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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Ocala to Des Moines. Traveling by bus from Ocala to Des Moines usually takes around 39 hours and 14 minutes, but the fastest El Expreso Bus bus can make the trip in 38 hours and 36 minutes.
| Distance | 1072 mi (1725 km) |
| Shortest duration | 38h 36m |
| Cheapest price | $375.80 |
| Most frequent service | El Expreso Bus |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from Ocala to Des Moines?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Ocala to Des Moines that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Expreso Bus | 1 | 1d 14h 36m | $375.80 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 1d 15h 51m | $375.80 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 39 hours and 14 minutes to cover the 1072 miles from Ocala to Des Moines. However, the fastest bus only takes 38 hours and 36 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 6:00pm and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Ocala to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Ocala
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Forest Service, USDA
Link to image attribution
Image credit: National Forests in Florida
Link to image attributionOcala is where the Florida of theme parks and Gulf of Mexico beaches gives way to the other Florida where traditional southern charm continues to make itself known. Located in the north of the state, just shy of the Florida panhandle, Ocala was established in 1849.
Formerly rich in plantations and citrus fruit orchards, today Ocala is a gateway to Florida's natural landscapes, such as the Rainbow Springs State Park and the Ocala National Forest.
One of the state's largest areas of protected forest, the Ocala National Forest spans a mesmerizing 600 square miles of unspoiled woodland crossed by almost innumerable rivers, footpaths, mountain biking tracks, and horse trails. Learn how to bring your bike on the bus or train with you to save money on renting one there.
But that's not to say central Ocala is free of attractions. The Ocala Historic District contains a blend of residential and non-residential buildings worth exploring. For example, The Appleton Museum of Art has a collection stretching from pre-Columbian tribal objects to the latest in modernism.
If all this has you checking out tickets to Ocala, you'll be happy to hear the city is well served by both bus and train routes. You can catch a bus to anywhere from Tallahassee to Houston, while trains connect the area to places like Winter Haven and Baltimore.
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 Ocala?
Main departure station: 4185 W Silver Springs Blvd
Most buses depart from the main station in Ocala.
All bus stations in Ocala:
4185 W Silver Springs Blvd
Where does the bus arrive in Des Moines?
Main arrival station: Diversity Insurance Inc
All buses from Ocala arrive at one main station in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
Diversity Insurance Inc
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