- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Major contemporary and modern art museum with a respected collection and notable architecture by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
50 m
Average duration
1 h
Buses per day
3
Distance
75 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Grinnell, IA to Des Moines, IA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Grinnell, IA to Des Moines, IA will cost around $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 3 buses that leave Grinnell, IA for Des Moines, IA on Sat, Jun 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 75 km distance in an average of 1 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 50 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 1 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.


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0Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Grinnell, IA to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $14, and a bus costs an average of $14.
Distance: 46 miles (75 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$19 Average price Cheapest | $11 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 25m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about -1h -5m sooner (55m by bus vs 50m by car) and save roughly $-8.05 (€-6.59) compared to fuel and tolls ($19 (€16) vs $11 (€9)). 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 Greyhound.
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 01:35PM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
The table below shows live departures for Grinnell, IA to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:35 PM Grinnell, 8th Ave. (Grinnell College) | 1h00 | 2:35 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:05 PM Grinnell, Lang Creek Ave (Kum & Go), IA | 0h50 | 6:55 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 10:00 PM Grinnell, IA | 1h10 | 11:10 PM Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St | 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 Grinnell, IA to Des Moines, IA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 09:20. The fastest bus covers the 46 miles (75 km) distance in 50m.
Distance 46 miles (75 km) |
Average bus duration 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€12) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 50m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 9:20 AM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of Des Moines — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Des Moines trip today.
Major contemporary and modern art museum with a respected collection and notable architecture by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
Museum covering Iowa history through permanent and rotating exhibits, located in the State Historical Building near the Capitol complex.
Historic house museum inspired by English manor architecture, featuring art, books, antiques, and landscaped grounds.
Downtown sculpture park featuring major contemporary works in an open urban green space, highly popular for walks and photos.
Trendy neighborhood east of the river known for independent shops, murals, historic streetscapes, and a lively local atmosphere.
Signature downtown walking area along the Des Moines River with bridges, lighting, event spaces, and skyline views.
An Iowa classic: a pork cutlet pounded thin, breaded, fried, and served on a bun, often comically larger than the bread. It is one of the state's most iconic comfort foods.
Iowa sweet corn is a summer staple, prized for its tenderness and natural sweetness. It is commonly eaten grilled, boiled, or buttered at fairs, cookouts, and seasonal meals.
A seasoned ground beef sandwich served loose on a bun rather than formed into a patty. It is a longtime Midwestern lunch-counter favorite strongly associated with Iowa.
A respected fine-dining venue in a historic house, serving refined American and Italian-influenced dishes in an intimate setting. A strong choice for a special night out.
An upscale steakhouse known for classic service, prime steaks, and an elegant atmosphere. It is one of Des Moines' best-known options for a high-end dinner.
A popular Des Moines burger spot known for creative burgers, boozy shakes, and a lively horror-themed atmosphere. A dependable place to try a strong local casual dining favorite.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major coastal cities, though downtown and event periods cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for casual services.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Grinnell, IA to Des Moines, IA 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 Des Moines, IA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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