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Des Moines to Columbia bus

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Des Moines - Columbia Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 3 intercity buses per day from Des Moines to Columbia. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Columbia usually takes around 35 hours and 44 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 30 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance863 mi (1388 km)
Shortest duration30h 30m
Cheapest price$257.84
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Columbia?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Des Moines to Columbia. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US31d 11h 44m$309.61
  • 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 Columbia, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 35 hours and 44 minutes to cover the 1388 kilometers from Des Moines to Columbia. However, the fastest bus only takes 30 hours and 30 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 9:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Des Moines to Columbia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Des Moines to Columbia every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.

City Information

Des Moines

Des Moines, IA, US - DSM-0

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.

Columbia

Columbia, SC

Image credit: Brandon Dolley

Link to image attribution

As the capital city of South Carolina, Columbia offers plenty of historic attractions and exciting activities that will keep tourists of all ages satisfied. Sitting at the heart of the city is the South Carolina State Museum, which boasts the most impressive collection of permanent and changing exhibits in the state, as well as in the Southeast. One of the top highlights of the museum is its amazing planetarium that has a height of 55 feet. If you are traveling with kids, EdVenture should certainly be on your list. The museum’s prime attraction is a giant 10-year-old with his own fake digestive tracts and vertebrae, allowing kids to explore anatomy with ease. Nature lovers should not miss out on the chance to enjoy an outdoor day at Lake Murray, which features a vast range of activities such as boating, fishing, paddling, etc.

Columbia features an exciting food scene that is brimming with new talents. For an amazing lunch, The Gourmet Shop and their famous chicken salad will be a great choice. If you wish to enjoy a dinner with wine, Lula Drake is the place to be.

Columbia’s principal bus station is located 710-A Buckner Rd on the outskirts of the city. The main Amtrak train station is located on Pulaski St in the heart of downtown near the University of South Carolina campus. Columbia is served by Amtrak’s Silver Service line. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the main airport and it is located five miles southwest of the city.

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 Columbia?

Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 710-A Buckner Rd

The Bus Terminal on 710-A Buckner Road is the main intercity bus station in Columbia and is served by several bus companies, including Greyhound and Southeastern Stages. The terminal offers an indoor waiting area with benches, vending machines, and restrooms. Buses leave from this station daily to destinations like Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Orlando. Transport throughout Columbia is also convenient, as the Comet, a public transit bus service, connects the Columbia Bus Terminal with the Amtrak Station and Columbia's airport.

Bus stations in Columbia:

  • Bus Terminal - 710-A Buckner Rd

Get around town with Moovit

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Need a return trip from Columbia to Des Moines?

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