4.0
Pros: The bus driver was very helpful. Cons: More leg space. Tips: None.
5.0
Angela
May 19, 2022- Solo travel
Pros: The Driver. Cons: Bathroom smell of urine.
5.0
Carl
July 19, 2021- Visiting family
The bud driver (Dan) was friendly and helpful.
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Des Moines to Chicago Bus Schedule
Bus from Des Moines to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Des Moines to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Chicago usually takes around 25 hours and 51 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 6 hours,
| Distance | 309 mi (497 km) |
| Shortest duration | 6h 0m |
| Cheapest price | TRY 2,532.07 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Tornado Bus |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Des Moines to Chicago
(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)
4.8
How much is a bus ticket from Des Moines to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Des Moines to Chicago cost TRY 3,376.10 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.
Monthly avg. prices
If you're on the hunt for the cheapest bus tickets from Des Moines to Chicago, mark your calendar for January. During this period, you can expect to find the lowest average ticket price of the year, just TRY 4,051. However, taking the bus from Des Moines to Chicago during August is not so cheap. This time of year, ticket prices often reach an average of TRY 4,853. The best way to find deals on a trip in August is to plan ahead and book your bus ticket as early as possible.
Prices as travel date approaches
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 16 days in advance to save up to TRY 4,506.25.
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. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 6h 4m | TRY 3,860.57 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 1d 19h 16m | TRY 10,761.31 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Chicago from TRY 2,532. Typically there is one Jefferson Lines schedule per day from Des Moines to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay 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 6 hours and 4 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 6 hours and 0 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 Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Des Moines to Chicago
The bus takes an average of 25 hours and 51 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.
With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 12:00am 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 usually only 2 buses per day from Des Moines to Chicago. Both of these are direct buses, meaning that you do not have to worry about transferring buses 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: Diversity Insurance Inc
Des Moines has two bus stations with service to Chicago.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
Diversity Insurance Inc
Des Moines
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: 3501 S California Ave
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
3501 S California Ave
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
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