The cheapest and fastest buses from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$272
Average price
$272
Fastest journey
1 d 19 h 10 m
Average duration
1 d 19 h 10 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2490 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco, CA will cost around $272 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $272.
Of the 1 buses that leave Des Moines, IA for San Francisco, CA on Sat, Mar 28, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Mar 28 the direct buses cover the 2490 km distance in an average of 1 d 19 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 19 h 10 m .
On Sat, Mar 28 the slowest buses will take 1 d 19 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


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 $233. 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 $233, and a flight costs an average of $162.
Distance: 1547 miles (2490 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$282 Average price Cheapest | $428 Average price |
47h 55m Average total duration 47h 25m 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 |
Live departures
Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA buses for tomorrow, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:15 AM Des Moines, IA | 43h10 | 8:25 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Why should you book Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA
Buses from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 47h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $233 (€188) but you can travel from only $162 (€131) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1547 miles (2490 km) distance in 43h 10m.
Distance 1547 miles (2490 km) |
Average bus duration 47h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $233 (€188) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 43h 10m |
First bus 05:30 |
Last bus 23:50 |
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 $162 (€131). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
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.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- 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.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Des Moines, IA to San Francisco, CA
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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