Cheap coach tickets from Chicago to Des Moines
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Coach from Chicago to Des Moines: Journey Information
There are 5 intercity coaches per day from Chicago to Des Moines. Travelling by coach from Chicago to Des Moines usually takes around 9 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines coach can make the trip in 6 hours.
- Distance
- 309 mi (497 km)
- Shortest duration
- 6h
- Cheapest price
- US$43.97
- Trips per day
- 5
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Coach lines
- 2
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Chicago to Des Moines Coach Timetable

There are several coach options that can take you from Chicago to Des Moines:
See more detailsHow much is a coach ticket from Chicago to Des Moines?
Coach tickets for a trip from Chicago to Des Moines cost about US$58 when you book at the cheapest time, 27 days ahead. Tickets cheaper than US$58 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find coach tickets at or below this price.
Average coach ticket prices from Chicago to Des Moines by travel date
If you're planning to travel by coach from Chicago to Des Moines in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from US$58 to US$83. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 17 November 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Des Moines this week, coach tickets are available starting at US$62.
Average coach ticket prices from Chicago to Des Moines by month
Taking the coach from Chicago to Des Moines is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only US$66. If you're planning to take the coach from Chicago to Des Moines during December, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$80. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most coach companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your coach tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest coach tickets, book your trip at least 27 days in advance. This way, you can save up to US$30.77 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What coach companies travel from Chicago to Des Moines?
There are two coach lines that have daily service from Chicago to Des Moines that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 3 | 10h 53m | US$71.67 |
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 7h 48m | US$75.74 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German coach company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern coach travel. The company offers cheap coach tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US coaches include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power sockets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 3 trips per day from Chicago to Des Moines, and the average ticket for this route costs only US$71.67.






Jefferson Lines is a well-established intercity coach company with service to some of the Midwest’s top travel destinations. As one of the United States’ largest coach 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, toilets, and free WiFi. You can even check the status of your trip with their coach tracker tool. The carrier provides safe, affordable, and reliable service from Chicago to Des Moines with ticket prices as low as US$68.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Chicago to Des Moines
There are 5 scheduled coaches that travel from Chicago to Des Moines every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct coach. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different coach at any point during your trip. Direct coaches also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.
Trips per day
5
Direct trips
1
The coach takes an average of 9 hours and 56 minutes to cover the 309 miles from Chicago to Des Moines. 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.
Distance (mi)
309
Distance (km)
497
The first coach leaves at 4:45 and the last coach leaves at 23:55. To see the times for all coaches from Chicago to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest coach
4:45am
Latest coach
11:55pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for coaches as people head from Chicago to Des Moines for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the coach, travelling mid-week is your best bet.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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 holiday 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 neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transport 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 coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
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 coach. Over a hundred neighbouring cities offer coach 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 coach routes throughout the city.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago has two coach stations with service to Des Moines.
All coach stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- 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
Need a return trip from Des Moines to Chicago?
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