Cheap bus tickets from Sioux Falls to Des Moines
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Bus from Sioux Falls to Des Moines: Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Sioux Falls to Des Moines. Travelling by bus from Sioux Falls to Des Moines usually takes around 15 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 13 hours and 5 minutes.
- Distance
- 208 mi (335 km)
- Shortest duration
- 13h 5m
- Cheapest price
- $237.11
- Trips per day
- 4
- Most frequent service
- Jefferson Lines
- Bus lines
- 1
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Sioux Falls to Des Moines Bus Schedule

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Average score for buses from Sioux Falls to Des Moines (Based on 1 rating and review)
5.0
There are several bus options that can take you from Sioux Falls to Des Moines:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Sioux Falls to Des Moines?
Bus tickets for a trip from Sioux Falls to Des Moines cost about $237 when you book at the cheapest time, 24 days ahead. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Des Moines. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Sioux Falls to Des Moines by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Sioux Falls to Des Moines in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $241 to $247. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 8, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Des Moines this week, bus tickets are available starting at $241.
Average bus ticket prices from Sioux Falls to Des Moines by month
Taking the bus from Sioux Falls to Des Moines is usually cheapest in March, when the average ticket price is only $237. If you're planning to take the bus from Sioux Falls to Des Moines during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $247. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 24 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $7.06 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Sioux Falls to Des Moines?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Sioux Falls to Des Moines. Jefferson Lines 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 4 | 15h 52m | $242.35 |
Jefferson Lines is a well-established intercity bus company with service to some of the Midwest’s top travel destinations. As one of the United States’ largest bus service providers, Jefferson Lines is beloved by students, commuters, and vacationers in America’s heartland. Travel with Jefferson Lines is comfortable thanks to reclining seats, individual climate controls, washrooms, and free WiFi. You can even check the status of your trip with their bus tracker tool. The carrier provides safe, affordable, and reliable service from Sioux Falls to Des Moines with ticket prices as low as $237.11.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from Sioux Falls to Des Moines
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Sioux Falls to Des Moines 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.
Trips per day
4
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 52 minutes to cover the 335 kilometres from Sioux Falls to Des Moines. However, the fastest bus only takes 13 hours and 5 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.
Distance (mi)
208
Distance (km)
335
The first bus leaves at 10:00 a.m. and the last bus leaves at 7:00 p.m. To see the times for all buses from Sioux Falls to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
10:00am
Latest bus
7:00pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Des Moines at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
Des Moines

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 Prairie 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 travelling by bus. Over a hundred neighbouring 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 Sioux Falls?
Main departure station: 4110 W Maple St
Most buses depart from the main station in Sioux Falls.
All bus stations in Sioux Falls:
- 4110 W Maple St
Where does the bus arrive in Des Moines?
Main arrival station: Des Moines
All buses from Sioux Falls arrive at one main station in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
- Des Moines
Need a return trip from Des Moines to Sioux Falls?
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