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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Gainesville to Des Moines. Traveling by bus from Gainesville to Des Moines usually takes around 40 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 39 hours and 34.8 minutes.
| Distance | 1039 mi (1672 km) |
| Shortest duration | 39h 35m |
| Cheapest price | $488.44 |
| Most frequent service | El Expreso Bus |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from Gainesville to Des Moines?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Gainesville to Des Moines that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Expreso Bus | 1 | 1d 16h 32m | $488.44 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 1d 15h 35m | $488.44 |
El Expreso Bus, a sub-brand of Tornado Bus Company, operates intercity bus trips in the United States, plus several routes that cross the border into Mexico. The carrier’s professional and helpful staff are often fluent in both English and Spanish. El Expreso buses feature comfortable seats, onboard restrooms, power outlets, and free WiFi. The average ticket price for a Gainesville to Des Moines trip is $488 on El Expreso Bus, and they usually make the trip in just 40 hours and 32 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 40 hours and 3 minutes to cover the 1672 kilometers from Gainesville to Des Moines. However, the fastest bus only takes 39 hours and 34.8 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
The first bus leaves at 5:00pm and the last bus leaves at 6:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Gainesville to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Gainesville
Blessed with amazing natural landmarks and a vibrant cultural life, Gainesville offers a whole new Florida experience that is far from the decadence often associated with the state. If you wish to explore creative works made by local artists, head over to the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, which features great exhibitions that dive into the life of many inventors and entrepreneurs. Another great museum to visit is the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art. For those who want to marvel at the city’s natural landmarks, go for a hiking trip along the trails of Alfred A. Ring Park, or the Barr Hammock Preserve.
Gainesville’s local favorite is the 4 Rivers Smokehouse, which offers delicious briskets. For some of the freshest local dishes, head over to Alpin Bistro.
The main bus station in Gainesville is the Greyhound Bus Terminal located on NE 23rd Ave, which welcomes buses from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston and beyond. There is no rail service to Gainesville. However, the city is part of Amtrak’s network via the carrier’s Thruway bus service, which operates out of the same station. The main airport is the Gainesville Regional Airport, which lies in the northeast part of the city.
Des Moines
Image credit: Unsplash
Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa and the most populous city in the state. It has been named the third-largest insurance capital in the world because of its relevance in the US insurance industry. Des Moines is home to historic landmarks, especially in the East Village area. These include the gold-domed Iowa State Capitol building. Art lovers can visit the Des Moines Art Center, which has notable contemporary collections, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a pedestrian space with public attractions. Des Moines also has spots for outdoor adventures, like the Blank Park Zoo, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Living History Farms.
Des Moines offers diverse places for entertainment, like the Praire Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel, and the Salisbury House & Gardens, a concert venue in a 1920s manor. In the heart of the city is Downtown Des Moines, which has different attractions and entertainment venues, festivals and concerts, shopping spots, sports teams, restaurants, bars, and breweries.
It's very easy to access Des Moines when you're traveling by bus. Over a hundred neighboring cities offer bus lines to the city, powered by companies like Jefferson Lines, Tornado Bus, Burlington Trailways, and El Expreso Bus. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority also provides bus routes throughout the city.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Gainesville?
Main departure station: 3509 SW Williston Rd
The station at 3509 SW Williston Rd is a small bus stop where Tornado buses pick up passengers in Gainesville. It is located in front of a Circle K convenience store, allowing travelers to wait in safety for their buses. Between the convenience store’s offerings and the nearby deli, you can stock up on snacks or a quick meal before your trip. The station is about 5 miles southwest of downtown Gainesville; if your destination is near the University of Florida, the city’s bustling Main Street, or one of the surrounding golf courses, you may want to open up a rideshare app to continue onward from the Circle K station.
All bus stations in Gainesville:
3509 SW Williston Rd
Where does the bus arrive in Des Moines?
Main arrival station: Diversity Insurance Inc
All buses from Gainesville arrive at one main station in Des Moines.
Bus stations in Des Moines:
Diversity Insurance Inc
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