Cheap bus tickets from St Louis to Des Moines

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Bus from St Louis to Des Moines: Journey Information

There is one daily bus from St Louis to Des Moines. Traveling by bus from St Louis to Des Moines usually takes around 15 hours and 5 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.

Distance
273 mi (440 km)
Shortest duration
15h 5m
Cheapest price
$84.97
Trips per day
0
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
1

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St Louis to Des Moines Bus Schedule

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from St Louis to Des Moines (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

4.0

4.0

Keith

December 30, 2022 - Solo travel

Burlington Trailways
Pros: I didn't like Iowa headed back home next week Cons: It's nothing on you guys it's just a state that I'm in I don't like it Tips: About before you go anywhere things might sound good and look good but it don't seems that way sometimes
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How much is a bus ticket from St Louis to Des Moines?

Bus tickets for a trip from St Louis to Des Moines cost $84.97 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 St Louis to Des Moines by travel date

$120$80$40AugAug

If you're planning to travel by bus from St Louis to Des Moines in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $78 to $113. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 27, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Des Moines this week, bus tickets are available starting at $78.

Average bus ticket prices from St Louis to Des Moines by month

$175$140$105$70$35JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from St Louis to Des Moines is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $106. If you're planning to take the bus from St Louis to Des Moines during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $164. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$150$120$90$60$30

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 5 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $57.11 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from St Louis to Des Moines?

There are multiple buses that travel from St Louis to Des Moines, including FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US115h 5m$128.73
  • 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 1 trips per day from St Louis to Des Moines, and the average ticket for this route costs only $128.73.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from St Louis to Des Moines

There is usually only one bus per day from St Louis to Des Moines. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip.

TRIPS PER DAY

1

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 5 minutes to cover the 273 miles from St Louis to Des Moines. 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)

273

DISTANCE (KM)

440

There is usually only one bus per day from St Louis to Des Moines. It leaves the station in St Louis at 11:30pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.

EARLIEST BUS

11:30pm

LATEST BUS

11:30pm

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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.

MOST CROWDED

Sunday

LEAST CROWDED

Tuesday

City Information

St Louis

St. Louis, MO - STL-0St. Louis, MO - STL-1St. Louis, MO - STL-2

St. Louis is one of several major cities in the state of Missouri and it is uniquely located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The city is usually recognized by its most distinctive feature, the Gateway Arch, thanks to which it is the only city in the United States that has a national park in the heart of its downtown district. The Arch is a must-see attraction and you can even take a tram to the top for some incredible views of the St. Louis skyline.

Some of the other truly unique attractions you can visit while you’re in town include the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis where you can check out an incredible collection of dolls, dollhouses and vignettes, and the City Museum where you can ride down a 10-story spiral slide (yup, you read that right.) For a great outdoor experience, stop by the gorgeous Missouri Botanical Garden, and then take a stroll through Citygarden where you will find various quirky statues and installations worthy of being featured in your Instagram feed.

Ale enthusiasts would be excited to know that St. Louis is one of the best craft beer cities in the U.S. as well as one of the cheapest drinking cities. That means your party budget could take you a long way. Unsurprisingly, the city is also among the best spring break destinations on a budget.

The main bus and train station in St. Louis, Gateway Station, is located right in the center of downtown, not far from the Gateway Arch, which makes coming in and out of the city a breeze.

Des Moines

Des Moines, IA, US - DSM-0

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 St Louis?

Main departure station: Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Most buses depart from the main station in St Louis.

All bus stations in St Louis:

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

Where does the bus arrive in Des Moines?

Main arrival station: Des Moines

All buses from St Louis arrive at one main station in Des Moines.

All bus stations in Des Moines:

  • Des Moines

Need a return trip from Des Moines to St Louis?

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