- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA
Showing times and prices for Jun 17
Cheapest price
$110
Average price
$110
Fastest journey
6 h 18 m
Average duration
6 h 18 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
361 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bloomington, MN 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 Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA will cost around $110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $110.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA without transferring at least 2 times.
11:52 AM6h18Bloomington, MN6:10 PMDes Moines, IA$1101One-way2 transfers
- 11:52 AM6h18Bloomington, MN6:10 PMDes Moines, IA$1101One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $104. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $104, and a flight costs an average of $438.
Distance: 224 miles (361 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$108 Average price Cheapest | $474 Average price | $48 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 47m Average total duration 6h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration Fastest 5h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA is a bus with an average price of $108 (€88).
This is compared to other travel options from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $366 (€296) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA costing on average $474 (€384).
The fastest way to travel from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 50m.
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 17m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bloomington, MN and Des Moines, IA including taking a bus and flight.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Metro Transit | Departure Time 11:19AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 6h51 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator Metro Transit | Departure Time 11:52AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 6h18 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator Metro Transit | Departure Time 12:01PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 6h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Metro Transit | Departure Time 05:19PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 5h46 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $104 |
Live departures
Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:52 AM Bloomington, MN | 6h18 | 6:10 PM Des Moines, IA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA by bus or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA
USAUSA
Buses from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $104 (€84) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 11:19, the last at 17:19. The fastest bus covers the 224 miles (361 km) distance in 5h 46m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 224 miles (361 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $104 (€84) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 46m |
First bus 11:19 AM |
Last bus 5:19 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Metro Transit from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IAYou can travel by bus between Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA with Metro Transit for as low as $104 (€84). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Metro Transit
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 46m
Cheapest Price
$104 (€84)
Metro Transit frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Des Moines
Things to do in Des Moines
Discover the best of Des Moines — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Des Moines trip today.
- Recommended
State Historical Museum of Iowa
Museum covering Iowa history through permanent and rotating exhibits, located in the State Historical Building near the Capitol complex.
- Recommended
Salisbury House & Gardens
Historic house museum inspired by English manor architecture, featuring art, books, antiques, and landscaped grounds.
- Must visit
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Downtown sculpture park featuring major contemporary works in an open urban green space, highly popular for walks and photos.
- Must visit
East Village
Trendy neighborhood east of the river known for independent shops, murals, historic streetscapes, and a lively local atmosphere.
- Must visit
Principal Riverwalk
Signature downtown walking area along the Des Moines River with bridges, lighting, event spaces, and skyline views.
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
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.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Sweet Corn
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.
Loose Meat Sandwich
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.
Aposto at the Scala House
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.
801 Chophouse
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.
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
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.
United States Dollar
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major coastal cities, though downtown and event periods cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-35 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 3-6 for drip coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
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.
FAQs: Bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bloomington, MN 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA can start from as little as $104 (€84) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA is $108 (€88) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA is 5h 46m to travel the 224 miles (361 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA leaves at 11:19 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA leaves at 5:19 PM.
There are 1 buses a day from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA which require at least one change with Metro Transit. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA, you can count on Metro Transit for the best way to get you to Des Moines, IA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bloomington, MN and Des Moines, IA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Des Moines, IA from Bloomington, MN is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 46m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bloomington, MN and Des Moines, IA including taking a bus and flight.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA.
No, the bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA.
No, luggage for the bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA.
Since neither Bloomington, MN nor Des Moines, IA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Des Moines, IA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and occasional vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include fake ticket sellers for local events and unofficial ride services. Staying alert in busy downtown spots and using authorized transportation options helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Bloomington, MN to Des Moines, IA
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Most popular buses to and from Des Moines, IA and Bloomington, MN
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