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Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Des Moines to Ottawa. Traveling by bus from Des Moines to Ottawa usually takes around 15 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Burlington Trailways bus can make the trip in 9 hours and 55 minutes.
Distance | 247 mi (398 km) |
Shortest duration | 9h 55m |
Cheapest price | $75.50 |
Most frequent service | Burlington Trailways |
Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Des Moines to Ottawa?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Des Moines to Ottawa. Burlington Trailways is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Burlington Trailways | 1 | 15h 18m | $75.50 |
As part of the Trailways network, Burlington Trailways offers intercity bus service across various states in the Midwest, plus stops in major cities like Chicago and Denver. Passengers love traveling on Trailways buses because of the high-end amenities onboard, including satellite TV, power outlets at every seat, and clean restrooms. Burlington Trailways is also known for the best free Wi-Fi and its helpful, friendly crew.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 18 minutes to cover the 247 miles from Des Moines to Ottawa. However, the fastest bus only takes 9 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.
With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, 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.
There is usually only one bus per day from Des Moines to Ottawa. It leaves the station in Des Moines at 8:00am each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
City Information
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 Des Moines?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 1501 2nd St
Most buses depart from the main station in Des Moines.
All bus stations in Des Moines:
Bus Station - 1501 2nd St
Where does the bus arrive in Ottawa?
Main arrival station: 2749 Columbus St
All buses from Des Moines arrive at one main station in Ottawa.
All bus stations in Ottawa:
2749 Columbus St
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