- 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 on Sep 19
€100
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€101
Fastest journey on Sep 19
13 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
16 h 55 m
Buses on Sep 19
2
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 €101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €100.
It's difficult to get from Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus
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FlixBus
· Omio recommends booking the flight 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 an average ticket price of €87 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 35m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €87, while a flight costs an average of €593.
Distance: 544 miles (877 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€87 Average price Cheapest | €593 Average price | €100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 8m Average total duration 14h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration Fastest 4h 35m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 2m 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 Detroit, MI:
A bus is €505 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI costing on average €593.
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 41m.
Tickets start at around €88 compared to roughly €100 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €12. The journey takes 14h 41m versus 9h 2m 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 08:15PM | Duration 13h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €54 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 21h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €54 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €57 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus | 5:30 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 13h45 | 8:15 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 1 transfer | |
· | 9:45 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 20h05 | 6:50 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 1 transfer | |
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 14h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €62 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 12h 50m.
Distance 544 miles (877 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price €62 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 12h 50m |
First bus 5:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
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 Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) 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.
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.
Detroit, Greyhound Terminal is 1 km from Detroit city centre. Public transport options include:
Detroit, Greyhound Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food and coffee shops available.
Free Wi-Fi available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTM located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Detroit, Greyhound Terminal.
Available at Detroit, Greyhound Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Detroit, Greyhound Terminal: Wheelchair accessible facilities available.
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