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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Portland to Iowa City. Traveling by bus from Portland to Iowa City usually takes around 36 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 32 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 1087 mi (1749 km) |
| Shortest duration | 32h 45m |
| Cheapest price | $184.96 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Portland to Iowa City?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Portland to Iowa City. Greyhound is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 2 | 1d 12h 33m | $187.03 |
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 2 bus trips from Portland to Iowa City every day, with the average journey taking around 36 hours and 33 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Iowa City usually start from $185.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 36 hours and 33 minutes to cover the 1749 kilometers from Portland to Iowa City. However, the fastest bus only takes 32 hours and 45 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 8:00am and the last bus leaves at 12:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Portland to Iowa City, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Portland
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Portland is Maine's largest city and, because of that, the main transportation hub in the state. From Portland, travelers can easily reach destinations such as Boston, Albany, and even Gainesville, Texas, by a combination of buses, trains, and ferries. And there’s plenty to do in the city, even if you’re traveling solo.
Since its foundation in 1786, Portland has recovered from no less than four major fires, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. The dedicated Arts District around upper Congress Street has a smattering of important museum collections, including the Portland Museum of Art, the state's oldest public art institution.
The West End hosts the majority of Portland's historic buildings, creating an olde worlde feel. However, the presence of several well-regarded schools and colleges ensures Portland remains one of the most vibrant small cities in the U.S.
After several years of hardship, the Old Port district has once again become the center of the action. Its attractive cobblestone streets and 19th-century red-brick warehouses now contain a selection of on-trend cafes, bars, and boutique stores. At the same time, it's still possible to watch the time-honored tradition of fishermen unloading their lobster pots onto the foreshore.
East of the downtown area, you'll find Munjoy Hill. It's a district with strong Irish and Italian roots, making it one of the best places in Portland to enjoy the authentic cuisine of Italy. It’s no wonder we named Portland one of our top vacation destinations in Maine.
Iowa City
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
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
Where does the bus leave from in Portland?
Main departure station: Park & Ride - 274 Marginal Way
Greyhound and FlixBus routes to Portland arrive at a Park & Ride lot off I-295 in the East Bayside area of the city. The Park & Ride lot has 200 free parking spaces but no station building. So make sure to use the restroom before heading to the bus stop, and pack any snacks you'll want on the ride. Luckily, there are a handful of coffee shops and bars in the area around the Park & Ride, so you can enjoy a beverage of your choice if you are waiting a while for your bus.
All bus stations in Portland:
Park & Ride - 274 Marginal Way
Where does the bus arrive in Iowa City?
Main arrival station: Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
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.
Bus stations in Iowa City:
Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Iowa City to Portland?
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