- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$62
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$75
Fastest journey on Sep 19
7 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
8 h 23 m
Buses on Sep 19
3
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 $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 3 buses from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL, including 3 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 495 km distance in an average of 8 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 5 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 10 h 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.






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 an average ticket price of $83 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 34m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $83, while a flight costs an average of $658.
Distance: 307 miles (495 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$83 Average price Cheapest | $658 Average price | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 34m Average total duration Fastest 4h 34m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $580 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL costing on average $663.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 36m.
Tickets start at around $83 compared to roughly $78 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-5.45. The journey takes 7h 36m versus 5h 12m 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 05:30AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:30 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 8h05 | 1:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:20 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 7h05 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:45 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 10h00 | 7:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 if you book in advance.
There are 3 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 4h 25m.
Distance 307 miles (495 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 4h 25m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
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.

Most Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL buses use the Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago. Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St is 2 km from Des Moines city centre. Public transport options include:
Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St. ATMs are available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St.
Ticket office support is available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St.
Available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St: Accessible for passengers with limited mobility.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets are available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago.
Available at Chicago: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago: Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
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