4.0
Pros: The bus driver was very helpful. Cons: More leg space. Tips: None.
5.0
Angela
19 May 2022- Solo travel
Pros: The Driver. Cons: Bathroom smell of urine.
5.0
Carl
19 July 2021- Visiting family
The bud driver (Dan) was friendly and helpful.
Cheap coach tickets from Des Moines to Chicago
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Des Moines to Chicago Coach Timetable
Coach from Des Moines to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity coaches per day from Des Moines to Chicago. Traveling by coach from Des Moines to Chicago usually takes around 25 hours and 51 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines coach can make the trip in 6 hours,
| Distance | 309 mi (497 km) |
| Shortest duration | 6h 0m |
| Cheapest price | HUF 20,168.07 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Tornado Bus |
| Coach lines | 2 |
Coach Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for coaches from Des Moines to Chicago
(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)
4.8
How much is a coach ticket from Des Moines to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Des Moines to Chicago cost HUF 26,890.76 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Monthly average prices
If you're on the hunt for the cheapest bus tickets from Des Moines to Chicago, mark your calendar for January. During this period, you can expect to find the lowest average ticket price of the year, just HUF 32,269. However, taking the bus from Des Moines to Chicago during August is not so cheap. This time of year, ticket prices often reach an average of HUF 38,655. The best way to find deals on a trip in August is to plan ahead and book your bus ticket as early as possible.
Prices as travel date approaches
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 16 days in advance to save up to HUF 35,892.44.
What coach companies travel from Des Moines to Chicago?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Des Moines to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 6h 4m | HUF 30,749.58 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 1d 19h 16m | HUF 85,714.29 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Chicago from HUF 20,168. There are 1 Jefferson Lines schedules from Des Moines to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Chicago. In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines departs to Chicago from Des Moines and no other station. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St and no other station.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Chicago takes 6 hours and 4 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 6 hours and 0 minutes .
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway to Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by coach from Des Moines to Chicago
The coach takes an average of 25 hours and 51 minutes to cover the 309 miles from Des Moines to Chicago. However, the fastest coach only takes 6 hours. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual coach 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 coach 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, Friday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go."
The first coach leaves at 00:00 and the last coach leaves at 23:00. To see the times for all coaches from Des Moines to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 coaches per day from Des Moines to Chicago. Both of these are direct coaches, meaning that you do not have to worry about transferring coaches at any point during your trip.
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.
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in Des Moines?
Main departure station: Diversity Insurance Inc
Des Moines has two coach stations with service to Chicago.
All coach stations in Des Moines:
Diversity Insurance Inc
Des Moines
Where does the coach arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: 3501 S California Ave
These are the two stations where coaches may stop when they arrive in Chicago.
Coach stations in Chicago:
3501 S California Ave
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
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