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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Kansas City to Des Moines. Traveling by bus from Kansas City to Des Moines usually takes around 3 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 3 hours,
| Distance | 180 mi (290 km) |
| Shortest duration | 3h 0m |
| Cheapest price | $67.00 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Kansas City to Des Moines
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Price trends for buses from Kansas City to Des Moines
Monthly avg. prices
What bus companies travel from Kansas City to Des Moines?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Kansas City to Des Moines. Jefferson Lines is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 3h 12m | $67.00 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Kansas City to Des Moines from $67. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Kansas City to Des Moines and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Des Moines. In Kansas City, Jefferson Lines departs to Des Moines from Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave . In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines arrives at Des Moines .
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Kansas City to Des Moines takes 3 hours and 12 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Des Moines in 3 hours and 0 minutes .
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Des Moines.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 12 minutes to cover the 180 miles from Kansas City to Des Moines. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Des Moines at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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 8:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Kansas City to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Kansas City to Des Moines. Both of these are direct buses, meaning that you do not have to worry about transferring buses at any point during your trip.
City Information
Kansas City
Straddling two states, Kansas City is a vibrant modern city with plenty of activities for visitors. Those wishing to learn more about the city’s culture and history should not miss out on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts, which offers artworks for both children and adults alike. If you seek something a bit quirkier and more interesting, the Arabia Steamboat Museum will certainly satisfy your curiosity. While you are in town, don’t forget to pay the Boulevard Brewing Company a visit. It is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest and the source of pride from many local residents.
Kansas City’s signature barbecue is another source of pride, and you should take every occasion to try it out. Some noticeable venues with well-received barbecue dishes include Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ and Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. If that’s not really your thing, The Farmhouse and Providence New American Kitchen are also worth checking out.
Kansas City’s principal bus station is located on Troost Ave, and it offers bus trips to Chicago, Wichita and Denver, among many other places. Kansas City Union Station provides Amtrak intercity train services, and the trains Missouri River Runner and Southwest Chief pass through the station on their way. Kansas City International Airport is located 15 miles northwest of Downtown.
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 Kansas City?
Image credit: Paul Sableman
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave
Located on Troost Avenue, the Bus Terminal provides intercity bus service from Kansas City on Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Amtrak Thruway buses. Popular routes from this station travel to cities such as Columbia, Chicago, and Wichita. The lounge inside the station includes seating, restrooms, and a cell phone charging station to help you stay connected during your trip. Several public transit options depart from nearby 12th St, so it’s easy to travel throughout Kansas City from the bus terminal.
All bus stations in Kansas City:
Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Des Moines?
Main arrival station: Des Moines
All buses from Kansas City arrive at one main station in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
Des Moines
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