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Cheap bus tickets from Des Moines to Milwaukee

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Des Moines to Milwaukee Bus Schedule

Bus from Des Moines to Milwaukee: Journey Information

There are 2 intercity buses per day from Des Moines to Milwaukee. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Milwaukee usually takes around 19 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 15 hours and 25 minutes.

Distance308 mi (495 km)
Shortest duration15h 25m
Cheapest price$168.00
Trips per day1
Most frequent serviceJefferson Lines
Bus lines2

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What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Milwaukee?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Des Moines to Milwaukee that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Jefferson Lines usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Jefferson Lines217h 29m$168.00
Tornado Bus11d 21h 30m$371.25
  • Book Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Milwaukee from $168. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Milwaukee and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Milwaukee. In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines departs to Milwaukee from Des Moines . In Milwaukee, Jefferson Lines arrives at Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave .

    An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Des Moines to Milwaukee takes 17 hours and 29 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Milwaukee in 15 hours and 25 minutes .

    On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Milwaukee.

  • Tornado Bus is a Texan bus company operating in Texas and Mexico. Their bus service connects cities such as Houston, McAllen, San Antonio, and the international border at El Paso. Their buses offer onboard WiFi, plenty of leg room, air conditioning, restrooms, and power outlets.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Des Moines to Milwaukee

The bus takes an average of 19 hours and 42 minutes to cover the 308 miles from Des Moines to Milwaukee. However, the fastest bus only takes 15 hours and 25 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.

With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, 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.

The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 4:00am. To see the times for all buses from Des Moines to Milwaukee, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are usually only 2 buses per day from Des Moines to Milwaukee. One bus is a direct connection, meaning that you can stay on the same vehicle for the entire trip, without having to transfer onto a connecting bus at any point.

City Information

Des Moines

Des Moines, IA, US - DSM-0

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.

Milwaukee

Nestling on the banks of the great Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has some of the most scenic views around, making it every photographer’s perfect destination. Boasting 85 miles of scenic waterfront bike lanes, Milwaukee is the perfect spot to ride a bike and enjoy the sunset together with your friends. It is also the home of the Harley Davidson Museum, a vast waterfront gallery that offers 11 permanent exhibitions. The museum features not only bikes but also special items such as a whole engine room, making it a must-visit spot for bike enthusiasts. If you are not interested in bikes, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, which is modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, offers many wondrous shots.

Milwaukee’s famous German bratwursts are a must-try for all visitors, and the best place to enjoy this dish is Usinger’s. Other similar establishments include Mader’s and Milwaukee Public Market. For authentic American eats, Leon's Frozen Custard Drive-In offers amazing sloppy-joe burgers.

The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the city’s main transportation hub. Visitors can catch both buses and trains at this location. The city is served by two airports. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on the southern edge of the city handles commercial flights, while the Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in the northwest handles private flights.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Des Moines?

Main departure station: Des Moines

Des Moines has two bus stations with service to Milwaukee.

All bus stations in Des Moines:

  • Des Moines

  • Diversity Insurance Inc

Where does the bus arrive in Milwaukee?

Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave  - MKEIMS-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

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Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave  - MKEIMS-1

Image credit: Payton Chung

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the major transportation hub for rail and bus travel in Wisconsin. The station is Amtrak’s second busiest in the Midwest. It acts as a gateway for long-distance travel into the American West and also connects Milwaukee to the surrounding Midwest states via the Hiawatha service. Renovated in 2007, the Intermodal Station now also offers a range of intercity bus services from carriers, including Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. Local bus routes and The Hop streetcar service provide convenient local travel around Milwaukee. Located in the city’s downtown, The Intermodal Station has vast retail spaces, several museums, and pleasant waterways all on its doorstep.

All bus stations in Milwaukee:

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

  • Agencia De Viajes Mexico

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