- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Leading art museum with strong American, contemporary, and decorative arts collections, plus a sculpture park just outside downtown.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA will cost around $216 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $216.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 1 buses from Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 1431 km distance in an average of 1 d 19 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 19 h 40 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest buses will take 1 d 19 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

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Buses from Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 31h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $323 if you book in advance.
The fastest bus covers the 889 miles (1431 km) distance in 30h 10m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 43h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $216 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 26h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $231 |
The table below shows live departures for Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:35 PM Arlington, VA | 26h00 | 12:35 AM Des Moines, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
![]() | 4:05 AM Arlington, VA | 43h40 | 11:45 PM Des Moines, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA with Greyhound and FlixBus. Overnight buses available on this route with Greyhound and FlixBus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Des Moines, IA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Des Moines, IA trip today.
Leading art museum with strong American, contemporary, and decorative arts collections, plus a sculpture park just outside downtown.
Compact state museum covering Iowa history, culture, and artifacts. A practical stop for visitors wanting context before exploring the city.
Science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and hands-on displays suited to families and curious adults alike.
A 4.4-acre downtown sculpture park with major contemporary works, open lawns, and easy walking access to nearby restaurants and museums.
Historic neighborhood east of the river with indie shops, murals, nightlife, and restored buildings. Ideal for an easy local walk.
Large urban park with wooded trails, picnic areas, a lake, and river views. A favorite local green escape close to downtown.
Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich features a thin, breaded pork cutlet fried and served on a bun. It is a classic Iowa diner specialty known for its oversized cutlet.
Loose meat sandwich is seasoned ground beef served warm on a bun without being formed into a patty. It is a longtime Iowa lunch-counter staple.
Sweet corn is a signature Iowa summer food, prized for its sweetness and freshness. It is commonly boiled or grilled at fairs, cookouts, and family meals.
Historic market hall with multiple local food vendors, ideal for sampling regional snacks, coffee, craft beer, and casual meals.
Casual local favorite for the classic Iowa breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, plus burgers and comfort food in a laid-back setting.
Long-running smokehouse known for Iowa-style barbecue, ribs, brisket, and hearty sides in a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
Moderate for US city breaks; hotels and dining are usually cheaper than larger US metros, while car use can add transport costs.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, round up or add 10-15% for taxis, and tip a little at cafes only if table service is provided.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Des Moines, IA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Des Moines, IA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA buses use the Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn) to Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) station pair. Use this guide to compare Arlington, VA and Des Moines, IA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn) is 3 km from Arlington city centre. Public transport options include:
Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Nearby cafes and restaurants available.
Wi-Fi is available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn). ATMs are available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn).
Ticket office support is available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn).
Available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn): Accessible for wheelchairs.
Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) is 3 km from Des Moines city centre. Public transport options include:
Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.). ATMs are available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.).
Ticket office support is available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.).
Available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
Check bus stations information for Arlington, VA and Des Moines, IA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.