- Must visit
RISD Museum
Leading art museum with global collections, strong American holdings, and easy access beside Brown University and RISD.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Providence, RI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €231 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 12m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €231, while a flight costs an average of €440.
Distance: 1141 miles (1837 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€231 Average price Cheapest | €440 Average price | €214 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
31h 58m Average total duration 31h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 12m Average total duration Fastest 4h 12m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 19h 21m 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 Providence, RI:
A bus is €210 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Providence, RI costing on average €440.
Other travel options to Providence, RI take longer:
Bus takes on average 31h 28m.
Tickets start at around €231 compared to roughly €214 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-16.66. The journey takes 31h 28m versus 19h 21m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
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 Providence, RI run on average 1 times per day, taking around 31h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €224 but you can travel from only €136 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 09:25, the last at 09:25. The fastest bus covers the 1141 miles (1837 km) distance in 31h 5m.
Distance 1141 miles (1837 km) |
Average bus duration 31h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price €224 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 31h 5m |
First bus 9:25 AM |
Last bus 9:25 AM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Providence, RI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Providence, RI trip today.
Leading art museum with global collections, strong American holdings, and easy access beside Brown University and RISD.
Hands-on science museum known for interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and family-friendly learning downtown.
Historic house museum showcasing elegant Victorian interiors, decorative arts, and the life of the Lippitt family.
Historic hilltop neighborhood of colonial streets, campus landmarks, and some of Providence’s best preserved architecture.
Scenic downtown riverwalk and plaza area central to WaterFire, public art, and leisurely walks beside the water.
Italian-American neighborhood known for lively streets, historic character, and one of the city’s best walking atmospheres.
Rhode Island’s signature fried calamari, often tossed with hot cherry peppers and garlic butter. It reflects the state’s strong Italian and seafood traditions.
A clear clam broth with clams, potatoes and herbs, without cream or tomato. It is the traditional local chowder style in Rhode Island.
Thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, usually topped with a thin tomato soup-like sauce. It is a classic Rhode Island sandwich with old-school roots.
Refined New American restaurant downtown with polished service and a smart, elegant atmosphere. Known for seasonal tasting menus and creative plating.
Stylish seafood restaurant and oyster bar on the riverfront. Popular for local shellfish, chowder and a lively downtown atmosphere.
Long-running bakery and cafe in Federal Hill known for pastries, pizza strips, calzones and coffee. A good stop for casual local Italian-American favorites.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels and dining are usually below Boston, while transit is limited so visitors may spend more on rideshares or parking.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually get 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or prompts; $1-2 is common.
Official public transport app
Peter Pan Bus Terminal -> Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Providence, RI 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 Providence, RI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Des Moines, IA to Providence, RI buses use the Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) to Providence, Canal FS Smith station pair. Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and Providence, RI 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.
Providence, Canal FS Smith has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast-food options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Providence, Canal FS Smith. ATMs are available at Providence, Canal FS Smith.
Ticket office support is available at Providence, Canal FS Smith.
Available at Providence, Canal FS Smith: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Providence, Canal FS Smith: Wheelchair accessible ramps present.
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