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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from La Crosse to Des Moines. Traveling by bus from La Crosse to Des Moines usually takes around 10 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 10 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 194 mi (312 km) |
| Shortest duration | 10h 25m |
| Cheapest price | €147.01 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from La Crosse to Des Moines?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from La Crosse to Des Moines. Jefferson Lines 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 10h 33m | €147.01 |
Book Jefferson Lines from La Crosse to Des Moines from €147. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from La Crosse to Des Moines and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Des Moines. In La Crosse, Jefferson Lines departs to Des Moines from 314 Jay St and one other station. In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines arrives at Des Moines .
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from La Crosse to Des Moines takes 10 hours and 33 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Des Moines in 10 hours and 25 minutes .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 10 hours and 33 minutes to cover the 312 kilometers from La Crosse to Des Moines. However, the fastest bus only takes 10 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.
The first bus leaves at 12:00 and the last bus leaves at 12:00. To see the times for all buses from La Crosse to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
La Crosse
A busy college town blessed with lush and beautiful green zones, La Crosse is one of the best places to just chill out and unwind. The city's star attraction is the Grandad Bluff, which offers a panoramic view of the entire city and the Mississippi River. Hiking up the hill will certainly be a challenge, but the view from the top makes it all worthwhile. While staying in the city, don't miss out on the chance to go on a cruise aboard the La Crosse Queen, a replica paddle steamer, and unwind while enjoying the sunset. For some family fun, head over to the Children's Museum of La Crosse.
La Crosse does have a pretty reputable food scene, with a strong focus on beers and cheese curds. For an upscale dining experience with the best local dishes, The Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern is a local favorite that has a stellar reputation. Or head to the Dublin Square Irish Pub & Eatery for a combination of good foods and drinks.
La Crosse is easily accessible by bus or train, and regional flights operate out of the La Crosse Municipal Airport.
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 bus leave from in La Crosse?
Main departure station: 314 Jay St
Buses to La Crosse stop at Jay Street in front of the Grand River Station. The aptly-named grand building features arching ceilings, marble decoration, and amenities like seating and vending machines inside. The station is conveniently located in downtown La Crosse with easy access to surrounding hotels, restaurants, and a rental car agency across the street. Bus lines, including Greyhound and Jefferson Lines, connect La Crosse to Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, and beyond.
All bus stations in La Crosse:
314 Jay St
University of Wisconsin
Where does the bus arrive in Des Moines?
Main arrival station: Des Moines
All buses from La Crosse arrive at one main station in Des Moines.
Bus stations in Des Moines:
Des Moines
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