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How to get to Iowa City by bus
| Routes | 13 |
| Trips per day | 24 |
| bus lines | 2 |
| Stations | 1 |
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About Iowa City
The old capital city of Iowa, Iowa City, is a historic area with plenty of quaint old buildings and beautiful landmarks. The most notable attraction is the Old Capitol Building in the middle of the University of Iowa's campus. The building's first floor is a museum dedicated to the state's history so that you can brush up on your Hawkeye State knowledge (we'll get you started: the Iowa state rock is the geode!). For more history and culture, hit up Plum Grove, the home of the first Governor of Iowa, and the University of Iowa Art Museum.
Thanks to its lively cultural scene, Iowa City's food scene is vibrant and diverse. One of the must-try establishments in the city is Short's Burger and Shine, which features a wide variety of burgers made from locally sourced meat. In addition, the Hamburg Inn No. 2 is an award-winning restaurant, with visitors including many past presidents.
Bus service to Iowa City arrives right downtown for easy access to Iowa City's highlights. Although there is a small municipal airport in Iowa City, most commercial flights will depart from nearby Cedar Rapids Airport or even from Des Moines, about 100 miles away.
Station Information
The Burlington Trailways Station in Iowa City is part of the Court St Transportation Center near downtown. Buses usually board outside the multi-story parking garage on Court Street. The station includes a large indoor waiting area with seating, restrooms, and even a charging station for your devices. You can walk to three hotels, a sushi restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, a Starbucks, and a bar in the immediate area, so you definitely won't have to travel hungry or thirsty. Greyhound and Burlington Trailways buses depart from this station and connect Iowa City to Des Moines, Chicago, Omaha, and more cities throughout the Midwest.
Popular bus stations in Iowa City:
Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
What bus companies travel to Iowa City, Iowa?
Bus companies serving Iowa City
| Bus | Routes | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 54 | 1d 7h 2m | €228.73 |
| Burlington Trailways | 42 | 5h 24m | €67.05 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment.
Which bus carrier has the best service to Iowa City?
Based on customers travel reviews, travelers who booked on Wanderu rave about traveling to Iowa City by bus with Burlington Trailways giving them a 4.9 rating out of 5.
Travelers also mentioned that Burlington Trailways had the most comfortable bus service to Iowa City taking into account the seats and amenities that Burlington Trailways offers. They rate Burlington Trailways a 4.3 out of 5 when it comes to just how relaxing and enjoyable their experience was onboard.
If you are looking to arrive to Iowa City punctually, travelers suggest that Burlington Trailways has the best on time performance on their bus schedules to Iowa City, rating them a 4.8 based on their on time arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main bus station in Iowa City is Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St. As the busiest station, it has the most bus arrivals, although some buses may make other stops in and around Iowa City.
| Departure | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport | 1h 15m | €24.06 |
| Chicago | 4h 53m | €65.30 |
| Naperville | 4h 5m | €62.23 |
| Ottumwa | 7h 40m | €55.09 |
| Cedar Rapids | 0h 35m | €14.97 |
Top bus routes to and from Iowa City
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