Cheap coach tickets from Madison to Des Moines
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Madison to Des Moines Coach Timetable
Coach from Madison to Des Moines: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity coaches per day from Madison to Des Moines. Traveling by coach from Madison to Des Moines usually takes around 12 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US coach can make the trip in 11 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 238 mi (383 km) |
| Shortest duration | 11h 35m |
| Cheapest price | CA$117.67 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Coach lines | 2 |

Price trends for coaches from Madison to Des Moines
Monthly average prices
What coach companies travel from Madison to Des Moines?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Madison to Des Moines that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 11h 43m | CA$177.19 |
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 13h 43m | CA$237.61 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 2 trips per day from Madison to Des Moines, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Book Jefferson Lines from Madison to Des Moines from CA$231. There are 1 Jefferson Lines schedules from Madison to Des Moines and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Des Moines. In Madison, Jefferson Lines departs to Des Moines from University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center and no other station. In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines arrives at Des Moines and no other station.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Madison to Des Moines takes 13 hours and 43 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Des Moines in 11 hours and 35 minutes .
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway to Des Moines.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by coach from Madison to Des Moines
The coach takes an average of 12 hours and 4 minutes to cover the 238 miles from Madison to Des Moines. However, the fastest coach only takes 11 hours and 35 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.
"Friday is the busiest travel day for coaches as people head from Madison 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, Thursday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go."
The first coach leaves at 06:00 and the last coach leaves at 10:00. To see the times for all coaches from Madison to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Madison



Consistently ranking high on the lists of the best places to live in the USA, Madison still maintains its quaint and idyllic small-town vibe despite being the capital city of Wisconsin. Sitting among the city’s most iconic and most popular landmarks is the Madison Memorial Union, which is located within the campus of the University of Madison. The building features a lakeview terrace filled with colorful chairs, allowing visitors to chill out and enjoy the sun. If you are interested in the history of the state or architecture as a whole, head over to the State Capitol building, which was built between 1906 and 1917. The building features lavish council chambers, which were modeled after the famous Doge’s Palace in Venice, along with other architectural highlights. If you wish to stay close to nature, the Olbrich Botanical garden, with its famous Thai Pavilion and Garden, will certainly be a great choice.
As a college city, Madison features numerous cutting-edge establishments that will make your mouth water. For some of the best dining views in town, head over to Graze, where you can also grab some of the best cheese curds in Madison. If you want to enjoy the best brunch in town, Sardine might have what you need.
The busiest bus/train station in Madison is located on Collins Ct. The city is served by the Dane County Regional Airport, 6 miles northeast of downtown.
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 Madison?
Main departure station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Madison has two coach stations with service to Des Moines.
All coach stations in Madison:
University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Dutch Mill Park & Ride (West Lot)
Where does the coach arrive in Des Moines?
Main arrival station: Des Moines
All coaches from Madison arrive at one main station in Des Moines.
Coach stations in Des Moines:
Des Moines
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Des Moines to Madison?
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