- 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 Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA will cost around NOK 1,173 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only NOK 1,173.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 1 buses from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 495 km distance in an average of 9 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 35 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest buses will take 9 h 35 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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Buses from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at NOK 501 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:20, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 307 miles (495 km) distance in 8h 25m.
Distance 307 miles (495 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price NOK 501 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 8h 25m |
First bus 3:20 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price NOK 517 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price NOK 539 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price NOK 1,078 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price NOK 1,070 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price NOK 1,744 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price NOK 1,087 |
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 Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA buses use the Milwaukee, Intermodal Station to Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) station pair, with some services arriving at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St. Use this guide to compare Milwaukee, WI and Des Moines, IA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station is 1 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafe and vending machines available.
Wi-Fi available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station.
Available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station: ADA compliant with elevators and ramps.
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) is 10 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food options are available within the airport terminal.
Wi-Fi is available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop). ATMs are aTMs are available in the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop).
Available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop): The station is accessible with facilities for disabled passengers.
Milwaukee has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Basic food and drink options are available.
Wi-Fi is available at Milwaukee. ATMs are available at Milwaukee.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee.
Available at Milwaukee: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee: The station is 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.
Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St is 2 km from Des Moines city centre. Public transport options include:
Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St. ATMs are available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St.
Ticket office support is available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St.
Available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St: Accessible for passengers with limited mobility.
Check bus stations information for Milwaukee, WI and Des Moines, IA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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