Air and Road
- Transport Mode: A combination of air travel and car rental for the fastest and most efficient journey.
- Companies: United Airlines, Delta Airlines for flight; Hertz, Enterprise for car rental.
- Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours (2.5-hour flight + 3-hour drive including transition time).
- Distance: Approximately 1,100 miles.
- Costs: $350 for a round-trip flight (based on economy class), plus $70 per day for car rental, totaling around $420 for a day trip.
- Roads/Routes: Fly into Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and drive via I-80 W and US-34 W to Fairfield, IA.
Pro Tip: To save on costs, consider booking flights and car rentals in advance using bundled discounts. Additionally, check driving conditions on I-80, especially during winter months.
Recommendation: For a balanced journey in terms of cost, speed, and convenience, taking a flight to Des Moines followed by a rental car to Fairfield is highly recommended. This allows you to enjoy time effectively with minimal transitions.