- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
Showing times and prices for May 28
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$76
Fastest journey
6 h 10 m
Average duration
7 h 5 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
377 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA will cost around $76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Minneapolis, MN for Des Moines, IA on Thu, May 28, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 28 the direct buses cover the 377 km distance in an average of 7 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 10 m .
On Thu, May 28 the slowest buses will take 8 h 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.
3:10 PM8h00Minneapolis, MN11:10 PMDes Moines, IA$501One-way0 transfers- 10:55 PM6h10Minneapolis, MN5:05 AMDes Moines, IA$1031One-way0 transfers
- 10:55 PM6h10Minneapolis, MN5:05 AMDes Moines, IA$1031One-way0 transfers
- 3:10 PM8h00Minneapolis, MN11:10 PMDes Moines, IA$501One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, and a flight costs an average of $237.
Distance: 234 miles (377 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$78 Average price Cheapest | $413 Average price | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 39m Average total duration 7h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 30m Average total duration Fastest 6h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA is a bus with an average price of $78 (€63).
This is compared to other travel options from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $334 (€270) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA costing on average $413 (€333).
The fastest way to travel from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA is by flight with an average journey time of 6h 30m.
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 9m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Minneapolis, MN and Des Moines, IA including taking a bus and flight.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -4h -39m sooner (7h 9m by bus vs 3h 30m by car) and save roughly $-27.90 (€-22.52) compared to fuel and tolls ($78 (€63) vs $50 (€41)). 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 Jefferson Lines.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $138 |
Operator Jefferson Lines | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Jefferson Lines | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $103 |
Live departures
Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:10 PM Minneapolis, MN | 8h00 | 11:10 PM Des Moines, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA by bus or flight
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.
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May 28
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
USAUSA
Buses from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 7h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 (€40) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:20, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 234 miles (377 km) distance in 4h 50m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 234 miles (377 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€40) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 50m |
First bus 4:20 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Jefferson Lines from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IAYou can travel by bus between Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA with Jefferson Lines for as low as $50 (€40). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Jefferson Lines
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
$105 (€85)
Jefferson Lines frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Des Moines
Things to do in Des Moines
Discover the best of Des Moines — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Des Moines trip today.
- Recommended
State Historical Museum of Iowa
Museum covering Iowa history through artifacts, exhibits, and state-focused interpretation. Good for understanding the region beyond downtown sights.
- Recommended
Salisbury House & Gardens
Historic house museum with art, books, and decorative collections in an estate setting. Popular for its distinctive architecture and interiors.
- Must visit
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Large downtown sculpture park with major works in an open urban setting. One of the city's most photogenic and social-media-friendly stops.
- Must visit
East Village
Walkable district east of the river known for local shops, murals, and lively street atmosphere near the Capitol.
- Recommended
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Riverfront garden with indoor conservatory spaces and landscaped grounds. Popular for photos, seasonal displays, and a relaxing stroll.
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
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.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Sweet Corn
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.
Loose Meat Sandwich
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.
801 Chophouse Des Moines
An established upscale steakhouse known for prime steaks, seafood, and polished service in a classic fine-dining setting.
The Iowa Taproom
A popular venue highlighting Iowa beer, local ingredients, and regional comfort food in a spacious and welcoming setting.
Centro
A well-known downtown restaurant serving Italian fare, wood-fired pizzas, and pasta in a lively, stylish atmosphere.
United States Dollar
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major coastal cities, while everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-35 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 50-100+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 3-6 for a regular coffee or latte.
Tipping culture
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.
FAQs: Bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Minneapolis, MN 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA can start from as little as $50 (€40) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA is $78 (€63) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA is 4h 50m to travel the 234 miles (377 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA leaves at 4:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA leaves at 11:30 PM.
There are 1 buses a day from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA which require at least one change with Jefferson Lines. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA, you can count on Jefferson Lines for the best way to get you to Des Moines, IA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Minneapolis, MN and Des Moines, IA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Des Moines, IA from Minneapolis, MN is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Minneapolis, MN and Des Moines, IA including taking a bus and flight.
No, the bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA.
No, luggage for the bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA.
Since neither Minneapolis, MN nor Des Moines, IA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Des Moines, IA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and occasional vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include fake ticket sellers for local events and unofficial ride services. Staying alert in busy downtown spots and using authorized transportation options helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from Minneapolis, MN
More options for your journey from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
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Most popular buses to and from Des Moines, IA and Minneapolis, MN
Most popular bus connections to Des Moines, IA
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