Cheap bus tickets from Des Moines to Ottumwa
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Des Moines to Ottumwa Bus Schedule
Bus from Des Moines to Ottumwa: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Des Moines to Ottumwa. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Ottumwa usually takes around one hour and 40 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 74 mi (120 km) |
| Shortest duration | 1h 40m |
| Cheapest price | DKK 257.13 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |

Price trends for buses from Des Moines to Ottumwa
Monthly avg. prices
What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Ottumwa?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Des Moines to Ottumwa. Jefferson Lines is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 1h 41m | DKK 257.13 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Ottumwa from DKK 257. Typically there is one Jefferson Lines schedule per day from Des Moines to Ottumwa and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Ottumwa. In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines departs to Ottumwa from Des Moines . In Ottumwa, Jefferson Lines arrives at W 2nd St & North Market St .
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Ottumwa takes 1 hours and 41 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Ottumwa in 1 hours and 40 minutes .
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Ottumwa.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Des Moines to Ottumwa
The bus takes an average of one hour and 40 minutes to cover the 74 miles from Des Moines to Ottumwa. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus 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.
Because many passengers travel from Des Moines to Ottumwa at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Ottumwa, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
There is usually only one bus per day from Des Moines to Ottumwa. It leaves the station in Des Moines at 10:00am each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
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: Des Moines
Most buses depart from the main station in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
Des Moines
Where does the bus arrive in Ottumwa?
Main arrival station: W 2nd St & North Market St
All buses from Des Moines arrive at one main station in Ottumwa.
All bus stations in Ottumwa:
W 2nd St & North Market St
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