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Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €208. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €208, and a flight costs an average of €143.
Distance: 1547 miles (2490 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€263 Average price Cheapest | €334 Average price |
55h 28m Average total duration 54h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 0m Average total duration Fastest 5h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 54h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $254 (€208) but you can travel from only $174 (€143) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 1547 miles (2490 km) distance in 75h 10m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $174 (€143)
Distance 1547 miles (2490 km) |
Average bus duration 54h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $254 (€208) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 75h 10m |
First bus 05:30 |
Last bus 23:25 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $174 (€143)
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $174 (€143). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
75h 10m
Cheapest Price
$295 (€241)
Greyhound frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
FAQs: Bus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $258 (€211) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA is $427 (€350); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA bus travel time is 75 h 10 min for the 1543 mile (2489 km) long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 5: 30AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11: 45PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
For the trip from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA you can take a bus with FlixBus. Be sure to check out all possible bus companies that offer services from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
The cheapest month for a bus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA is October.
You have options as you can travel to San Francisco, CA from Des Moines, IA 2 different ways: bus or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Francisco, CA are:
- Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
- Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
- Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
- Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
- Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
The best things to do in San Francisco, CA include:
- Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
- Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
- Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
- Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA depends on the bus company:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA
Des Moines
San Francisco
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street
information
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
information
Most popular bus connections from Des Moines, IA
More options for your journey from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA
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