4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA
Cheapest price
$64
Average price
$70
Fastest journey
7 h 15 m
Average duration
8 h 7 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
495 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA will cost around $70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $64.
Of the 3 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Des Moines, IA on Thu, Nov 06, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 06 the direct buses cover the 495 km distance in an average of 8 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 15 m .
On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest buses will take 8 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.
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €38, and a flight costs an average of €183.
Distance: 307 miles (495 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€55 Average price Cheapest | €281 Average price |
8h 44m Average total duration 8h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:20 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 8h40 | 12:00 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:20 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 7h15 | 12:35 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 6 | |||||
| 12:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 8h25 | 8:35 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL 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.
Nov 06
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Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 307 miles (495 km) distance in 7h 10m.
Distance 307 miles (495 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 7h 10m |
First bus 05:30 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus, Burlington Trailways from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IAYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA with Greyhound, FlixBus, Burlington Trailways for as low as $47 (€38). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
Burlington Trailways
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL 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.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Des Moines, IA and Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections to Des Moines, IA
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