Cheap bus tickets from Madison to Des Moines
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Bus from Madison to Des Moines: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Madison to Des Moines. Traveling by bus from Madison to Des Moines usually takes around 12 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 238 mi (383 km) |
| Shortest duration | 11h 55m |
| Cheapest price | $61.97 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Madison to Des Moines Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Madison to Des Moines:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Madison to Des Moines?
Bus tickets for a trip from Madison to Des Moines cost $115.11 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Des Moines. 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 Madison to Des Moines by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Madison to Des Moines in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $103 to $115. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 22, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Des Moines this week, bus tickets are available starting at $103.
Average bus ticket prices from Madison to Des Moines by month
Taking the bus from Madison to Des Moines is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only $120. If you're planning to take the bus from Madison to Des Moines during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $156. 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 22 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $37.73 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Madison to Des Moines?
There are multiple buses that travel from Madison to Des Moines, including FlixBus US, Jefferson Lines. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 12h 2m | $136.37 |
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 14h 48m | $168.00 |
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 Madison to Des Moines, and the average ticket for this route costs only $136.37.
Book Jefferson Lines from Madison to Des Moines from $168. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Madison to Des Moines and you can expect on average to pay $168 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Des Moines. In Madison, Jefferson Lines departs to Des Moines from University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center. In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines arrives at Des Moines.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Madison to Des Moines takes 14 hours and 48 minutes, while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Des Moines in 13 hours and 10 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $168 for a weekend trip to Des Moines.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Madison to Des Moines
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Madison to Des Moines every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 36 minutes to cover the 238 miles from Madison to Des Moines. However, the fastest bus only takes 11 hours and 55 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)
238
DISTANCE (KM)
383
The first bus leaves at 6:45am and the last bus leaves at 2:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Madison to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
6:45am
LATEST BUS
2:00pm
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
Madison
Consistently ranking high on the lists of the best places to live in the USA, Madison still maintains its quaint and idyllic small-town vibe despite being the capital city of Wisconsin. Sitting among the city’s most iconic and most popular landmarks is the Madison Memorial Union, which is located within the campus of the University of Madison. The building features a lakeview terrace filled with colorful chairs, allowing visitors to chill out and enjoy the sun. If you are interested in the history of the state or architecture as a whole, head over to the State Capitol building, which was built between 1906 and 1917. The building features lavish council chambers, which were modeled after the famous Doge’s Palace in Venice, along with other architectural highlights. If you wish to stay close to nature, the Olbrich Botanical garden, with its famous Thai Pavilion and Garden, will certainly be a great choice.
As a college city, Madison features numerous cutting-edge establishments that will make your mouth water. For some of the best dining views in town, head over to Graze, where you can also grab some of the best cheese curds in Madison. If you want to enjoy the best brunch in town, Sardine might have what you need.
The busiest bus/train station in Madison is located on Collins Ct. The city is served by the Dane County Regional Airport, 6 miles northeast 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 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 Madison?
Main departure station: University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
Madison has two bus stations with service to Des Moines.
All bus stations in Madison:
- University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center
- Dutch Mill Park & Ride (West Lot)
Where does the bus arrive in Des Moines?
Main arrival station: Des Moines
All buses from Madison arrive at one main station in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
- Des Moines
Need a return trip from Des Moines to Madison?
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