- Must visit
The National WWII Museum
A major campus of immersive exhibits on World War II, widely regarded as one of the top museums in the United States.
Cheapest price
$134
Average price
$134
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h 30 m
Average duration
1 d 12 h 33 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
1333 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA will cost around $134 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $134.
It's difficult to get from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus+
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $140. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $140, and a flight costs an average of $148.
Distance: 828 miles (1333 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$221 Average price Cheapest | $381 Average price | $201 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 35m Average total duration 25h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 19m Average total duration Fastest 6h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA:
A bus is $160 (€131) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA costing on average $381 (€310).
Other travel options to New Orleans, LA take longer:
Bus takes on average 25h 5m.
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 02:30PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 32h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $260 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 25h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $121 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 4:20 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 25h30 | 5:50 PM New Orleans, LA | 1 transfer | |
· + FlixBus+![]() | 4:20 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 47h35 | 3:55 PM Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr) | 5 transfers | |
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 New Orleans, LA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 25h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $140 (€114) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 21:10. The fastest bus covers the 828 miles (1333 km) distance in 25h 30m.
Distance 828 miles (1333 km) |
Average bus duration 25h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $140 (€114) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 25h 30m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 9:10 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of New Orleans — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Orleans trip today.
A major campus of immersive exhibits on World War II, widely regarded as one of the top museums in the United States.
The city’s leading fine arts museum, known for its broad collection and its sculpture garden in City Park.
A respected museum focused on Southern art, with strong permanent collections and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s signature historic neighborhood, known for balconies, music, architecture, and its dense concentration of sights.
The most famous street in New Orleans, known for nightlife, music, and nonstop energy in the French Quarter.
A picturesque neighborhood of oak-lined streets and grand historic mansions, popular for walking and architecture.
A Rich Louisiana stew often made with a dark roux, the holy trinity of vegetables, and seafood or sausage. It is one of the city’s signature Creole and Cajun dishes.
A Spiced rice dish cooked with meat or seafood, aromatics, and stock. It is a classic New Orleans favorite influenced by Spanish and French cooking traditions.
A Traditional sandwich on French bread, usually filled with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef with gravy. It is one of the city’s most iconic everyday meals.
An Iconic Garden District restaurant serving refined Creole cuisine in an elegant historic setting. Known for jazz brunch and polished service.
A Legendary Treme institution famous for Creole soul food, gumbo, and local history. The atmosphere is classic, welcoming, and deeply tied to the city’s culture.
A Popular Warehouse District restaurant focused on Cajun-inspired cooking, Louisiana meats, and bold regional flavors in a stylish rustic room.
Moderate for U.S. city travel. Food and drinks range widely, while hotels rise sharply during festivals and weekends.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bartenders: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Tip musicians only if invited or a tip jar is out.
Official public transport app
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans -> Canal Street, New Orleans
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA buses use the to Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr) station pair, with some services arriving at New Orleans, LA. Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and New Orleans, LA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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