5.0
Pros: The Driver. Cons: Bathroom smell of urine.
5.0
The bud driver (Dan) was friendly and helpful.
Cheap bus tickets from Des Moines to Chicago
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Bus from Des Moines to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Des Moines to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Chicago usually takes around 8 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Burlington Trailways bus can make the trip in 6 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 309 mi (497 km) |
| Shortest duration | 6h 10m |
| Cheapest price | €53.60 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Burlington Trailways |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Des Moines to Chicago
(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Price trends for buses from Des Moines to Chicago
Average bus ticket prices from Des Moines to Chicago by travel date
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Chicago?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Des Moines to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Burlington Trailways usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington Trailways | 3 | 8h 33m | €90.23 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 1d 19h 11m | €229.72 |
Book Burlington Trailways from Des Moines to Chicago from €54. There are 3 trips per day offered by Burlington Trailways from Des Moines to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Chicago. In Des Moines, Burlington Trailways departs to Chicago from Des Moines . In Chicago, Burlington Trailways arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St .
An average trip on Burlington Trailways from Des Moines to Chicago takes 8 hours and 33 minutes , while the fastest available Burlington Trailways trip will get you to Chicago in 6 hours and 10 minutes .
On weekends, Burlington Trailways offers 3 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Des Moines to Chicago
The bus takes an average of 8 hours and 52 minutes to cover the 309 miles from Des Moines to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 6 hours and 10 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Chicago 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, 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 8:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Des Moines to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 3 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.
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.
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?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain 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
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