- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
One of the largest art museums in the US, with major collections spanning antiquities to contemporary works across multiple buildings in the Museum District.
Cheapest price
$181
Average price
$228
Fastest journey
1 d 6 h 30 m
Average duration
1 d 11 h 40 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
1326 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX 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 Houston, TX will cost around $228 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $181.
It's difficult to get from Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX without transferring at least 2 times.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $137. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $137, and a flight costs an average of $160.
Distance: 823 miles (1326 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight |
|---|---|
$212 Average price Cheapest | $352 Average price |
34h 15m Average total duration 33h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 26m Average total duration Fastest 3h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX:
A bus is $140 (€115) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX costing on average $352 (€288).
Other travel options to Houston, TX take longer:
Bus takes on average 33h 45m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 36h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $230 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 30h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $137 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· + FlixBus | 4:20 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 36h45 | 5:05 AM Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station), TX | 2 transfers | |
· · · | 4:20 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 30h30 | 10:50 PM Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station), TX | 3 transfers | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
· · + FlixBus | 4:35 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 37h30 | 6:05 PM Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station), TX | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 4:35 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 36h30 | 5:05 PM Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station), TX | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 4:35 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 37h05 | 5:40 PM Houston, TX | 3 transfers | |
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 Houston, TX run on average 2 times per day, taking around 33h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $137 (€112) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 823 miles (1326 km) distance in 30h 30m.
Distance 823 miles (1326 km) |
Average bus duration 33h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $137 (€112) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 30h 30m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Houston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Houston trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the US, with major collections spanning antiquities to contemporary works across multiple buildings in the Museum District.
The official visitor center for NASA Johnson Space Center, known for spacecraft displays, astronaut history, and tram tours to working NASA facilities.
A renowned free art museum with strong surrealist, Byzantine, and modern collections, set in a quiet campus popular with locals.
A major urban park with skyline views, trails, public art, and bayou scenery, widely considered one of Houston's best outdoor spaces.
A lively downtown park hosting art, events, gardens, and seasonal activities, making it one of the city's most visited public gathering spaces.
Houston's leading cultural area, packed with major museums, walkable streets, and one of the best concentrations of attractions in the city.
Slow-smoked beef brisket with a peppery bark, a cornerstone of Houston barbecue culture shaped by Texas smoking traditions.
Grilled skirt steak served sizzling with tortillas and fixings; Houston helped popularize Tex-Mex fajitas nationwide.
Soft tortillas filled with eggs, potatoes, cheese, or meats, reflecting Houston’s everyday Tex-Mex breakfast culture.
Established upscale steakhouse known for prime beef, polished service, and an extensive wine program.
Widely praised Houston barbecue spot known for brisket, ribs, and classic Texas sides in a lively, casual setting.
Well-known restaurant serving refined regional Mexican cuisine in an elegant but welcoming setting.
Moderate by U.S. big-city standards. Dining and transport are manageable, but hotels and car-related costs can add up.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis/rideshares 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for coffee only if desired.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Houston, TX 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 Houston, TX, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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