- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Leading art museum with strong American, contemporary, and decorative arts collections, plus a sculpture park just outside downtown.
Cheapest price on Sep 21
CHF108
Average ticket price on Sep 21
CHF108
Fastest journey on Sep 21
8 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 21
8 h 5 m
Buses on Sep 21
1
Distance
314 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Columbia, MO 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 Columbia, MO to Des Moines, IA will cost around CHF108 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF108.
It's difficult to get from Columbia, MO to Des Moines, IA without transferring at least once.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Columbia, MO to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of CHF65 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 11h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of CHF65, while a bus costs an average of CHF65.
Distance: 195 miles (314 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
CHF65 Average price Cheapest | CHF39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 50m Average total duration Fastest 11h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around CHF65 compared to roughly CHF39 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about CHF-26.53. The journey takes 11h 20m versus 4h 6m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price CHF66 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price CHF65 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price CHF74 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price CHF53 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price CHF49 |
The table below shows live departures for Columbia, MO to Des Moines, IA buses for tomorrow, Monday, September 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:40 PM Columbia, MO | 8h05 | 10:45 PM Des Moines, IA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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 Columbia, MO to Des Moines, IA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 11h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at CHF64 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 13:30, the last at 20:15. The fastest bus covers the 195 miles (314 km) distance in 10h 40m.
Distance 195 miles (314 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF64 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 10h 40m |
First bus 1:30 PM |
Last bus 8:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Columbia, MO 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 Columbia, MO to Des Moines, IA buses use the Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza) to Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) station pair. Use this guide to compare Columbia, MO and Des Moines, IA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza) is 8 km from Columbia city centre. Public transport options include:
Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food options available within the plaza.
Wi-Fi available inside the truck plaza building. ATMs are aTM machines are available inside the truck plaza.
Ticket office support is available at Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza).
Available at Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza): Wheelchair accessible facilities available.
Columbia, Wabash Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station. ATMs are available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station.
Available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station: Station is accessible for wheelchair users.
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.
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