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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Des Moines to Sterling. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Sterling usually takes around 11 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Burlington Trailways bus can make the trip in 10 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 504 mi (811 km) |
| Shortest duration | 10h 25m |
| Cheapest price | $130.00 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Burlington Trailways |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Sterling?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Des Moines to Sterling that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington Trailways | 1 | 10h 25m | $130.00 |
| FlixBus US | 2 | 12h 53m | $174.12 |
Book Burlington Trailways from Des Moines to Sterling from $130. Typically there is one Burlington Trailways schedule per day from Des Moines to Sterling and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Sterling. In Des Moines, Burlington Trailways departs to Sterling from Bus Station - 1501 2nd St . In Sterling, Burlington Trailways arrives at 2170 East Chestnut St .
An average trip on Burlington Trailways from Des Moines to Sterling takes 10 hours and 25 minutes .
On weekends, Burlington Trailways offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Sterling.
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 2 trips per day from Des Moines to Sterling, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 11 hours and 8 minutes to cover the 504 miles from Des Moines to Sterling. 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.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Des Moines to Sterling for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.
The first bus leaves at 6:00pm and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Des Moines to Sterling, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
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 Des Moines?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 1501 2nd St
Most buses depart from the main station in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
Bus Station - 1501 2nd St
Where does the bus arrive in Sterling?
Main arrival station: 2170 East Chestnut St
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Sterling.
All bus stations in Sterling:
2170 East Chestnut St
2170 E Chestnut St
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