- Must visit
Portland Art Museum
The city’s leading art museum, known for Native American art, Northwest works, and major traveling exhibitions in a central downtown location.
Cheapest price
$271
Average price
$271
Fastest journey
2 d 15 h 40 m
Average duration
2 d 15 h 40 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2369 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR 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 Portland, OR will cost around $271 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $271.
Of the 1 buses that leave Des Moines, IA for Portland, OR on Tue, May 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 19 the direct buses cover the 2369 km distance in an average of 2 d 15 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 15 h 40 m .
On Tue, May 19 the slowest buses will take 2 d 15 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $233. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $233, and a flight costs an average of $201.
Distance: 1472 miles (2369 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$276 Average price Cheapest | $476 Average price | $363 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
72h 55m Average total duration 72h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 39m Average total duration Fastest 5h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 26h 3m 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 Portland, OR:
A bus is $200 (€162) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR costing on average $476 (€384).
Other travel options to Portland, OR take longer:
Bus takes on average 72h 25m.
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 03:55PM | Duration 63h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $257 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 52h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $282 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 52h30 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $233 |
Operator Jefferson Lines | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 68h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $638 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR buses for tomorrow, Monday, May 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:15 AM Des Moines, IA | 63h40 | 3:55 PM Portland, OR | 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 Portland, OR run on average 1 times per day, taking around 72h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $233 (€188) but you can travel from only $201 (€162) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 02:00, the last at 20:00. The fastest bus covers the 1472 miles (2369 km) distance in 52h 10m.
Distance 1472 miles (2369 km) |
Average bus duration 72h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $233 (€188) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 52h 10m |
First bus 2:00 AM |
Last bus 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Portland — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portland trip today.
The city’s leading art museum, known for Native American art, Northwest works, and major traveling exhibitions in a central downtown location.
A large hands-on science museum on the Willamette River with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly displays.
A historic house museum with preserved interiors and exhibits about Portland history, plus sweeping views over the city and mountains.
A major urban park combining gardens, trails, memorials, and viewpoints, making it one of Portland’s essential outdoor destinations.
A central riverside park popular for walks, bridges views, festivals, and skyline photos along the Willamette.
A serene walled garden in Old Town that blends architecture, landscaping, and classical Chinese design in a compact city setting.
Portland is one of America’s best-known beer cities, with a deep culture of independent breweries and a wide range of IPA, lager, sour, and stout styles.
Portland has a major specialty coffee scene centered on carefully sourced beans and precise brewing, making local roasters and cafes a core part of the city’s food identity.
Playful, oversized doughnuts became a signature Portland treat, known for creative toppings and the city’s quirky food culture.
A celebrated Portland restaurant known for inventive French-inspired cooking, rich flavors, and a lively intimate dining room.
A popular spot for Southern comfort food with a Portland following, especially known for fried chicken and hearty brunch plates.
A well-known brewery venue serving Oregon craft beer, pub fare, and a spacious relaxed setting in central Portland.
Moderate by U.S. city standards. Food and coffee are reasonable, but hotels and fine dining can be pricey in central areas.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5 as appropriate.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Portland, OR 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 Portland, OR, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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