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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity coaches per day from Chicago to Des Moines. Traveling by coach from Chicago to Des Moines usually takes around 10 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest Burlington Trailways coach can make the trip in 7 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 309 mi (497 km) |
| Shortest duration | 7h 10m |
| Cheapest price | SEK 993.71 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Burlington Trailways |
| Coach lines | 1 |
How much is a coach ticket from Chicago to Des Moines?
SEK 1,039.25 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to Des Moines. While it’s on the pricier side for a bus ticket, taking the bus is still a cheaper alternative to flying. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Chicago to Des Moines is expected to range from SEK 1,037 to SEK 1,059. If you are looking to travel to Des Moines within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from SEK 1,037. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are SEK 1,037 and can be found on 23 April 2024.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in December. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just SEK 622 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Des Moines in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to SEK 1,125 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
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 20 days in advance to save up to SEK 157.36.
What coach companies travel from Chicago to Des Moines?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to Des Moines. Burlington Trailways connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington Trailways | 5 | 10h 12m | SEK 1,059.88 |
Book Burlington Trailways from Chicago to Des Moines from SEK 994. There are 5 Burlington Trailways schedules from Chicago to Des Moines and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Des Moines. In Chicago, Burlington Trailways departs to Des Moines from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St and no other station. In Des Moines, Burlington Trailways arrives at Des Moines and no other station.
An average trip on Burlington Trailways from Chicago to Des Moines takes 10 hours and 12 minutes , while the fastest available Burlington Trailways trip will get you to Des Moines in 7 hours and 10 minutes .
On weekends, Burlington Trailways offers 4 trips per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway to Des Moines.
Frequently Asked Questions
The coach takes an average of 10 hours and 11 minutes to cover the 309 miles from Chicago to Des Moines. However, the fastest coach only takes 7 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 coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Thursday is usually the day of the week when coaches are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your coach travel for the beginning of the week.
The first coach leaves at 06:00 and the last coach leaves at 16:00. To see the times for all coaches from Chicago to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
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.
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.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Most coaches depart from the main station in Chicago.
All coach stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Where does the coach arrive in Des Moines?
Main arrival station: Des Moines
All coaches from Chicago arrive at one main station in Des Moines.
Coach stations in Des Moines:
Des Moines
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