Cheap bus tickets from Madison to Des Moines
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Bus from Madison to Des Moines: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Madison to Des Moines. Traveling by bus from Madison to Des Moines usually takes around 18 hours and 16 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 12 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 238 mi (383 km) |
| Shortest duration | 12h 55m |
| Cheapest price | €65.79 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from Madison to Des Moines?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Madison to Des Moines that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 20h 1m | €99.90 |
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 14h 31m | €162.20 |
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 .
Book Jefferson Lines from Madison to Des Moines from €154. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Madison to Des Moines and you can expect on average to pay 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 31 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Des Moines in 12 hours and 55 minutes .
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Des Moines.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Madison to Des Moines
The bus takes an average of 18 hours and 16 minutes to cover the 238 miles from Madison to Des Moines. However, the fastest bus only takes 12 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.
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.
The first bus leaves at 10:00am and the last bus leaves at 8:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Madison to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
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
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 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 Subway
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
Des Moines Subway
Des Moines
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