Cheap bus tickets from Minneapolis to Des Moines
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Bus from Minneapolis to Des Moines: Journey Information
There are 16 intercity buses per day from Minneapolis to Des Moines. Traveling by bus from Minneapolis to Des Moines usually takes around 8 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 5 hours,
| Distance | 234 mi (377 km) |
| Shortest duration | 5h |
| Cheapest price | $67.00 |
| Trips per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Minneapolis to Des Moines Bus Schedule

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Minneapolis to Des Moines (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
5.0
March 2, 2025 - Visiting friends
Jefferson Lines5.0
October 11, 2024 - Visiting family
Jefferson Lines5.0
April 17, 2022 - Solo travel
Jefferson LinesThere are several bus options that can take you from Minneapolis to Des Moines:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Minneapolis to Des Moines?
Bus tickets for a trip from Minneapolis to Des Moines cost $67.00 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 Minneapolis to Des Moines by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Minneapolis to Des Moines in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $70 to $91. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 7, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Des Moines this week, bus tickets are available starting at $75.
Average bus ticket prices from Minneapolis to Des Moines by month
Taking the bus from Minneapolis to Des Moines is usually cheapest in May, when the average ticket price is only $67. If you're planning to take the bus from Minneapolis to Des Moines during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $79. 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 10 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $19.63 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Minneapolis to Des Moines?
There are multiple buses that travel from Minneapolis to Des Moines, including Jefferson Lines, Tornado Bus. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 15 | 9h 4m | $79.17 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 5h 30m | $130.00 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Minneapolis to Des Moines from $67. There are 15 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Minneapolis to Des Moines and you can expect on average to pay $79.17 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Des Moines. In Minneapolis, Jefferson Lines departs to Des Moines from 516 2nd Ave North and 3 other stations. In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines arrives at Des Moines.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Minneapolis to Des Moines takes 9 hours and 4 minutes, while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Des Moines in 5 hours and 0 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 10 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $67 for a weekend trip to Des Moines.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Minneapolis to Des Moines
Bus tickets for a trip from Minneapolis to Des Moines cost $67.00 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.
There are 16 scheduled buses that travel from Minneapolis to Des Moines every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 5 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.
TRIPS PER DAY
16
DIRECT TRIPS
5
The bus takes an average of 8 hours and 57 minutes to cover the 234 miles from Minneapolis to Des Moines. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours. 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)
234
DISTANCE (KM)
377
The first bus leaves at 9:30am and the last bus leaves at 9:45pm. To see the times for all buses from Minneapolis to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
9:30am
LATEST BUS
9:45pm
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.
City Information
Minneapolis



Situated along the bank of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, Minneapolis is one of the biggest and most exciting cities to visit in the Midwest. It is home to the Chain of Lakes, where you can swim, fish, boat and even bike or walk along the lakeside trails. It’s no wonder Minneapolis is among the top 10 cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities!
Although it's known as the City of Lakes, Minneapolis has a lot more to offer than gorgeous lakes, wetlands, and waterfalls. Shopaholics can spend days getting lost in the Mall of America, which boasts over 500 stores and an indoor theme park. If you're visiting Minneapolis on a romantic vacation, Minneapolis' bustling theater district offers excellent date nights from dozens of theater companies. Or, for a less musical and more brews-ical date option, head to one of 62 top-rated breweries in the #2 best city in America for craft beer.
Minneapolis can be visited in any season, but keep in mind that it becomes a frigid, snowy destination in the winter. January hovers around 0° Fahrenheit, but it's worth bundling up to enjoy the St. Paul Winter Carnival, or hockey and ice skating on any of the 13 lakes in the city. Have we mentioned how great the lakes are?
If you're visiting both of the Twin Cities, you can take public transport from downtown Minneapolis to Saint Paul in about 30 minutes. Public transit also connects downtown to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. Thanks to bus stations throughout Minneapolis, traveling by bus is the easiest way to arrive directly in the middle of the action and begin your adventure.
Des Moines

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 Minneapolis?
Main departure station: 516 2nd Ave North

Located in Central Minneapolis at 950 Hawthorne Ave, the Minneapolis Bus Station is a gateway to nearby cities throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. Greyhound and Jefferson Lines buses operate routes from this station to major cities such as Milwaukee or Chicago and beyond. From the Minneapolis Bus Station, it is a short 12-minute walk to Target Field Station where you can connect to light rail service throughout the city. Vending machines offer snacks or drinks within the station, or head one block south to Hennepin Ave for a variety of restaurant options for hungry travelers.
All bus stations in Minneapolis:
- 516 2nd Ave North
- University of Minnesota (Huron Blvd at 2428 Delaware St SE)
- Minneapolis-St Paul Airport
- 1 Veterans Drive
- Tienda La Mexicana (MN)
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
- Diversity Insurance Inc
Need a return trip from Des Moines to Minneapolis?
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