- Must visit
COSI
A major science museum with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly programs that make science engaging for all ages.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€74
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€78
Fastest journey on Sep 19
15 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
19 h 46 m
Buses on Sep 19
4
Distance
911 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to Columbus, OH 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 Columbus, OH will cost around €78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €74.
It's difficult to get from Des Moines, IA to Columbus, OH without transferring at least once.
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· · Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Columbus, OH among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €109 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 9m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €109, while a flight costs an average of €565.
Distance: 566 miles (911 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€109 Average price Cheapest | €565 Average price | €105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 16m Average total duration 16h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration Fastest 4h 9m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 36m 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 Columbus, OH:
A bus is €456 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Columbus, OH costing on average €565.
Other travel options to Columbus, OH take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 50m.
Tickets start at around €109 compared to roughly €105 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-4.45. The journey takes 16h 50m versus 9h 36m 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 12:35AM | Duration 18h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €60 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 15h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €70 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 17h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €60 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 27h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €86 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 20h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €60 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Columbus, OH 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 8:05 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 15h40 | 12:45 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
· · | 9:20 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 18h55 | 5:15 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus | 9:20 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 17h20 | 3:40 AM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 1 transfer | |
· · | 9:45 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 27h10 | 1:55 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 2 transfers | |
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 Columbus, OH run on average 5 times per day, taking around 16h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €70 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:45, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 566 miles (911 km) distance in 14h 30m.
Distance 566 miles (911 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price €70 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 14h 30m |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Columbus, OH — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Columbus, OH trip today.
A major science museum with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly programs that make science engaging for all ages.
This leading art museum offers strong American and European collections, special exhibitions, and a notable sculpture garden.
Located on Ohio State's campus, this museum presents contemporary art and rotating exhibitions in an acclaimed modern building.
Columbus's best-known historic district has brick streets, restored homes, and a walkable atmosphere ideal for architecture lovers.
A scenic downtown riverfront park with fountains, trails, and skyline views, popular for walks, events, and photos.
This large botanical park is famous for seasonal displays, glasshouses, and the iconic Chihuly installation in the conservatory.
A tangy, tomato-based slaw served on hot dogs or sandwiches. It is a long-running Columbus comfort food linked to old local chili and diner culture.
A sweet, cinnamon-forward fried pastry sold at the Ohio State Fair since the early 1900s. It is one of central Ohio's most iconic fair treats.
A shredded chicken and cracker casserole common at Columbus-area potlucks and game days. It is a nostalgic Midwestern comfort dish in central Ohio.
Refined tasting-menu restaurant in the Short North with inventive seasonal cooking and one of the city's strongest fine dining reputations.
Acclaimed local brewery and gastropub serving creative beers and polished comfort food in a stylish but relaxed setting.
Beloved local pizzeria known for thin crust, square-cut Columbus-style pies in a casual neighborhood setting.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels, dining, and transit usually cost less than New York or Chicago, but more than smaller Midwest towns.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee at cafes if service is provided.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Columbus, OH 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 Columbus, OH, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Des Moines, IA to Columbus, OH buses use the Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) to Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School) station pair, with some services arriving at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station). Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and Columbus, OH 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.
Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School). ATMs are available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School).
Ticket office support is available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School).
Available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station).
Available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible bus platforms.
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