The cheapest and fastest buses from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$29
Fastest journey
2 h 10 m
Average duration
2 h 10 m
Buses per day
1
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 $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 1 buses that leave Des Moines, IA for Iowa City, IA on Wed, May 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 06 the direct buses cover the 173 km distance in an average of 2 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 10 m .
On Wed, May 06 the slowest buses will take 2 h 10 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.
11:30 AM2h10Des Moines, IA1:40 PMIowa City, IA$291One-way0 transfers
11:30 AM2h10Des Moines, IA1:40 PMIowa City, IA$291One-way0 transfers
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 tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:30 AM Des Moines, IA | 2h10 | 1:40 PM 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.
May 06
May 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA
Buses from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 16:25. The fastest bus covers the 107 miles (173 km) distance in 2h 10m.
Distance 107 miles (173 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 2h 10m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 4:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Bus providers: Burlington Trailways from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IAYou can travel by bus between Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA with Burlington Trailways for as low as $24 (€19). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Burlington Trailways
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.

popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA
Most popular bus connections from Des Moines, IA
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