- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Major contemporary and modern art museum with a respected collection and notable architecture by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
Cheapest price
$173
Average price
$188
Fastest journey
22 h
Average duration
1 d 1 h 7 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
1191 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Atlanta, GA 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 Atlanta, GA to Des Moines, IA will cost around $188 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $173.
It's difficult to get from Atlanta, GA to Des Moines, IA without transferring at least once.
·
FlixBus+
+
FlixBus+
·
FlixBus+
·
FlixBus+
FlixBus+
·
+
FlixBus+
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Atlanta, GA to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $166. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 13h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $166, and a flight costs an average of $142.
Distance: 740 miles (1191 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$256 Average price Cheapest | $304 Average price |
23h 7m Average total duration 22h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 44m Average total duration Fastest 13h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Atlanta, GA to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Atlanta, GA to Des Moines, IA costing on average $304 (€249).
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 22h 37m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 28h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 26h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $161 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 23h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $132 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 22h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 24h46 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $129 |
The table below shows live departures for Atlanta, GA to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 5:05 PM Atlanta, Bus Station | 26h40 | 6:45 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 8:30 PM Atlanta, Bus Station | 23h25 | 6:55 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:00 PM Atlanta, Bus Station | 22h00 | 7:00 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 11:59 PM Atlanta, Bus Station | 24h46 | 11:45 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
+ FlixBus+![]() | 10:50 AM Atlanta, Bus Station | 28h45 | 2:35 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Atlanta, GA to Des Moines, IA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 22h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $166 (€136) but you can travel from only $142 (€117) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 04:30, the last at 20:50. The fastest bus covers the 740 miles (1191 km) distance in 21h 55m.
Distance 740 miles (1191 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $166 (€136) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 21h 55m |
First bus 4:30 AM |
Last bus 8:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Des Moines — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Des Moines trip today.
Major contemporary and modern art museum with a respected collection and notable architecture by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
Museum covering Iowa history through permanent and rotating exhibits, located in the State Historical Building near the Capitol complex.
Historic house museum inspired by English manor architecture, featuring art, books, antiques, and landscaped grounds.
Downtown sculpture park featuring major contemporary works in an open urban green space, highly popular for walks and photos.
Trendy neighborhood east of the river known for independent shops, murals, historic streetscapes, and a lively local atmosphere.
Signature downtown walking area along the Des Moines River with bridges, lighting, event spaces, and skyline views.
An Iowa classic: a pork cutlet pounded thin, breaded, fried, and served on a bun, often comically larger than the bread. It is one of the state's most iconic comfort foods.
Iowa sweet corn is a summer staple, prized for its tenderness and natural sweetness. It is commonly eaten grilled, boiled, or buttered at fairs, cookouts, and seasonal meals.
A seasoned ground beef sandwich served loose on a bun rather than formed into a patty. It is a longtime Midwestern lunch-counter favorite strongly associated with Iowa.
A respected fine-dining venue in a historic house, serving refined American and Italian-influenced dishes in an intimate setting. A strong choice for a special night out.
An upscale steakhouse known for classic service, prime steaks, and an elegant atmosphere. It is one of Des Moines' best-known options for a high-end dinner.
A popular Des Moines burger spot known for creative burgers, boozy shakes, and a lively horror-themed atmosphere. A dependable place to try a strong local casual dining favorite.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major coastal cities, though downtown and event periods cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for casual services.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Atlanta, GA 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 Atlanta, GA to Des Moines, IA buses use the Atlanta, Bus Station to station pair. Use this guide to compare Atlanta, GA and Des Moines, IA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need