Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Des Moines
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Bus from Chicago to Des Moines: Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Des Moines. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Des Moines usually takes around 10 hours and 46 minutes, but the fastest Burlington Trailways bus can make the trip in 7 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 309 mi (497 km) |
| Shortest duration | 7h 10m |
| Cheapest price | €43.55 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Burlington Trailways |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Des Moines?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Des Moines cost €56.97 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. 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 Chicago to Des Moines by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Des Moines in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from €75 to €91. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on April 17, 2025.
If you’re looking to travel to Des Moines this week, bus tickets are available starting at €84.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 16 days in advance to save up to €36.55.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Des Moines?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Des Moines that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Burlington Trailways usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington Trailways | 4 | 9h 24m | €93.56 |
| FlixBus US | 1 | 16h 4m | €65.75 |
Book Burlington Trailways from Chicago to Des Moines from €85. There are 4 trips per day offered by Burlington Trailways from Chicago to Des Moines and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Des Moines. In Chicago, Burlington Trailways departs to Des Moines from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St . In Des Moines, Burlington Trailways arrives at Des Moines .
An average trip on Burlington Trailways from Chicago to Des Moines takes 9 hours and 24 minutes , while the fastest available Burlington Trailways trip will get you to Des Moines in 7 hours and 10 minutes .
On weekends, Burlington Trailways offers 4 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Des Moines.
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 1 trips per day from Chicago to Des Moines, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Des Moines
The bus takes an average of 10 hours and 46 minutes to cover the 309 miles from Chicago to Des Moines. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours and 10 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.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Chicago to Des Moines 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, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Des Moines, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
The first bus leaves at 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Chicago has two bus stations with service to Des Moines.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Des Moines?
Main arrival station: Des Moines
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
Des Moines
Des Moines Subway
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