4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$25
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$30
Fastest journey on Sep 19
2 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
3 h 2 m
Buses on Sep 19
3
Distance
173 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA 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 Iowa City, IA will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 3 buses from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA, including 3 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 173 km distance in an average of 3 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 5 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 4 h 50 m 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.
9:20 AM2h05Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA11:25 AMIowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station), IA$251One-way0 transfers- 5:30 AM2h10Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA7:40 AMIowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station), IA$251One-way0 transfers
- 9:45 AM4h50Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA2:35 PMIowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go), IA$401One-way0 transfers
- 9:20 AM2h05Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA11:25 AMIowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station), IA$251One-way0 transfers
- 5:30 AM2h10Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA7:40 AMIowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station), IA$251One-way0 transfers
- 9:45 AM4h50Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA2:35 PMIowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go), IA$401One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus for Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $45 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 3h 17m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, while a bus costs an average of $45.
Distance: 107 miles (173 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$45 Average price Cheapest | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 17m Average total duration Fastest 2h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $44 compared to roughly $24 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-20.00. The journey takes 2h 43m versus 1h 44m 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.
Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Live departures
Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM Des Moines, IA | 2h10 | 12:40 PM Iowa City, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:30 AM Des Moines, IA | 2h10 | 1:40 PM Iowa City, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:20 PM Des Moines, IA | 2h05 | 4:25 PM Iowa City, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:20 PM Des Moines, IA | 2h50 | 12:10 AM Iowa City, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA by bus
Compare bus 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.
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Sep 24
Sep 25
Why should you book Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Infobus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Infobus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Official reseller: Infobus tickets can only be bought on Omio or Infobus's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Infobus tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell Infobus tickets as they are not official sellers.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA
USAUSA
Buses from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 20:50. The fastest bus covers the 107 miles (173 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 107 miles (173 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 2h 0m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 8:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Bus providers: Greyhound, Infobus from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IAYou can travel by bus between Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA with Greyhound, Infobus for as low as $24. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Infobus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA 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 Iowa City, IA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA
Most Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA buses use the Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) to Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go). Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and Iowa City, IA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Des Moines, IA station do buses to Iowa City, IA leave from?
Getting to Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) from Des Moines city centre
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.) bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
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.).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
Getting to Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St from Des Moines city centre
Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St is 2 km from Des Moines city centre. Public transport options include:
Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St. ATMs are available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St: Accessible for passengers with limited mobility.
Which Iowa City, IA station do buses from Des Moines, IA arrive at?
Getting to Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station) from Iowa City city centre
Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station) bus station facilities and services
Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station). ATMs are available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station): Bus station is wheelchair accessible.
Getting to Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go) from Iowa City city centre
Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go) is 1 km from Iowa City city centre. Public transport options include:
Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go) bus station facilities and services
Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Convenience store available at the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go). ATMs are available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go): Station is accessible for people with disabilities.
Most popular bus connections from Des Moines, IA
More options for your journey from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Iowa City, IA and Des Moines, IA
Most popular bus connections to Iowa City, IA
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