Cheap bus tickets from Indianapolis to Iowa City
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Indianapolis to Iowa City Bus Schedule
Bus from Indianapolis to Iowa City: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Indianapolis to Iowa City. Traveling by bus from Indianapolis to Iowa City usually takes around 13 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 8 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 310 mi (499 km) |
| Shortest duration | 8h 5m |
| Cheapest price | $47.47 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |

What bus companies travel from Indianapolis to Iowa City?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Indianapolis to Iowa City that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 14h 8m | $71.20 |
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 8h 5m | $101.00 |
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 2 trips per day from Indianapolis to Iowa City, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Book Jefferson Lines from Indianapolis to Iowa City from $101. Typically there is one Jefferson Lines schedule per day from Indianapolis to Iowa City and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Iowa City. In Indianapolis, Jefferson Lines departs to Iowa City from 350 S Illinois St . In Iowa City, Jefferson Lines arrives at Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St .
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Indianapolis to Iowa City takes 8 hours and 5 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 Iowa City.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Indianapolis to Iowa City
The bus takes an average of 13 hours and 35 minutes to cover the 310 miles from Indianapolis to Iowa City. However, the fastest bus only takes 8 hours and 5 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.
Because many passengers travel from Indianapolis to Iowa City at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
The first bus leaves at 2:00am and the last bus leaves at 9:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Indianapolis to Iowa City, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Indianapolis



Indianapolis, or often referred to as just Indy, is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. While the city attracts thousands of visitors from the area every month, it is during Memorial Day weekend that Indianapolis becomes the place to be for over 300,000 race car fans from all over the globe. The reason for that is the Indianapolis 500, an annual automobile race and the world’s largest single day sporting event, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
If you’re not in Indianapolis for Memorial Day weekend, you can learn about the race and see a rare collection of 500 Indy race vehicles and memorabilia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And while you’re on a history streak, stop by at one of the many war memorials found throughout the city, like the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the World War II memorial, and the Indiana War Memorial where you must check out the Shrine Room for a stunning one-of-a-kind experience.
Over the past few years, Indianapolis has also been cultivating a vibrant restaurant scene, offering classic American dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, and a growing selection of international cuisine. If you’re a beer fan, you will be happy to know that Indianapolis has some of the highest quality breweries in the U.S.
Located in the heart of America’s Midwest, Indianapolis offers easy connections by bus and train to other Midwestern hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, while the conveniently located airport connects Indy with the rest of the world.
Iowa City

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Pixabay
The old capital city of Iowa, Iowa City, is a historic area with plenty of quaint old buildings and beautiful landmarks. The most notable attraction is the Old Capitol Building in the middle of the University of Iowa's campus. The building's first floor is a museum dedicated to the state's history so that you can brush up on your Hawkeye State knowledge (we'll get you started: the Iowa state rock is the geode!). For more history and culture, hit up Plum Grove, the home of the first Governor of Iowa, and the University of Iowa Art Museum.
Thanks to its lively cultural scene, Iowa City's food scene is vibrant and diverse. One of the must-try establishments in the city is Short's Burger and Shine, which features a wide variety of burgers made from locally sourced meat. In addition, the Hamburg Inn No. 2 is an award-winning restaurant, with visitors including many past presidents.
Bus service to Iowa City arrives right downtown for easy access to Iowa City's highlights. Although there is a small municipal airport in Iowa City, most commercial flights will depart from nearby Cedar Rapids Airport or even from Des Moines, about 100 miles away.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Indianapolis?
Main departure station: E Washington St
Indianapolis has two bus stations with service to Iowa City.
All bus stations in Indianapolis:
E Washington St
350 S Illinois St
Where does the bus arrive in Iowa City?
Main arrival station: 731 S Riverside Dr
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Iowa City.
All bus stations in Iowa City:
731 S Riverside Dr
Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Iowa City to Indianapolis?
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