Air Travel
- Companies: American Airlines, Delta Airlines
- Duration: Approximately 6-8 hours (including layover)
- Distance: 1,135 miles (1,826 kilometers)
- Costs: €200-€400 (depending on booking time and season)
- Roads/Routes: Not applicable
Pro Tip: Book your flights at least 2 months in advance for the best deals and consider flying mid-week when prices are typically lower.
Train Travel
- Companies: Amtrak
- Duration: Approximately 20-24 hours
- Distance: 1,135 miles (1,826 kilometers)
- Costs: €150-€300 (varies with class of service)
- Roads/Routes: Travel along the Cardinal and the Southwest Chief routes.
Pro Tip: Consider traveling overnight to maximize your time and save on accommodation costs.
Bus Travel
- Companies: Greyhound, Megabus
- Duration: Approximately 18-22 hours
- Distance: 1,135 miles (1,826 kilometers)
- Costs: €100-€200 (depending on the time of booking)
- Roads/Routes: I-76 W and I-80 W will be the primary routes taken.
Pro Tip: Purchase tickets in advance and choose bus options that allow for multiple stops to explore along the way.
Car Travel
- Transport Mode: Driving
- Companies: Rent a car from Enterprise or Hertz
- Duration: Approximately 16 hours (non-stop driving)
- Distance: 1,135 miles (1,826 kilometers)
- Costs: €150-€300 (fuel costs included, depending on vehicle efficiency)
- Roads/Routes: I-76 W to I-80 W is the most direct route.
Pro Tip: Plan for rest stops every few hours and download offline maps in case of poor cell service in rural areas.
Comprehensive Recommendation
For this journey from Philadelphia to Marshalltown, the best option generally depends on your priorities. If time is of the essence, consider flying, despite potential layovers. If you prefer a scenic route and don’t mind taking the extra time, driving allows for greater flexibility. Trains and buses present a balance between comfort and cost, but with longer travel times.