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
- RON 162.93
- Trips per day
- 3
- Most frequent service
- Jefferson Lines
- Bus lines
- 1
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Des Moines to Kansas City Bus Schedule

There 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 about RON 170 when you book at the cheapest time, 24 days ahead. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. 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 RON 173 to RON 283. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 29, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Kansas City this week, bus tickets are available starting at RON 182.
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 RON 307 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. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 24 days in advance. This way, you can save up to RON 31.15 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
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 connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 3 | 3h 20m | RON 194.07 |
Jefferson Lines is a well-established intercity bus company with service to some of the Midwest’s top travel destinations. As one of the United States’ largest bus service providers, Jefferson Lines is beloved by students, commuters, and vacationers in America’s heartland. Travel with Jefferson Lines is comfortable thanks to reclining seats, individual climate controls, restrooms, and free WiFi. You can even check the status of your trip with their bus tracker tool. The carrier provides safe, affordable, and reliable service from Des Moines to Kansas City with ticket prices as low as RON 162.93.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Des Moines to Kansas City
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 12:01 AM and the last bus leaves at 7:10 PM. 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
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Kansas City 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, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Monday
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 Prairie 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 Art, 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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