- Must visit
Seattle Art Museum
Major downtown art museum with global collections, rotating exhibitions, and strong Pacific Northwest representation.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $229. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $229, and a flight costs an average of $192.
Distance: 1463 miles (2355 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$266 Average price Cheapest | $508 Average price | $356 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
57h 42m Average total duration 57h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 30m Average total duration Fastest 6h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA:
A bus is $242 (€198) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA costing on average $508 (€416).
Other travel options to Seattle, WA take longer:
Bus takes on average 57h 12m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 55h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $264 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 55h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $267 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 55h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $229 |
Operator Jefferson Lines | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 52h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $653 |
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 Seattle, WA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 57h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $229 (€187) but you can travel from only $192 (€157) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 14:45, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1463 miles (2355 km) distance in 55h 15m.
Distance 1463 miles (2355 km) |
Average bus duration 57h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $229 (€187) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 55h 15m |
First bus 2:45 PM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Seattle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Seattle trip today.
Major downtown art museum with global collections, rotating exhibitions, and strong Pacific Northwest representation.
Bold contemporary museum known for music, film, science fiction, gaming, and interactive exhibits near Seattle Center.
Immersive exhibition of Dale Chihuly's glass art, featuring dramatic indoor galleries and a glasshouse.
Classic Seattle viewpoint for postcard skyline photos with the Space Needle and Mount Rainier on clear days.
Distinctive lakeside park with industrial remnants, skyline views, and broad lawns popular with locals.
Popular central waterfront walking area close to piers, views, and many of the city's best-known attractions.
Pacific Northwest salmon roasted on a cedar plank, giving it a smoky wood aroma. It is one of Seattle’s signature dishes and reflects the region’s strong salmon tradition.
Sweet, tender crab from Pacific Northwest waters, often served simply cracked or in crab cakes and seafood plates. It is a classic Seattle seafood specialty.
A large Pacific Northwest clam known for its crisp texture and briny flavor, often served as sashimi or lightly cooked. It is a distinctive regional delicacy.
Iconic fine-dining restaurant with Pacific Northwest cuisine, polished service, and sweeping views. Best known for refined seafood and special-occasion atmosphere.
Popular casual spot famous for rich clam chowder and other seafood soups near Pike Place Market. A reliable choice for classic Seattle flavors.
Established oyster bar specializing in fresh Washington shellfish, especially oysters, crab, and other regional seafood. Casual but highly regarded.
Seattle is pricey by U.S. standards, with high hotel, dining, and coffee costs, though casual meals are still manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA buses use the to Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington). Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and Seattle, WA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need