Cheap bus tickets from Des Moines to Chicago
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Bus from Des Moines to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Des Moines to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Chicago usually takes around 15 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 6 hours,
| Distance | 309 mi (497 km) |
| Shortest duration | 6h |
| Cheapest price | $68.00 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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4.8 Rating
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4.5 Rating
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Des Moines to Chicago Bus Schedule
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Des Moines to Chicago (Based on 6 ratings and reviews)
4.0
July 13, 2025 - Visiting family
Burlington Trailways5.0
May 18, 2022 - Solo travel
Burlington Trailways5.0
July 19, 2021 - Visiting family
Burlington TrailwaysThere are several bus options that can take you from Des Moines to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Des Moines to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Des Moines to Chicago cost $68.00 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. 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 Des Moines to Chicago by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Des Moines to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $68 to $113. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 8, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $68.
Average bus ticket prices from Des Moines to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from Des Moines to Chicago is usually cheapest in July, when the average ticket price is only $106. If you're planning to take the bus from Des Moines to Chicago during October, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $193. 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. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 17 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $49.25 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Chicago?
There are multiple buses that travel from Des Moines to Chicago, including Jefferson Lines, Tornado Bus. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 4 | 11h 43m | $72.33 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 43h 23m | $265.00 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Chicago from $68. There are 4 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay $72.33 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Chicago. In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines departs to Chicago from Des Moines. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Chicago takes 11 hours and 43 minutes, while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 6 hours and 0 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 4 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $68 for a weekend trip to Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Des Moines to Chicago
There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Des Moines to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 2 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.
TRIPS PER DAY
5
DIRECT TRIPS
2
The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 28 minutes to cover the 309 miles from Des Moines to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 6 hours. 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
309
DISTANCE (KM)
497
The first bus leaves at 4:05am and the last bus leaves at 11:45pm. To see the times for all buses from Des Moines to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
4:05am
LATEST BUS
11:45pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Des Moines to Chicago 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, 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
Friday
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.
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Des Moines?
Main departure station: Des Moines
Des Moines has two bus stations with service to Chicago.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
- Des Moines
- Diversity Insurance Inc
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- 3501 S California Ave
Need a return trip from Chicago to Des Moines?
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