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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Des Moines to Memphis. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Memphis usually takes around 18 hours and 53 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 16 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 486 mi (781 km) |
| Shortest duration | 16h 15m |
| Cheapest price | $249.00 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Memphis?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Des Moines to Memphis. 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 | 18h 53m | $249.00 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Memphis from $249. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Memphis and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Memphis. In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines departs to Memphis from Des Moines . In Memphis, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Terminal - 3033 Airway Blvd .
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Memphis takes 18 hours and 53 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Memphis in 16 hours and 15 minutes .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 18 hours and 53 minutes to cover the 486 miles from Des Moines to Memphis. However, the fastest bus only takes 16 hours and 15 minutes. 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.
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 Memphis, 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.
Memphis
Nestled on the bank of the Mississippi River, Memphis is a city that constantly vibes to the rhythm of the South. Audiophiles who have fallen in love with the voice of Elvis Presley will find Graceland a must-see destination during their trip. Let the voices of Johnny Cash and B. B. King guide you to the famous Sun Studio, considered the birthplace of rock ‘n roll itself. As the day comes to an end, unwind at the famous Beale Street, where top musicians started out their career, and enjoy live music at one of the local theaters. You'll meet all sorts of visitors, and see why Memphis is one of the best destinations for bachelorette parties. The street also features some of the best restaurants in town, so make sure to check those out.
Memphis is more than just a musical center of the South. It was the vibrant center of the civil rights movement, and it was here that Martin Luther King Jr. took his last breath. Travelers interested in the city’s history should definitely take a tour around the National Civil Rights Museum. The moving and surreal exhibitions will offer a wealth of new perspectives.
Memphis' principal train hub is the Memphis Central Station, which has been in service since 1914. From there, you can travel by train to cities such as Chicago, Jackson, and Baton Rouge. On the outskirts of town, you will find the Memphis International Airport, and not far from it is the main bus stop used by Greyhound and other carriers.
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 Memphis?
Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 3033 Airway Blvd
As part of the Memphis International Airport complex, the bus terminal at 3033 Airway Blvd is an important travel hub for travelers in and out of Memphis. Jefferson Lines and Miller Transportation buses travel from this station to exciting cities such as Nashville, Chicago, Atlanta, and Houston. Restrooms, indoor seating, vending machines, and a 24-hour snack bar make this a comfortable stop along your journey. In the immediate vicinity, you can find several dining options for a quick bite, as well as some of the airport’s rental car agencies. Once you hop in a rental car, getting from the bus terminal to downtown Memphis is about a 15-minute drive.
All bus stations in Memphis:
Bus Terminal - 3033 Airway Blvd
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