Cheap coach tickets from St Louis to Des Moines

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Coach from St Louis to Des Moines: Journey Information

There are 2 intercity coaches per day from St Louis to Des Moines. Travelling by coach from St Louis to Des Moines usually takes around 13 hours and 22 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US coach can make the trip in 11 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance
273 mi (440 km)
Shortest duration
11h 45m
Cheapest price
US$81.47
Trips per day
2
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Coach lines
1

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St Louis to Des Moines Coach Timetable

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Coach Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for coaches from St Louis to Des Moines (Based on 1 rating and review)

4.0

4.0

Keith

30 December 2022 - Solo travel

Burlington Trailways
Pros: I didn't like Iowa headed back home next week Cons: It's nothing on you guys it's just a state that I'm in I don't like it Tips: About before you go anywhere things might sound good and look good but it don't seems that way sometimes
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How much is a coach ticket from St Louis to Des Moines?

Coach tickets for a trip from St Louis to Des Moines cost about US$94 when you book at the cheapest time, 9 days ahead. While it’s a bit pricey for a coach ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. 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 St Louis to Des Moines by travel date

US$120US$80US$40NovNov

If you're planning to travel by coach from St Louis to Des Moines in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from US$88 to US$112. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 12 November 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Des Moines this week, coach tickets are available starting at US$88.

Average coach ticket prices from St Louis to Des Moines by month

US$175US$140US$105US$70US$35JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the coach from St Louis to Des Moines is usually cheapest in August, when the average ticket price is only US$107. If you're planning to take the coach from St Louis to Des Moines during February, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$164. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

US$150US$120US$90US$60US$300

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 9 days in advance. This way, you can save up to US$44.20 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What coach companies travel from St Louis to Des Moines?

There is one intercity coach company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from St Louis to Des Moines. FlixBus US is the one coach line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.

CoachDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US213h 22mUS$107.49
  • 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 2 trips per day from St Louis to Des Moines, and the average ticket for this route costs only US$107.49.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5

Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from St Louis to Des Moines

There are usually only 2 coaches per day from St Louis to Des Moines. However, neither coach offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer coaches during the trip.

Trips per day

2

Direct trips

0

The coach takes an average of 13 hours and 22 minutes to cover the 273 miles from St Louis to Des Moines. However, the fastest coach only takes 11 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 coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

Distance (mi)

273

Distance (km)

440

The first coach leaves at 10:00 and the last coach leaves at 23:30. To see the times for all coaches from St Louis to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest coach

10:00am

Latest coach

11:30pm

Saturday is usually the day when coaches are busiest, as many travellers take the coach to enjoy the weekend in Des Moines. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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 coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.

Most crowded

Saturday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

St Louis

St. Louis, MO - STL-0St. Louis, MO - STL-1St. Louis, MO - STL-2

St. Louis is one of several major cities in the state of Missouri and it is uniquely located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The city is usually recognized by its most distinctive feature, the Gateway Arch, thanks to which it is the only city in the United States that has a national park in the heart of its downtown district. The Arch is a must-see attraction and you can even take a tram to the top for some incredible views of the St. Louis skyline.

Some of the other truly unique attractions you can visit while you’re in town include the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis where you can check out an incredible collection of dolls, dollhouses and vignettes, and the City Museum where you can ride down a 10-story spiral slide (yup, you read that right.) For a great outdoor experience, stop by the gorgeous Missouri Botanical Garden, and then take a stroll through Citygarden where you will find various quirky statues and installations worthy of being featured in your Instagram feed.

Ale enthusiasts would be excited to know that St. Louis is one of the best craft beer cities in the U.S. as well as one of the cheapest drinking cities. That means your party budget could take you a long way. Unsurprisingly, the city is also among the best spring break destinations on a budget.

The main coach and train station in St. Louis, Gateway Station, is located right in the centre of downtown, not far from the Gateway Arch, which makes coming in and out of the city a breeze.

Des Moines

Des Moines, IA, US - DSM-0

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 St Louis?

Main departure station: Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Most coaches depart from the main station in St Louis.

All coach stations in St Louis:

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Where does the coach arrive in Des Moines?

Main arrival station: Des Moines

All coaches from St Louis arrive at one main station in Des Moines.

Coach stations in Des Moines:

  • Des Moines

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