- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Leading art museum with strong American, contemporary, and decorative arts collections, plus a sculpture park just outside downtown.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Houston, TX 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 Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA will cost around $127 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $122.
It's difficult to get from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA without transferring at least 3 times.
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Buses from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 22h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $121 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:00, the last at 23:20. The fastest bus covers the 823 miles (1326 km) distance in 21h 0m.
Distance 823 miles (1326 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $121 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 21h 0m |
First bus 2:00 AM |
Last bus 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 30h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 30h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 29h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 28h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $121 |
The table below shows live departures for Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ · · | 5:35 PM Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron), TX | 30h10 | 11:45 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 6:00 PM Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station), TX | 29h45 | 11:45 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 6:55 PM Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station), TX | 28h50 | 11:45 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Des Moines, IA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Des Moines, IA trip today.
Leading art museum with strong American, contemporary, and decorative arts collections, plus a sculpture park just outside downtown.
Compact state museum covering Iowa history, culture, and artifacts. A practical stop for visitors wanting context before exploring the city.
Science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and hands-on displays suited to families and curious adults alike.
A 4.4-acre downtown sculpture park with major contemporary works, open lawns, and easy walking access to nearby restaurants and museums.
Historic neighborhood east of the river with indie shops, murals, nightlife, and restored buildings. Ideal for an easy local walk.
Large urban park with wooded trails, picnic areas, a lake, and river views. A favorite local green escape close to downtown.
Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich features a thin, breaded pork cutlet fried and served on a bun. It is a classic Iowa diner specialty known for its oversized cutlet.
Loose meat sandwich is seasoned ground beef served warm on a bun without being formed into a patty. It is a longtime Iowa lunch-counter staple.
Sweet corn is a signature Iowa summer food, prized for its sweetness and freshness. It is commonly boiled or grilled at fairs, cookouts, and family meals.
Historic market hall with multiple local food vendors, ideal for sampling regional snacks, coffee, craft beer, and casual meals.
Casual local favorite for the classic Iowa breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, plus burgers and comfort food in a laid-back setting.
Long-running smokehouse known for Iowa-style barbecue, ribs, brisket, and hearty sides in a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
Moderate for US city breaks; hotels and dining are usually cheaper than larger US metros, while car use can add transport costs.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, round up or add 10-15% for taxis, and tip a little at cafes only if table service is provided.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Des Moines, IA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Houston, TX 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.

Most Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA buses use the Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station) to Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) station pair. Use this guide to compare Houston, TX and Des Moines, IA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station) is 1 km from Houston city centre. Public transport options include:
Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants are available nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station).
Available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Houston, Gray St Parking (Bus Station): The station is accessible for disabled passengers.
Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station) is 6 km from Houston city centre. Public transport options include:
Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station). ATMs are aTM available in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Houston, Harrisburg Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron) is 14 km from Houston city centre. Public transport options include:
Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron). ATMs are available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron).
Ticket office support is available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron).
Available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Houston, Southwest Fwy (Chevron): Wheelchair accessible.
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.
Check bus stations information for Houston, TX and Des Moines, IA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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