Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $257. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $257, and a flight costs an average of $352.
Distance: 1428 miles (2299 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight |
|---|---|
$257 Average price Cheapest | $352 Average price |
53h 30m Average total duration 53h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 38m Average total duration Fastest 4h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 51h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $273 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 45h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $237 |
Live departures
Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Thursday, March 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
undefined · undefined · undefined | 9:20 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 51h25 | 12:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, March 20 | |||||
undefined · undefined · undefined+ FlixBus | 12:35 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 45h05 | 9:40 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 3 transfers | |
undefined · undefined · undefined+ FlixBus | 12:35 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 44h35 | 9:10 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
undefined · undefined · undefined · undefined | 12:35 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 54h15 | 6:50 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
undefined · undefined · undefined · undefined | 12:35 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 52h40 | 5:15 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 4 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA by bus or flight
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.
Mar 20
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Mar 24
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Mar 26
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA
Buses from Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 53h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $257 (€210) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 19:35. The fastest bus covers the 1428 miles (2299 km) distance in 53h 0m.
Distance 1428 miles (2299 km) |
Average bus duration 53h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $257 (€210) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 53h 0m |
First bus 05:30 |
Last bus 19:35 |
Cheapest month Dec |
Cheapest day Tue |
High season Apr - Jun |
Low season Oct - Dec |
FAQs: Bus from Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Balboa Park, a sprawling urban park with museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo
- USS Midway Museum, a historic naval aircraft carrier museum offering interactive exhibits and tours
- La Jolla Cove, a picturesque coastal area known for its stunning views and marine life
- Gaslamp Quarter, a lively historic district with Victorian architecture, dining, and entertainment options
- Coronado Beach, a beautiful sandy beach known for its gentle waves and iconic hotel.
- Explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
- enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning views of the skyline and naval ships
- hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life and ocean conservation
- experience the thrill of a whale watching tour off the coast.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA
Most popular bus connections from Des Moines, IA
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