4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
8 h 5 m
Average duration
8 h 5 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
495 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Of the 1 buses that leave Des Moines, IA for Chicago, IL on Wed, Nov 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 26 the direct buses cover the 495 km distance in an average of 8 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 5 m .
On Wed, Nov 26 the slowest buses will take 8 h 5 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 Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €35, and a flight costs an average of €182.
Distance: 307 miles (495 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€54 Average price Cheapest | €252 Average price |
8h 42m Average total duration 8h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, November 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM Des Moines, IA | 8h05 | 6:35 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL 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 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 307 miles (495 km) distance in 7h 0m.
Distance 307 miles (495 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 7h 0m |
First bus 05:30 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL start from as low as $43 (€35) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $66 (€54) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 1 daily trains from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL with 1 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 7h 0m but the average duration is 8h 12m
Train Operators
- Travel from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus, and Burlington Trailways
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Greyhound.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA and arrive in Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
- First train typically departs at 05:30 AM and the last at 11:50 PM
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus, Burlington Trailways from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus, Burlington Trailways for as low as $43 (€35). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
Burlington Trailways
FAQs: Bus from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. Rex skeleton, Sue.
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U. S. Offering free admission.
- 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 Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL, 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 Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections from Des Moines, IA
More options for your journey from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chicago, IL and Des Moines, IA
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
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