Cheap bus tickets from Milwaukee to Des Moines
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Milwaukee to Des Moines Bus Schedule
Bus from Milwaukee to Des Moines: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Milwaukee to Des Moines. Traveling by bus from Milwaukee to Des Moines usually takes around 11 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 9 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 308 mi (495 km) |
| Shortest duration | 9h 15m |
| Cheapest price | $67.97 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from Milwaukee to Des Moines?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Milwaukee 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 | 10h 48m | $126.28 |
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 15h 43m | $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 Milwaukee to Des Moines, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Book Jefferson Lines from Milwaukee to Des Moines from $168. Typically there is one Jefferson Lines schedule per day from Milwaukee to Des Moines and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Des Moines. In Milwaukee, Jefferson Lines departs to Des Moines from Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave . In Des Moines, Jefferson Lines arrives at Des Moines .
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Milwaukee to Des Moines takes 15 hours and 43 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Des Moines in 9 hours and 15 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 Milwaukee to Des Moines
The bus takes an average of 11 hours and 26 minutes to cover the 308 miles from Milwaukee to Des Moines. However, the fastest bus only takes 9 hours and 15 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.
Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in Des Moines. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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.
The first bus leaves at 8:00am and the last bus leaves at 9:00am. To see the times for all buses from Milwaukee to Des Moines, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Milwaukee
Nestling on the banks of the great Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has some of the most scenic views around, making it every photographer’s perfect destination. Boasting 85 miles of scenic waterfront bike lanes, Milwaukee is the perfect spot to ride a bike and enjoy the sunset together with your friends. It is also the home of the Harley Davidson Museum, a vast waterfront gallery that offers 11 permanent exhibitions. The museum features not only bikes but also special items such as a whole engine room, making it a must-visit spot for bike enthusiasts. If you are not interested in bikes, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, which is modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, offers many wondrous shots.
Milwaukee’s famous German bratwursts are a must-try for all visitors, and the best place to enjoy this dish is Usinger’s. Other similar establishments include Mader’s and Milwaukee Public Market. For authentic American eats, Leon's Frozen Custard Drive-In offers amazing sloppy-joe burgers.
The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the city’s main transportation hub. Visitors can catch both buses and trains at this location. The city is served by two airports. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on the southern edge of the city handles commercial flights, while the Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport in the northwest handles private flights.
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 Milwaukee?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Payton Chung
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the major transportation hub for rail and bus travel in Wisconsin. The station is Amtrak’s second busiest in the Midwest. It acts as a gateway for long-distance travel into the American West and also connects Milwaukee to the surrounding Midwest states via the Hiawatha service. Renovated in 2007, the Intermodal Station now also offers a range of intercity bus services from carriers, including Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. Local bus routes and The Hop streetcar service provide convenient local travel around Milwaukee. Located in the city’s downtown, The Intermodal Station has vast retail spaces, several museums, and pleasant waterways all on its doorstep.
All bus stations in Milwaukee:
Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
Mitchell Airport - 5300 S Howell Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Des Moines?
Main arrival station: Des Moines
All buses from Milwaukee arrive at one main station in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
Des Moines
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