Traveling to Lamoni, Iowa has several transportation options available for students and families arriving from across the region and the country. Whether you choose to travel by bus, train, or by coordinating a ride with a friend, there are convenient ways to reach campus. The information below outlines a few common travel options and helpful tips to make your arrival to Lamoni as smooth as possible.
Jefferson Bus Lines
Jefferson Bus Lines provides a convenient regional bus option for students and families traveling to Lamoni, Iowa. The nearest Jefferson Bus Lines stop is located at the Amish Country Store, 1.8 miles from campus. This option is especially helpful for travelers coming from larger Midwest cities who prefer a reliable and affordable ground transportation route.
Jefferson Busline
Amtrak – Osceola, Iowa
Amtrak service to the Osceola, Iowa station offers another convenient travel option for students coming to Lamoni. Osceola is located approximately 33 miles from campus and is served by Amtrak’s California Zephyr line, which connects travelers from Chicago, Denver, and other major cities.
Amtrak
Coordinate a ride with a friend
Many students choose to coordinate travel with a friend who is already on campus or traveling from the same region. Connecting with classmates, house members, or student organizations can make it easy to share a ride and arrive together. This option is often the simplest and most flexible way to travel to Lamoni, especially for students arriving from nearby cities or airports.
Graceland Traditional Shuttle from Graceland to Kansas City and Des Moines Airport
- Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break, End of the Year
Campus Airport Uber Voucher Program from Kansas City and Des Moines Airport to Graceland
- Move In, Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break
– Step-by-Step Guide.
You must complete form 5 days (120 hours) prior to requested ride.
Options For Travel
- Graceland University TO Des Moines Airport – Traditional Shuttle (Spring Finals Saturday April 25 at 9am)
- Graceland University TO Kansas City Airport – Traditional Shuttle (Spring Finals Saturday April 25 at 9am)
- Des Moines Airport TO Graceland University – Uber Program
- Kansas City Airport TO Graceland University – Uber Program
Click here to make your reservation
When you receive your Uber Voucher you must reserve your ride no less than 5 days (120 hours) in advance.
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1. Student Sign-Up and Payment
- Student accesses the Campus Airport Shuttle Uber Vouchers Program portal.
- Student completes the sign-up form with:
- Full name
- Arrival/Departure location (Kansas City, Des Moines, or Lamoni)
- Flight date & time
- Student submits a non-refundable $50 fee via the online payment system.
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2. Confirmation & Ride Code Distribution
- Once payment is confirmed, the student is sent a confirmation email containing:
- A unique UBER ride code (single-use)
- Instructions on using the code at the airport or campus
- Pick-up zone guidance and support contact info
- Reminder that the code only works within a designated geofence at the Kansas City Airport and Des Moines Airport.
- Information about included driver tip allowance
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3. Ride Redemption
- At Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Des Moines International Airport (DSM) or Graceland University Lamoni Iowa:
- Student activates the ride by opening the designated ride app/link.
- The system verifies the student’s location using geo-fencing.
- Once verified, the ride is dispatched directly to the pick-up location.
- Student is transported directly to the airport or campus — no alternate destinations allowed.
- Student is encouraged to tip the driver, using voucher funds if service was satisfactory.
- Student is responsible for arriving at pickup location no less than 30 minutes prior to the arranged pick up time.
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4. Program Restrictions
- Uber Code cannot be reused, transferred, or applied to any other route or service.
- Code is geo-restricted and only works:
- From MCI to Graceland University Lamoni Iowa only
- From DSM airports to Graceland University Lamoni only
- Uber does not service from Lamoni to either airport
- Students arriving outside the pick-up areas must arrange alternative transportation.
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5. Special Consideration Process for International Students
If the student is unable to use the standard rideshare system, a Graceland staff member will set up your ride remotely and reserve it on your behalf. This ensures that a driver is scheduled to meet you at the airport and take you directly to campus.
