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Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Des Moines to Ocala. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Ocala usually takes around 39 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 31 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 1072 mi (1725 km) |
| Shortest duration | 31h 10m |
| Cheapest price | $324.86 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Ocala?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Des Moines to Ocala. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 3 | 1d 15h 26m | $410.49 |
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. On average, FlixBus US operates 3 trips per day from Des Moines to Ocala, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 39 hours and 26 minutes to cover the 1725 kilometers from Des Moines to Ocala. However, the fastest bus only takes 31 hours and 10 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.
With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 2:00am and the last bus leaves at 12:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Des Moines to Ocala, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
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.
Ocala
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Forest Service, USDA
Link to image attribution
Image credit: National Forests in Florida
Link to image attributionOcala is where the Florida of theme parks and Gulf of Mexico beaches gives way to the other Florida where traditional southern charm continues to make itself known. Located in the north of the state, just shy of the Florida panhandle, Ocala was established in 1849.
Formerly rich in plantations and citrus fruit orchards, today Ocala is a gateway to Florida's natural landscapes, such as the Rainbow Springs State Park and the Ocala National Forest.
One of the state's largest areas of protected forest, the Ocala National Forest spans a mesmerizing 600 square miles of unspoiled woodland crossed by almost innumerable rivers, footpaths, mountain biking tracks, and horse trails. Learn how to bring your bike on the bus or train with you to save money on renting one there.
But that's not to say central Ocala is free of attractions. The Ocala Historic District contains a blend of residential and non-residential buildings worth exploring. For example, The Appleton Museum of Art has a collection stretching from pre-Columbian tribal objects to the latest in modernism.
If all this has you checking out tickets to Ocala, you'll be happy to hear the city is well served by both bus and train routes. You can catch a bus to anywhere from Tallahassee to Houston, while trains connect the area to places like Winter Haven and Baltimore.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Des Moines?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 1501 2nd St
Most buses depart from the main station in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
Bus Station - 1501 2nd St
Where does the bus arrive in Ocala?
Main arrival station: Ocala Bus Station
Many intercity buses to Ocala stop at the Pilot Travel Center on Highway 326, on the outskirts of the city. There is no separate bus station building, but you'll find an Arby's, to-go snacks, WiFi, and restrooms inside the Pilot Travel Center. There are a handful of additional fast-food spots in the surrounding area. Buses from this stop in Ocala serve routes to Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, and more.
Bus stations in Ocala:
Ocala Bus Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Ocala to Des Moines?
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