- Must visit
Philadelphia Museum of Art
One of the largest art museums in the United States, known for major collections, special exhibitions, and the famous East Steps.
Cheapest price
$124
Average price
$124
Fastest journey
1 d 2 h 40 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 40 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1561 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA will cost around $124 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $124.
Of the 1 buses that leave Des Moines, IA for Philadelphia, PA on Wed, Jun 17, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct buses cover the 1561 km distance in an average of 1 d 2 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 2 h 40 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest buses will take 1 d 2 h 40 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 flight as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $124. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $124, and a flight costs an average of $179.
Distance: 969 miles (1561 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$215 Average price Cheapest | $353 Average price | $220 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 2m Average total duration 26h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 6m 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 Philadelphia, PA:
A bus is $137 (€111) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $353 (€286).
Other travel options to Philadelphia, PA take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 32m.
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 09:20AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 26h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $158 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 41h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $132 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 26h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 29h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $285 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 45h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $224 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA buses for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:20 PM Des Moines, IA | 29h25 | 8:45 PM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:20 PM Des Moines, IA | 45h10 | 6:30 PM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare flight and 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 Philadelphia, PA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 26h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $124 (€101) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:50, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 969 miles (1561 km) distance in 26h 40m.
Distance 969 miles (1561 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $124 (€101) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 26h 40m |
First bus 1:50 AM |
Last bus 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Philadelphia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Philadelphia trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the United States, known for major collections, special exhibitions, and the famous East Steps.
Renowned collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings displayed in an intimate, carefully arranged setting.
Major science museum with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly displays that make it one of the city’s most popular museums.
Elegant central square surrounded by historic buildings, shopping, and cafés, popular for people-watching and relaxed city walks.
Broad cultural boulevard linking City Hall and the art museum district, lined with flags, fountains, and major institutions.
Historic neighborhood with cobbled streets, early American landmarks, galleries, and lively urban atmosphere near the waterfront.
The city’s signature sandwich of thinly sliced beef and melted cheese on a long roll, often ordered with fried onions. It is Philadelphia’s most famous comfort food.
A traditional Philadelphia sandwich with slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe on an Italian roll. Many locals consider it the city’s best sandwich.
Philadelphia-style soft pretzels are dense, chewy, and usually eaten with mustard. They are a classic street snack with deep local roots.
A historic indoor market with many established vendors serving classic Philadelphia foods, including roast pork, pretzels, and Pennsylvania Dutch specialties. Lively and casual atmosphere.
An acclaimed modern Israeli restaurant known for polished service, excellent mezze, and a destination dining experience. One of Philadelphia’s best-known upscale restaurants.
A famous market sandwich counter best known for its roast pork with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. One of the city’s most celebrated casual eats.
Moderate by major U.S. city standards. Hotels can be pricey, but food, transit, and attractions offer good mid-range options.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need