- Must visit
North Carolina Museum of Art
Major art museum with a broad collection from ancient to contemporary works, plus a large outdoor Museum Park. One of Raleigh’s signature cultural stops.
Cheapest price
$139
Average price
$214
Fastest journey
1 d 6 h 55 m
Average duration
1 d 9 h 32 m
Buses per day
6
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 $214 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.
· · ·
· +
FlixBus
· ·
· +
FlixBus
· · ·
· ·
· · ·
· +
FlixBus
· +
FlixBus
· · · Omio 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 prices starting from $154. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $154, and a flight costs an average of $296.
Distance: 900 miles (1449 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$183 Average price Cheapest | $496 Average price |
28h 38m Average total duration 28h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 49m Average total duration Fastest 6h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC:
A bus is $313 (€253) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $496 (€402).
Other travel options to Raleigh, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 28h 8m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 30h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $232 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 32h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $139 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 36h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $155 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 08:46AM | Duration 47h01 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $374 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 35h00 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $174 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 38h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $234 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:20 AM Des Moines, IA | 36h30 | 9:50 PM Raleigh, 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 3 times per day, taking around 28h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $154 (€125) 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 32h 15m.
Distance 900 miles (1449 km) |
Average bus duration 28h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $154 (€125) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 32h 15m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Raleigh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Raleigh trip today.
Major art museum with a broad collection from ancient to contemporary works, plus a large outdoor Museum Park. One of Raleigh’s signature cultural stops.
The Southeast’s largest natural history museum, known for dinosaur exhibits, live animals, and strong family-friendly science displays in downtown Raleigh.
Popular interactive children’s museum with hands-on exhibits focused on play, learning, and imagination. Best for families with younger children.
Historic public park with walking paths, rides, a lake, and broad appeal for both families and casual visitors. One of Raleigh’s best-known green spaces.
Large urban park with skyline views, open fields, seasonal events, and highly photographed areas that have become very popular with locals and visitors.
Main downtown street lined with civic buildings, event spaces, and restaurants nearby, serving as a central axis for festivals and city life.
Whole-hog pork chopped and dressed with a tangy vinegar-pepper sauce. It is one of North Carolina’s most iconic regional foods and widely loved around Raleigh.
Slow-smoked pork shoulder or pork with a red slaw and a ketchup-vinegar dip. This Piedmont style is another classic North Carolina barbecue tradition often found in the Raleigh area.
A flaky Southern biscuit filled with salty cured ham, often served at breakfast. It reflects the strong Southern food heritage of Raleigh and the wider state.
A highly regarded venue combining dim sum, beer, and a distinctive floral dining room. It is one of Raleigh’s best-known upscale dining experiences.
An established downtown restaurant known for elevated Southern comfort food, seasonal cooking, and a stylish diner setting.
A popular casual spot recognized for fried chicken, biscuits, and modern Southern flavors in a lively central location.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than New York or San Francisco, but costs rise in downtown and during major events.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for excellent service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis/rideshares 10-15%, hotel staff a few USD, and round up for coffee only if desired.
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.

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