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 16 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
- NOK 637.15
- Trips per day
- 3
- 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 about NOK 891 when you book at the cheapest time, 8 days ahead. 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 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 NOK 812 to NOK 1,228. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 10, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Des Moines this week, bus tickets are available starting at NOK 812.
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 NOK 1,143. 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 NOK 1,473. 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 8 days in advance. This way, you can save up to NOK 779.94 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
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 | 12h 4m | NOK 1,078.87 |
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 14h 45m | NOK 1,615.45 |
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 NOK 1,078.87.






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 Madison to Des Moines with ticket prices as low as NOK 1,586.51.
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 16 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 6:45 AM and the last bus leaves at 2:00 PM. 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
Because many passengers travel from Madison to Des Moines at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, 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
Monday
Least crowded
Thursday
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 Wisconsin–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 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 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
- Phillips 66
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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