- Must visit
North Carolina Museum of Art
Premier art museum with global collections, major exhibitions, and a large sculpture park that makes it a top cultural stop.
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$139
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$174
Fastest journey on Sep 17
1 d 5 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
1 d 11 h 2 m
Buses on Sep 17
3
Distance
1449 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC will cost around $174 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $139.
It's difficult to get from Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC without transferring at least 2 times.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $209 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 35m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $209, while a flight costs an average of $668.
Distance: 900 miles (1449 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$209 Average price Cheapest | $668 Average price |
29h 26m Average total duration 28h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration Fastest 4h 35m 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 Raleigh, NC:
A bus is $458 (€373) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $668 (€543).
Other travel options to Raleigh, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 28h 56m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 30h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $232 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 32h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $233 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 31h50 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $138 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 29h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $139 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 37h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 36h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $231 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC buses for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 8:05 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 29h15 | 2:20 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
· + FlixBus | 9:20 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 35h00 | 9:20 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 9:20 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 36h40 | 11:00 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 3 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 Raleigh, NC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 28h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $138 (€112) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 22:05. The fastest bus covers the 900 miles (1449 km) distance in 27h 20m.
Distance 900 miles (1449 km) |
Average bus duration 28h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $138 (€112) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 27h 20m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Raleigh, NC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Raleigh, NC trip today.
Premier art museum with global collections, major exhibitions, and a large sculpture park that makes it a top cultural stop.
One of the Southeast's best natural history museums, featuring dinosaurs, research labs, and family-friendly exhibits across two buildings.
Interactive museum covering North Carolina's military past with aircraft, artifacts, and stories spanning colonial times to today.
Lively warehouse district with murals, shops, event spaces, and nightlife. It is one of Raleigh's most popular modern walking areas.
Beloved city park with an antique carousel, train ride, and shaded paths. Ideal for families and a classic local outing.
Scenic art-and-nature trail linking museum grounds with outdoor sculptures, woods, and open fields for an easy cultural walk.
Eastern North Carolina chopped pork barbecue is smoked whole hog with a tangy vinegar-pepper sauce, a defining regional staple widely loved around Raleigh.
Barbecue hushpuppies are crisp fried cornmeal dumplings, a classic side with Carolina barbecue and seafood across the Raleigh area.
Fried green tomatoes are tart unripe tomato slices breaded and fried, a Southern favorite often served as an appetizer in Raleigh restaurants.
Long-running fine dining destination celebrated for upscale Southern cuisine, garden herbs, and a romantic historic setting.
Popular casual spot for biscuits, Southern breakfast plates, and local comfort food with a lively neighborhood feel.
Beloved local brewpub offering house beers and hearty pub food, reflecting Raleigh's strong craft beer culture.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels and dining are usually lower than NYC or DC, but car, rideshare, and limited transit can raise visitor costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is provided.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC buses use the Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) to Raleigh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon). Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and Raleigh, NC 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.
Raleigh, Bus Station is 4 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Station is accessible via ramps.
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) is 6 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon). ATMs are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Station is accessible for passengers with disabilities.
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