The cheapest and fastest buses from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA
Cheapest price
$74
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
1 h 55 m
Average duration
2 h 3 m
Buses per day
2
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 $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
Of the 2 buses that leave Des Moines, IA for Iowa City, IA on Mon, Dec 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 22 the direct buses cover the 173 km distance in an average of 2 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 55 m .
On Mon, Dec 22 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.




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 Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
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.
Dec 22
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Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA
Buses from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 16:20. 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 $33 (€27) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 10m |
First bus 05:30 |
Last bus 16:20 |
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 $33 (€27). 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Des Moines, IA to Iowa City, IA, follow these tips:
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