport, and it's about an hour's drive from Ames. There are at least a couple places to rent cars.

[ September 05, 2004, 02:52 AM: Message edited by: CaySedai ]

Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :

Anyone who makes it to the Des Moines airport, you don't need to worry about how you'll make it the rest of the way. I'll pick you up, or assign someone to do so. The last 40 miles is the easy part, folks. Figure out how you're going to handle the first part of the trip, and then don't worry about it.

Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :

[Cool]

ElJay

Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :

Ooooh, cool. Two worshipping grapes. Better be careful or it will go to my head. [Wink]