- Must visit
Seattle Art Museum
Major art museum with global collections, strong Native and modern holdings, and rotating blockbuster exhibitions downtown.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$235
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$235
Fastest journey on Sep 19
2 d 15 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
2 d 15 h 45 m
Buses on Sep 19
2
Distance
2355 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA will cost around $235 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $235.
It's difficult to get from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA without transferring at least 5 times.
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· 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 an average ticket price of $306 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 9h 13m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $306, while a flight costs an average of $659.
Distance: 1463 miles (2355 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$306 Average price Cheapest | $659 Average price | $361 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
59h 1m Average total duration 58h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 13m Average total duration Fastest 7h 13m Onboard + 2h 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 $353 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA costing on average $659.
Other travel options to Seattle, WA take longer:
Bus takes on average 58h 31m.
Tickets start at around $306 compared to roughly $361 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $54. The journey takes 58h 31m versus 25h 49m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 65h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $230 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 63h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $232 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Seattle, WA buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus+ · | 9:20 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 63h35 | 10:55 PM Seattle, South Lane Street / 6th Avenue South, WA | 5 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+ · | 9:20 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 63h55 | 11:15 PM Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington), WA | 5 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 Seattle, WA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 58h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $251 but you can travel from only $235 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 52h 25m.
Distance 1463 miles (2355 km) |
Average bus duration 58h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $251 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 52h 25m |
First bus 2:45 PM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Seattle, WA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Seattle, WA trip today.
Major art museum with global collections, strong Native and modern holdings, and rotating blockbuster exhibitions downtown.
Immersive pop-culture museum with music, science fiction, gaming, and film exhibits in a Frank Gehry building.
Leading aviation museum featuring historic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on exhibits near Boeing Field.
Vast urban park with forests, beaches, bluffs, and trails, plus some of Seattle’s finest Puget Sound views.
Lively waterfront district with ferries, the Great Wheel, promenades, and classic Elliott Bay scenery.
Beloved hilltop park offering postcard views of downtown, Elliott Bay, and Mount Rainier, especially at sunset.
Cedar plank salmon is Pacific Northwest salmon roasted on cedar, adding smoky wood aroma. It reflects Seattle's strong salmon culture and regional cooking style.
Seattle-style teriyaki is grilled meat with sweet-savory sauce, usually over rice and salad. It became a defining everyday local meal across the city.
Geoduck is a large Pacific Northwest clam, often served raw or lightly cooked. It is prized locally for its sweet taste and connection to regional seafood.
Historic Pike Place Market spot famed for clam chowder, seafood sandwiches, and casual counter service with a lively market atmosphere.
Long-running market restaurant known for Dungeness crab cakes, seafood entrées, and views over Pike Place with a classic local feel.
Acclaimed fine dining destination focused on seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients, refined tasting menus, and elegant service near Pike Place.
Seattle is pricier than many US cities, with higher hotel, dining, and parking costs. Transit is reasonable, but central stays and waterfront meals raise typical visitor budgets.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or screens; small tips are appreciated.
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 Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) to Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington) station pair, with some services arriving at Seattle, South Lane Street / 6th Avenue South. 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.
Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) is 3 km from Des Moines city centre. Public transport options include:
Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.). ATMs are available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.).
Ticket office support is available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.).
Available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington) is 5 km from Seattle city centre. Public transport options include:
Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington). ATMs are available at Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington).
Ticket office support is available at Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington).
Available at Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington): Bus station is wheelchair accessible.
Seattle, South Lane Street / 6th Avenue South is 1 km from Seattle city centre. Public transport options include:
Seattle, South Lane Street / 6th Avenue South has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Seattle, South Lane Street / 6th Avenue South. ATMs are available at Seattle, South Lane Street / 6th Avenue South.
Ticket office support is available at Seattle, South Lane Street / 6th Avenue South.
Available at Seattle, South Lane Street / 6th Avenue South: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Seattle, South Lane Street / 6th Avenue South: The station is accessible with ramps and designated waiting areas.
Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station) is 1 km from Seattle city centre. Public transport options include:
Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several eateries within walking distance.
Wi-Fi is available at Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station).
Available at Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station): The station is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments.
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