- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Major modern and contemporary art museum with notable architecture and a strong permanent collection. A top cultural stop in the city.
Cheapest price
$220
Average price
$302
Fastest journey
1 d 12 h 55 m
Average duration
1 d 12 h 55 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
2311 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA to Des Moines, IA will cost around $302 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $220.
Of the 2 buses that leave Los Angeles, CA for Des Moines, IA on Fri, May 29, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct buses cover the 2311 km distance in an average of 1 d 12 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 12 h 55 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest buses will take 1 d 12 h 55 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.




Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Los Angeles, CA to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $145. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $145, and a flight costs an average of $209.
Distance: 1435 miles (2311 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight |
|---|---|
$257 Average price Cheapest | $379 Average price |
41h 48m Average total duration 41h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 10m Average total duration Fastest 4h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Los Angeles, CA to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $122 (€99) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Los Angeles, CA to Des Moines, IA costing on average $379 (€306).
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 41h 18m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 36h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 36h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $173 |
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to Des Moines, IA buses for tomorrow, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:00 AM Los Angeles, CA | 36h55 | 1:55 PM Des Moines, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:00 AM Los Angeles, CA | 36h55 | 2:55 PM Des Moines, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Los Angeles, CA to Des Moines, IA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 41h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $145 (€117) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1435 miles (2311 km) distance in 36h 55m.
Distance 1435 miles (2311 km) |
Average bus duration 41h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $145 (€117) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 36h 55m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 3 days |
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 modern and contemporary art museum with notable architecture and a strong permanent collection. A top cultural stop in the city.
Museum covering Iowa history through artifacts, exhibits, and state-focused interpretation. Good for understanding the region beyond downtown sights.
Historic house museum with art, books, and decorative collections in an estate setting. Popular for its distinctive architecture and interiors.
Large downtown sculpture park with major works in an open urban setting. One of the city's most photogenic and social-media-friendly stops.
Walkable district east of the river known for local shops, murals, and lively street atmosphere near the Capitol.
Riverfront garden with indoor conservatory spaces and landscaped grounds. Popular for photos, seasonal displays, and a relaxing stroll.
An Iowa classic featuring a pork cutlet pounded thin, breaded, fried, and served on a bun. It is one of the most iconic comfort foods in Central Iowa.
Iowa sweet corn is prized in summer for its tenderness and natural sweetness. It is a simple local staple strongly tied to the state’s farming identity.
A seasoned ground beef sandwich served loose on a bun rather than formed into a patty. It is a long-standing regional Midwestern favorite found across Iowa.
An established upscale steakhouse known for prime steaks, seafood, and polished service in a classic fine-dining setting.
A popular venue highlighting Iowa beer, local ingredients, and regional comfort food in a spacious and welcoming setting.
A well-known downtown restaurant serving Italian fare, wood-fired pizzas, and pasta in a lively, stylish atmosphere.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major coastal cities, while everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5. Tipping is expected for table service, but not usually for counter service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, CA 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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