Cheap bus tickets from Ames to Des Moines

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Bus from Ames to Des Moines: Journey Information

There are 3 intercity buses per day from Ames to Des Moines. Traveling by bus from Ames to Des Moines usually takes around 44 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 40 minutes.

Distance: 30 mi (48 km)
Shortest duration: 40m
Cheapest price: CZK 327.00
Trips per day: 3
Most frequent service: Jefferson Lines
Bus lines: 2

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Ames to Des Moines Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from Ames to Des Moines:

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Ames to Des Moines?

Bus tickets for a trip from Ames to Des Moines cost CZK 344.22 on average. This is an excellent value for the trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Average bus ticket prices from Ames to Des Moines by travel date

If you're planning to travel by bus from Ames to Des Moines in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from CZK 392 to CZK 392. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 5, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Des Moines this week, bus tickets are available starting at CZK 392.

Average bus ticket prices from Ames to Des Moines by month

Taking the bus from Ames to Des Moines is usually cheapest in May, when the average ticket price is only CZK 458. If you're planning to take the bus from Ames to Des Moines during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 676. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. Booking in advance, even by a few days, is the best way to find cheap bus tickets.

What bus companies travel from Ames to Des Moines?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Ames to Des Moines that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Jefferson Lines usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.

Bus	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Jefferson Lines	3	43m	CZK 357.47
Tornado Bus	1	1h 40m	CZK 2,725.00

Book Jefferson Lines from Ames to Des Moines from CZK 327. There are 3 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Ames to Des Moines and you can expect on average to pay CZK 357.47 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Des Moines. In Ames, Jefferson Lines departs to Des Moines from Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave. In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines arrives at Des Moines.

An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Ames to Des Moines takes 0 hours and 43 minutes, while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Des Moines in 0 hours and 40 minutes.

On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 3 trips per day. A one way ticket costs CZK 327 for a weekend trip to Des Moines.
Tornado Bus is a Texan bus company operating in Texas and Mexico. Their bus service connects cities such as Houston, McAllen, San Antonio, and the international border at El Paso. Their buses offer onboard WiFi, plenty of leg room, air conditioning, restrooms, and power outlets.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Ames to Des Moines

There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Ames to Des Moines every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Ames to Des Moines without transferring.

Trips per day

Direct trips

The bus takes an average of 44 minutes to cover the 30 miles from Ames to Des Moines. However, the fastest bus only takes 40 minutes. It's a short trip that goes by very quickly. 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.

Distance (mi)

Distance (km)

The first bus leaves at 2:35am and the last bus leaves at 10:45pm. To see the times for all buses from Ames to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

2:35am

Latest bus

10:45pm

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Des Moines at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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 bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.

Most crowded

Sunday

Least crowded

Thursday

City Information

Des Moines

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 Ames?

Main departure station: Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave

Ames has two bus stations with service to Des Moines.

All bus stations in Ames:

Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave
Phillips 66 Gas Station

Where does the bus arrive in Des Moines?

Main arrival station: Des Moines

These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Des Moines.

All bus stations in Des Moines:

Des Moines
Diversity Insurance Inc

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