- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Cheapest price
$256
Average price
$359
Fastest journey
1 d 14 h 40 m
Average duration
1 d 21 h 43 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
2311 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA will cost around $359 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $256.
Of the 3 buses that leave Des Moines, IA for Los Angeles, CA on Mon, Aug 17, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 17 the direct buses cover the 2311 km distance in an average of 1 d 21 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 14 h 40 m .
On Mon, Aug 17 the slowest buses will take 2 d 11 h 30 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.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $168. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $168, and a flight costs an average of $124.
Distance: 1435 miles (2311 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$355 Average price Cheapest | $359 Average price | $343 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
44h 0m Average total duration 43h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration Fastest 4h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 24h 14m 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 Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is $4 (€3) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $359 (€291).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 43h 30m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 39h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $175 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 38h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $329 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 39h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 59h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $256 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 49h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $196 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 38h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $176 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 49h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $334 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA buses for tomorrow, Monday, August 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:35 AM Des Moines, IA | 38h40 | 3:15 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:15 AM Des Moines, IA | 39h00 | 4:15 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Los Angeles, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 43h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $168 (€136) but you can travel from only $124 (€100) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1435 miles (2311 km) distance in 38h 40m.
Distance 1435 miles (2311 km) |
Average bus duration 43h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $168 (€136) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 38h 40m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA buses use the Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) to Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and Los Angeles, CA 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.
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and various dining options available.
Wi-Fi available in main waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs available near main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station).
Available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Station fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. ATMs are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: The station is accessible to people with disabilities.
Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore is 19 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore. ATMs are available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore.
Available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore: Basic accessibility features available for buses.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need