Cheap bus tickets from Des Moines to Salem
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Des Moines to Salem Bus Schedule
Bus from Des Moines to Salem: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Des Moines to Salem. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Salem usually takes around 46 hours and 15 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 1490 mi (2398 km) |
| Shortest duration | 46h 15m |
| Cheapest price | $247.00 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |

What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Salem?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Des Moines to Salem. Jefferson Lines 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 1d 22h 15m | $247.00 |
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 Salem with ticket prices as low as $247.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Des Moines to Salem
The bus takes an average of 46 hours and 15 minutes to cover the 1490 miles from Des Moines to Salem. 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.
There is usually only one bus per day from Des Moines to Salem. It leaves the station in Des Moines at 11:00pm 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.
Salem

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Salem is the capital of Oregon and one of the state's best vacation destinations. Nestled in the Willamette Valley, the city is rich with outdoor activities, diverse cuisine, and sites reflecting Oregon's history.
The Deepwood Estate, a mansion built in 1893, runs tours that share early Salem history. Explore the surrounding gardens at Deepwood or walk the many paths in Bush's Pasture Park to discover their lush plant life. The Willamette River that runs through Salem is a gorgeous spot to fish, kayak, or board the historic Willamette Queen steamboat for a dinner cruise.
Salem's charming downtown overflows with local coffee shops, cafés, and restaurants serving fresh fare and the best wines from the Willamette Valley. The Saturday Farmers Market near the state capitol serves up fresh produce alongside live music and food trucks.
Many bus services operate in Salem, including Jefferson Lines, FlixBus, Shuttle Oregon, and the Amtrak Thruway. Amtrak's Coast Starlight line also stops in Salem, heading to LA and Seattle, as well as the Cascades, going to Vancouver and Eugene, Oregon.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Des Moines?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 1501 2nd St
Most buses depart from the main station in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
Bus Station - 1501 2nd St
Where does the bus arrive in Salem?
Main arrival station: 500 13th St SE
All buses from Des Moines arrive at one main station in Salem.
All bus stations in Salem:
500 13th St SE
Get around town with Moovit
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