Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Journey Information
There are 2 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 30 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
Distance | 180 mi (290 km) |
Shortest duration | 3h 30m |
Cheapest price | CA$89.22 |
Trips per day | 2 |
Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
Bus lines | 1 |
Price trends for buses from Des Moines to Kansas City
Monthly avg. prices
What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Kansas City?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Des Moines to Kansas City. Jefferson Lines is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Jefferson Lines | 2 | 3h 30m | CA$89.22 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Kansas City from CA$89. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Kansas City and you can expect on average to pay 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 30 minutes .
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Kansas City.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 30 minutes to cover the 180 miles from Des Moines to Kansas City. 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.
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, 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.
The first bus leaves at 6:00pm and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Des Moines to Kansas City, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
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.
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?
Image credit: Paul Sableman
Link to image attributionMain 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
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Kansas City to Des Moines?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
More buses from Des Moines
- Des Moines to Chicago
CA$136+
- Des Moines to Naperville
CA$144+
- Des Moines to Indianapolis Bus
CA$236+
- Des Moines to Minneapolis Bus
CA$89+
- Bus from Des Moines to St Louis
CA$221+
- Des Moines to Lincoln Bus
CA$84+
- Des Moines to Omaha Bus
CA$65+
Continue by bus from Kansas City
- Bus from Kansas City to Denver
CA$186+
- Bus from Kansas City to Chicago
CA$117+
- Bus from Kansas City to Indianapolis
CA$101+
- Kansas City to Lawrence
CA$20+
- Bus from Kansas City to Wichita
CA$45+
- Kansas City to Minneapolis Bus
CA$125+
- Kansas City to Saint Paul Bus
CA$125+
- Kansas City to Columbia Bus
CA$38+
- Kansas City to St Louis
CA$83+
- Kansas City to Omaha
CA$80+
- Bus from Kansas City to Columbus
CA$113+
- Kansas City to Oklahoma City Bus
CA$77+
- Kansas City to Tulsa Bus
CA$84+
- Bus from Kansas City to Memphis
CA$103+
- Kansas City to Nashville Bus
CA$145+
- Kansas City to Austin Bus
CA$118+
- Bus from Kansas City to Dallas
CA$118+
- Kansas City to Houston
CA$142+
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more
- Bus Tickets
- United States
- Missouri
- Kansas City
- Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO