Cheap bus tickets from Des Moines to Kansas City
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Bus from Des Moines to Kansas City: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Des Moines to Kansas City. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Kansas City usually takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 3 hours,
| Distance | 180 mi (290 km) |
| Shortest duration | 3h |
| Cheapest price | $67.00 |
| Trips per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |
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Des Moines to Kansas City Bus Schedule
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Average score for buses from Des Moines to Kansas City (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
September 23, 2022 - Solo travel
Jefferson LinesThere are several bus options that can take you from Des Moines to Kansas City:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Des Moines to Kansas City?
Bus tickets for a trip from Des Moines to Kansas City cost $67.00 on average. Consider it a bargain when you can snag tickets for less than $67.00. 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 Kansas City by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Des Moines to Kansas City in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $67 to $67. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 23, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Kansas City this week, bus tickets are available starting at $67.
Average bus ticket prices from Des Moines to Kansas City by month
Traveling from Des Moines to Kansas City by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $67 whenever you decide to travel.
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. If you're looking for cheap bus tickets, booking in advance is the way to go.
What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Kansas City?
There are multiple buses that travel from Des Moines to Kansas City, including Jefferson Lines. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 3 | 3h 20m | $67.00 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Kansas City from $67. There are 3 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Kansas City and you can expect on average to pay $67 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Kansas City. In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines departs to Kansas City from Des Moines. In Kansas City, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Kansas City takes 3 hours and 20 minutes, while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Kansas City in 3 hours and 0 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 3 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $67 for a weekend trip to Kansas City.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Des Moines to Kansas City
Bus tickets for a trip from Des Moines to Kansas City cost $67.00 on average. Consider it a bargain when you can snag tickets for less than $67.00. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Des Moines to Kansas City every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Des Moines to Kansas City without transferring.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
3
The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 20 minutes to cover the 180 miles from Des Moines to Kansas City. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. 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)
180
DISTANCE (KM)
290
The first bus leaves at 12:01am and the last bus leaves at 7:10pm. To see the times for all buses from Des Moines to Kansas City, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
12:01am
LATEST BUS
7:10pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Des Moines to Kansas City 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
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.
Kansas City
Straddling two states, Kansas City is a vibrant modern city with plenty of activities for visitors. Those wishing to learn more about the city’s culture and history should not miss out on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts, which offers artworks for both children and adults alike. If you seek something a bit quirkier and more interesting, the Arabia Steamboat Museum will certainly satisfy your curiosity. While you are in town, don’t forget to pay the Boulevard Brewing Company a visit. It is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest and the source of pride from many local residents.
Kansas City’s signature barbecue is another source of pride, and you should take every occasion to try it out. Some noticeable venues with well-received barbecue dishes include Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ and Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. If that’s not really your thing, The Farmhouse and Providence New American Kitchen are also worth checking out.
Kansas City’s principal bus station is located on Troost Ave, and it offers bus trips to Chicago, Wichita and Denver, among many other places. Kansas City Union Station provides Amtrak intercity train services, and the trains Missouri River Runner and Southwest Chief pass through the station on their way. Kansas City International Airport is located 15 miles northwest of Downtown.
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 Kansas City?
Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave
Located on Troost Avenue, the Bus Terminal provides intercity bus service from Kansas City on Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Amtrak Thruway buses. Popular routes from this station travel to cities such as Columbia, Chicago, and Wichita. The lounge inside the station includes seating, restrooms, and a cell phone charging station to help you stay connected during your trip. Several public transit options depart from nearby 12th St, so it’s easy to travel throughout Kansas City from the bus terminal.
All bus stations in Kansas City:
- Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave
Need a return trip from Kansas City to Des Moines?
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