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The cheapest and fastest buses from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA
Showing times and prices for Apr 06
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
2 h 5 m
Average duration
2 h 27 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
173 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Iowa City, IA for Des Moines, IA on Mon, Apr 06, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Apr 06 the direct buses cover the 173 km distance in an average of 2 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 5 m .
On Mon, Apr 06 the slowest buses will take 3 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
4:50 PM2h05Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station), IA6:55 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$271One-way0 transfers- 12:20 PM2h15Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station), IA2:35 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$341One-way0 transfers
- 8:45 PM3h00Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go), IA11:45 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$361One-way0 transfers
- 4:50 PM2h05Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station), IA6:55 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$271One-way0 transfers
- 12:20 PM2h15Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station), IA2:35 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$341One-way0 transfers
- 8:45 PM3h00Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go), IA11:45 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$361One-way0 transfers
Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Live departures
Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Sunday, April 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:20 PM Iowa City, IA | 2h15 | 8:35 PM Des Moines, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA by bus
Compare bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Mon
Apr 06
Apr 06
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Apr 07
Apr 07
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Apr 08
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Apr 12
Why should you book Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as Burlington Trailways offer buses services from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of Burlington Trailways to find the best option for your trip from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA
USAUSA
Buses from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 16:25. The fastest bus covers the 107 miles (173 km) distance in 2h 10m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 107 miles (173 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 2h 10m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 4:25 PM |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Greyhound, Burlington Trailways from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IAYou can travel by bus between Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA with Greyhound, Burlington Trailways for as low as $29 (€24). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest Price
$29 (€24)
Greyhound frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Burlington Trailways
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest Price
$72 (€59)
Burlington Trailways frequency
2 a day
FAQs: Bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Des Moines, IA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA can start from as little as $29 (€24) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA is $32 (€26) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA is 2h 10m to travel the 107 miles (173 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA leaves at 5:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA leaves at 4:25 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA with Greyhound, Burlington Trailways. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA, you can count on Greyhound, Burlington Trailways for the best way to get you to Des Moines, IA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Iowa City, IA and Des Moines, IA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Des Moines, IA from Iowa City, IA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA is November.
Yes, you can take a bus between Iowa City, IA and Des Moines, IA.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA for bus company Greyhound.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA with the following bus company: Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Since neither Iowa City, IA nor Des Moines, IA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Des Moines, IA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and occasional vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include fake ticket sellers for local events and unofficial ride services. Staying alert in busy downtown spots and using authorized transportation options helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA
Iowa City
Des Moines
Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go)
information
Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station)
information
Most popular bus connections from Iowa City, IA
More options for your journey from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Des Moines, IA and Iowa City, IA
Most popular bus connections to Des Moines, IA
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