Cheap bus tickets from Kansas City to Des Moines
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Bus from Kansas City to Des Moines: Journey Information
There are 3 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 35 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 25 minutes.
- Distance
- 180 mi (290 km)
- Shortest duration
- 3h 25m
- Cheapest price
- NOK 321.08
- Trips per day
- 3
- Most frequent service
- Jefferson Lines
- Bus lines
- 1
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There are several bus options that can take you from Kansas City to Des Moines:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Kansas City to Des Moines?
Bus tickets for a trip from Kansas City to Des Moines cost about NOK 321 when you book at the cheapest time, 6 days ahead. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. 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 Kansas City to Des Moines by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Kansas City to Des Moines in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from NOK 331 to NOK 387. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 25, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Des Moines this week, bus tickets are available starting at NOK 368.
Average bus ticket prices from Kansas City to Des Moines by month
Traveling from Kansas City to Des Moines by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around NOK 604 whenever you decide to travel.
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 6 days in advance. This way, you can save up to NOK 112 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
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 connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 3 | 3h 35m | NOK 393.17 |
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 Kansas City to Des Moines with ticket prices as low as NOK 321.08.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Kansas City to Des Moines
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Kansas City to Des Moines every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Kansas City to Des Moines without transferring.
Trips per day
3
Direct trips
3
The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 35 minutes to cover the 180 miles from Kansas City to Des Moines. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 25 minutes. 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.
Distance (mi)
180
Distance (km)
290
The first bus leaves at 8:35 AM and the last bus leaves at 11:25 PM. To see the times for all buses from Kansas City to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
8:35am
Latest bus
11:25pm
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, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Thursday
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 Art, 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

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 Prairie 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?
Main 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
Need a return trip from Des Moines to Kansas City?
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