Cheap bus tickets from Ames to Minneapolis
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Bus from Ames to Minneapolis: Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Ames to Minneapolis. Traveling by bus from Ames to Minneapolis usually takes around 6 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Distance | 204 mi (329 km) |
Shortest duration | 4h 15m |
Cheapest price | €49.83 |
Trips per day | 2 |
Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
Bus lines | 2 |

What bus companies travel from Ames to Minneapolis?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Ames to Minneapolis that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Jefferson Lines usually offers more choice, with 5 scheduled trips per day.
Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Jefferson Lines | 5 | 6h 3m | €49.83 |
Tornado Bus | 1 | 4h 50m | €134.17 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Ames to Minneapolis from €50. There are 5 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Ames to Minneapolis and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Minneapolis. In Ames, Jefferson Lines departs to Minneapolis from Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave . In Minneapolis, Jefferson Lines arrives at University of Minnesota (Huron Blvd at 2428 Delaware St SE) and 2 other stations.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Ames to Minneapolis takes 6 hours and 3 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Minneapolis in 4 hours and 15 minutes .
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 5 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Minneapolis.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Ames to Minneapolis
The bus takes an average of 6 hours and 2 minutes to cover the 204 miles from Ames to Minneapolis. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 15 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.
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Minneapolis. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 12:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Ames to Minneapolis, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Minneapolis

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash
Situated along the bank of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, Minneapolis is one of the biggest and most exciting cities to visit in the Midwest. It is home to the Chain of Lakes, where you can swim, fish, boat and even bike or walk along the lakeside trails. It’s no wonder Minneapolis is among the top 10 cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities!
Although it's known as the City of Lakes, Minneapolis has a lot more to offer than gorgeous lakes, wetlands, and waterfalls. Shopaholics can spend days getting lost in the Mall of America, which boasts over 500 stores and an indoor theme park. If you're visiting Minneapolis on a romantic vacation, Minneapolis' bustling theater district offers excellent date nights from dozens of theater companies. Or, for a less musical and more brews-ical date option, head to one of 62 top-rated breweries in the #2 best city in America for craft beer.
Minneapolis can be visited in any season, but keep in mind that it becomes a frigid, snowy destination in the winter. January hovers around 0° Fahrenheit, but it's worth bundling up to enjoy the St. Paul Winter Carnival, or hockey and ice skating on any of the 13 lakes in the city. Have we mentioned how great the lakes are?
If you're visiting both of the Twin Cities, you can take public transport from downtown Minneapolis to Saint Paul in about 30 minutes. Public transit also connects downtown to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. Thanks to bus stations throughout Minneapolis, traveling by bus is the easiest way to arrive directly in the middle of the action and begin your adventure.
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 Minneapolis.
All bus stations in Ames:
Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave
Phillips 66 Gas Station
Where does the bus arrive in Minneapolis?
Main arrival station: University of Minnesota (Huron Blvd at 2428 Delaware St SE)
Buses arrive in Minneapolis at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Minneapolis:
University of Minnesota (Huron Blvd at 2428 Delaware St SE)
Minneapolis
Tienda La Mexicana (MN)
Minneapolis-St Paul Airport
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