- Must visit
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Major family attraction with marine habitats, nature exhibits, and conservation programs linked to Virginia's coastal ecosystems.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Virginia Beach, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $253 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 43m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $253, while a flight costs an average of $730.
Distance: 996 miles (1604 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$253 Average price Cheapest | $730 Average price | $242 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
34h 25m Average total duration 33h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 43m Average total duration Fastest 4h 43m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 18h 5m 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 Virginia Beach, VA:
A bus is $476 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Virginia Beach, VA costing on average $730.
Other travel options to Virginia Beach, VA take longer:
Bus takes on average 33h 55m.
Tickets start at around $253 compared to roughly $242 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-11.85. The journey takes 33h 55m versus 18h 5m 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 USA | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 48h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $328 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 38h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $263 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 40h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $259 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to Virginia Beach, VA buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:20 PM Des Moines, IA | 40h40 | 2:00 PM Virginia Beach, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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 Virginia Beach, VA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 33h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $229 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 22:00. The fastest bus covers the 996 miles (1604 km) distance in 32h 50m.
Distance 996 miles (1604 km) |
Average bus duration 33h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $229 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 32h 50m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Virginia Beach, VA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Virginia Beach, VA trip today.
Major family attraction with marine habitats, nature exhibits, and conservation programs linked to Virginia's coastal ecosystems.
Historic coast guard station museum interpreting shipwrecks, surfing, and lifesaving history at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Contemporary art museum featuring changing exhibitions, sculpture gardens, and strong regional programming near the resort area.
Classic three-mile oceanfront promenade for walking, biking, people-watching, festivals, and direct beach access.
Popular district combining beach access, nightlife, shops, and seasonal events; the city's main visitor hub.
Large state park with forested trails, dune landscapes, bay shoreline, and major significance as the first English landing area.
Fresh Lynnhaven oysters from local waters, prized for their clean, briny flavor and deep Tidewater history tied to the Chesapeake Bay region.
Virginia-style crab cakes highlight sweet blue crab with minimal filler, reflecting the coastal seafood traditions shared across Hampton Roads.
She-crab soup is a rich regional bisque made with crab meat, roe, and cream, long associated with coastal Virginia and nearby Chesapeake cuisine.
Established oceanfront seafood house known for she-crab soup, crab cakes, and a relaxed upstairs dining room with local coastal character.
Well-known local favorite for breakfast and brunch, especially oversized biscuits and Southern comfort dishes in a busy, friendly setting.
Upscale steak and seafood restaurant at the Cavalier, known for refined service, classic chops, and polished historic hotel atmosphere.
Moderate for a U.S. beach city: hotels rise in summer, dining is mid-priced, and most visitors need a car, adding parking or ride costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or about 10% at cafes if service is not included.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Virginia Beach, VA 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 Virginia Beach, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Des Moines, IA to Virginia Beach, VA buses use the Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) to Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Blvd (Circle D Food Mart) station pair. Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and Virginia Beach, VA 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.
Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Blvd (Circle D Food Mart) is 1 km from Virginia Beach city centre. Public transport options include:
Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Blvd (Circle D Food Mart) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Blvd (Circle D Food Mart). ATMs are available at Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Blvd (Circle D Food Mart).
Ticket office support is available at Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Blvd (Circle D Food Mart).
Available at Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Blvd (Circle D Food Mart): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Blvd (Circle D Food Mart): Limited accessibility features available.
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