Cheap bus tickets from Indianapolis to Iowa City
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Indianapolis to Iowa City: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Indianapolis to Iowa City. Traveling by bus from Indianapolis to Iowa City usually takes around 11 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 8 hours and 10 minutes.
- Distance
- 310 mi (499 km)
- Shortest duration
- 8h 10m
- Cheapest price
- €46.62
- Trips per day
- 3
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 2
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Indianapolis to Iowa City Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from Indianapolis to Iowa City:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Indianapolis to Iowa City?
Bus tickets for a trip from Indianapolis to Iowa City cost about €56 when you book at the cheapest time, 9 days ahead. 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 Indianapolis to Iowa City by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Indianapolis to Iowa City in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from €54 to €88. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 11, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Iowa City this week, bus tickets are available starting at €54.
Average bus ticket prices from Indianapolis to Iowa City by month
Taking the bus from Indianapolis to Iowa City is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only €68. If you're planning to take the bus from Indianapolis to Iowa City during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €96. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 9 days in advance. This way, you can save up to €42.46 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
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 | 11h 40m | €76.05 |
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 8h 15m | €91.94 |
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 €76.05.






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 Indianapolis to Iowa City with ticket prices as low as €90.61.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Indianapolis to Iowa City
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Indianapolis to Iowa City every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.
Trips per day
3
Direct trips
1
The bus takes an average of 11 hours and 18 minutes to cover the 310 miles from Indianapolis to Iowa City. However, the fastest bus only takes 8 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.
Distance (mi)
310
Distance (km)
499
The first bus leaves at 2:15 AM and the last bus leaves at 9:55 PM. To see the times for all buses from Indianapolis to Iowa City, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
2:15am
Latest bus
9:55pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Indianapolis to Iowa City 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, 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.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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



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: Indianapolis (W Vermont St)
Indianapolis has two bus stations with service to Iowa City.
All bus stations in Indianapolis:
- Indianapolis (W Vermont St)
- 350 S Illinois St
Where does the bus arrive in Iowa City?
Main arrival station: Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
The Burlington Trailways Station in Iowa City is part of the Court St Transportation Center near downtown. Buses usually board outside the multi-story parking garage on Court Street. The station includes a large indoor waiting area with seating, restrooms, and even a charging station for your devices. You can walk to three hotels, a sushi restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, a Starbucks, and a bar in the immediate area, so you definitely won't have to travel hungry or thirsty. Greyhound and Burlington Trailways buses depart from this station and connect Iowa City to Des Moines, Chicago, Omaha, and more cities throughout the Midwest.
All bus stations in Iowa City:
- Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
- 731 S Riverside Dr
Need a return trip from Iowa City to Indianapolis?
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