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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Des Moines to Champaign. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Champaign usually takes around 11 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest Burlington Trailways bus can make the trip in 7 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 298 mi (480 km) |
| Shortest duration | 7h 25m |
| Cheapest price | €88.59 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Burlington Trailways |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Champaign?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Des Moines to Champaign. Burlington Trailways is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington Trailways | 2 | 11h 55m | €137.34 |
Book Burlington Trailways from Des Moines to Champaign from €89. There are 2 trips per day offered by Burlington Trailways from Des Moines to Champaign and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Champaign. In Des Moines, Burlington Trailways departs to Champaign from Des Moines . In Champaign, Burlington Trailways arrives at Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave .
An average trip on Burlington Trailways from Des Moines to Champaign takes 11 hours and 55 minutes , while the fastest available Burlington Trailways trip will get you to Champaign in 7 hours and 25 minutes .
On weekends, Burlington Trailways offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Champaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 11 hours and 55 minutes to cover the 480 kilometers from Des Moines to Champaign. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours and 25 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"Because many passengers travel from Des Moines to Champaign at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, 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 bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet."
The first bus leaves at 08:00 and the last bus leaves at 23:00. To see the times for all buses from Des Moines to Champaign, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Des Moines
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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.
Champaign
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
A significant hub for the Silicone Prairie, Champaign is a stunning city with many exciting landmarks to visit. The downtown area of Champaign is perhaps its busiest area, with over 40 different bars, art galleries, and boutique shops for you to enjoy. To enjoy arthouse films or independent productions, head over to the Art Theater, which also hosts special screenings. The campustown area near the University of Illinois hosts not only cheap eateries but also fine dining spots. The area tends to get crowded at night since students will be out on the street to enjoy the hopping nightlife.
As a busy college town, Champaign naturally has a very vibrant food scene with many excellent dining options. Radio Maria is a unique Spanish establishment with very colorful Spanish decorations and amazing tapas dishes. Those who want something more exotic and exciting could check out DESTIHL, which offers unique home-cooked dishes and great artisan beers.
The Illinois Terminal is Champaign's primary bus and train station, served by Amtrak, Burlington Trailways, Jefferson Lines, and Greyhound. From Champaign, you can continue your journey and visit some of the other top destinations in Illinois.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Des Moines?
Main departure station: Des Moines
Most buses depart from the main station in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
Des Moines
Where does the bus arrive in Champaign?
Image credit: Beyond My Ken
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
The Illinois Terminal is located at 45 East University Avenue in Champaign. The transport center opened in 1999, and now provides bus and train service in the Champaign-Urbana area. The terminal is served by Amtrak, Burlington Trailways, Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and local mass transit. Make sure to wait in the correct station building; Champaign’s old train station, dating to 1898, is just across the street. The Illinois Terminal offers short-term parking, fast food, and even meeting spaces and banquet halls. Thanks to the station’s convenient location, some of the best restaurants and bars in downtown Champaign are just a short walk away.
Bus stations in Champaign:
Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave
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