- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
World-class museum with Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Cheapest price
kr798
Average price
kr798
Fastest journey
16 h 30 m
Average duration
16 h 30 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
877 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI will cost around kr798 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr798.
It's difficult to get from Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI without transferring at least once.
·
· Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from kr732. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 11h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr732, and a flight costs an average of kr2937.
Distance: 544 miles (877 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr1199 Average price Cheapest | kr4742 Average price | kr1150 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 13m Average total duration 13h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 29m Average total duration Fastest 11h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI:
A bus is kr3542 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI costing on average kr4742.
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 43m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price kr758 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price kr752 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price kr1041 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 23h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price kr903 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI buses for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:45 PM Des Moines, IA | 20h05 | 11:50 AM Detroit, MI | 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 Detroit, MI run on average 2 times per day, taking around 13h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at kr732 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 544 miles (877 km) distance in 14h 10m.
Distance 544 miles (877 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price kr732 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 14h 10m |
First bus 5:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Detroit, MI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit, MI trip today.
World-class museum with Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Immersive museum of African American history, culture, and achievement with strong regional and national storytelling.
Motown’s original Studio A preserves the sound and stories behind legendary recordings that shaped popular music worldwide.
Riverfront promenade with public art, plazas, and skyline views; one of the city’s best places for a scenic walk.
Large island park with gardens, trails, beaches, and major attractions, offering a nature escape minutes from downtown.
Revived public square at the city center, hosting events, seasonal programming, and easy access to downtown landmarks.
A square deep-dish pizza with a crisp, caramelized cheese edge and striped sauce. It is Detroit’s signature pie, born in blue steel auto pans.
A hot dog topped with chili, mustard, and diced onions on a steamed bun. It is a classic Detroit street food tied to Greek-American diners.
A layered sandwich of corned beef, swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on grilled rye. It is a beloved deli staple in metro Detroit.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on seasonal tasting menus and polished service. One of Detroit’s top special-occasion destinations.
Beloved Eastern Market bakery known for paczki, cakes, and old-school sweets. Expect a busy, nostalgic counter-service experience.
Historic downtown institution famous for Detroit-style square pizza in a lively, casual setting with old-school local character.
Moderate for US city breaks: hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit is limited, and car or rideshare costs can raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or about 10% in cafes if there is table service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI buses use the to Detroit, Greyhound Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and Detroit, MI bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need