Cheap bus tickets from Des Moines to Lincoln
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Bus from Des Moines to Lincoln: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Des Moines to Lincoln. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Lincoln usually takes around 3 hours and 55 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
Distance | 169 mi (271 km) |
Shortest duration | 3h 55m |
Cheapest price | €53.08 |
Trips per day | 1 |
Most frequent service | Burlington Trailways |
Bus lines | 1 |

What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Lincoln?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Des Moines to Lincoln. Burlington Trailways is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Burlington Trailways | 1 | 3h 56m | €53.08 |
Book Burlington Trailways from Des Moines to Lincoln from €53. Typically there is one Burlington Trailways schedule per day from Des Moines to Lincoln and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Lincoln. In Des Moines, Burlington Trailways departs to Lincoln from Des Moines . In Lincoln, Burlington Trailways arrives at 5250 Superior St .
An average trip on Burlington Trailways from Des Moines to Lincoln takes 3 hours and 56 minutes , while the fastest available Burlington Trailways trip will get you to Lincoln in 3 hours and 55 minutes .
On weekends, Burlington Trailways offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Lincoln.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Des Moines to Lincoln
The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 55 minutes to cover the 169 miles from Des Moines to Lincoln. 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 Lincoln 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.
There is usually only one bus per day from Des Moines to Lincoln. It leaves the station in Des Moines at 6:00pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
City Information
Des Moines

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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.
Lincoln

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Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska and is known as Nebraska's political hub, culture center, and foodie haven. It's home to the Nebraska State Capitol, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and other historical attractions.
The Sunken Gardens is a top place to visit for outdoor fun, with lily ponds, themed gardens, and sculptures. Young families will enjoy visiting the Lincoln Children's Zoo, offering a zoo train and up-close animal encounters. On the University of Nebraska Campus, art lovers can check the Sheldon Museum of Art for its notable sculpture garden and American art collection.
As the capital of Nebraska, Lincoln is bustling with nightlife and many fun things to do. You can participate in different activities, from the Lincoln Escape Room and Zoo Bar to the Bourbon Theater and James Arthur Vineyards. The craft beer scene in Lincoln is bustling with taprooms, breweries, and bars. Zipline Brewing Co is one of the city's most popular craft artisan lagers and ales.
Amtrak provides train service to the city, while Jefferson Lines and Burlington Trailways offer buses. StarTran provides citywide transportation to those in Lincoln.
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 Lincoln?
Main arrival station: 5250 Superior St
All buses from Des Moines arrive at one main station in Lincoln.
All bus stations in Lincoln:
5250 Superior St
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