- Must visit
National Civil Rights Museum
World-class civil rights museum at the Lorraine Motel. Essential for understanding the movement, Dr. King, and the American struggle for justice.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $146 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 17m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $146, while a flight costs an average of $1139.
Distance: 485 miles (781 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$146 Average price Cheapest | $1139 Average price |
16h 50m Average total duration 16h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration Fastest 4h 17m Onboard + 2h 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 Memphis, TN:
A bus is $993 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN costing on average $1139.
Other travel options to Memphis, TN take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 20m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 21h10 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 22h20 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Jefferson Lines | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $237 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus+![]() | 9:20 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 21h10 | 6:30 AM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 2 transfers | |
· | 9:45 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 22h20 | 8:05 AM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN run on average 2 times per day, taking around 16h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $100 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:55, the last at 18:40. The fastest bus covers the 485 miles (781 km) distance in 13h 45m.
Distance 485 miles (781 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $100 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 13h 45m |
First bus 4:55 AM |
Last bus 6:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Memphis, TN — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Memphis, TN trip today.
World-class civil rights museum at the Lorraine Motel. Essential for understanding the movement, Dr. King, and the American struggle for justice.
Major museum of Memphis music history inside a former recording studio. A must for soul, blues, and rock fans exploring the city's sound.
Interactive museum on Stax Records and Southern soul legends. Worth visiting for Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and immersive music storytelling.
Memphis's legendary entertainment street, famous for live music, neon, and history. A classic walk for atmosphere, nightlife, and cultural identity.
Mississippi riverfront park with broad lawns, monuments, and skyline views. Ideal for an easy walk and classic river scenery.
Large urban park with old-growth forest, trails, playgrounds, and zoo access. Excellent for nature, families, and a break from downtown.
Memphis-style pork ribs are slow-smoked over hardwood, usually served dry-rubbed or lightly sauced. They are the city’s most iconic barbecue tradition.
Pulled pork shoulder is smoked until tender, chopped or shredded, and often topped with slaw. It is a staple of Memphis barbecue joints.
Barbecue spaghetti mixes smoked pork, tomato-based sauce, and spaghetti. This quirky Memphis specialty reflects the city’s barbecue creativity.
Beloved traditional barbecue spot famous for pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, and barbecue spaghetti. Casual and deeply tied to Memphis food culture.
Historic fine dining destination serving refined Southern cuisine and an acclaimed brunch. Elegant setting inside a former mansion in Midtown.
Long-running Memphis institution for fried chicken and Southern sides. Bustling, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong local following.
Moderate for U.S. city breaks: hotels and dining are generally below New York or Miami, while car, rideshare, and attraction costs can add up.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts; small tips are appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN buses use the Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) to Memphis, Airways Transit Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and Memphis, TN 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.
Memphis, Airways Transit Center is 11 km from Memphis city centre. Public transport options include:
Memphis, Airways Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple restaurants and food services available.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the station. ATMs are aTMs available inside the station building.
Ticket office support is available at Memphis, Airways Transit Center.
Available at Memphis, Airways Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Memphis, Airways Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with assistance available.
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