- 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
$270
Average price
$270
Fastest journey
1 d 3 h 35 m
Average duration
1 d 3 h 35 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1626 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Newark, NJ 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 Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA will cost around $270 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $270.
Of the 1 buses that leave Newark, NJ for Des Moines, IA on Wed, Jun 17, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct buses cover the 1626 km distance in an average of 1 d 3 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 3 h 35 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest buses will take 1 d 3 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.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $128. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $128, and a flight costs an average of $302.
Distance: 1010 miles (1626 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$206 Average price Cheapest | $331 Average price | $224 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
29h 10m Average total duration 28h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $125 (€102) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA costing on average $331 (€268).
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 28h 40m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
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 Flixbus USA | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 31h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $249 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 27h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $270 |
The table below shows live departures for Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:30 AM Newark, NJ | 31h05 | 6:35 PM Des Moines, IA | 1 transfer | |
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 Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 28h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $128 (€104) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 09:45. The fastest bus covers the 1010 miles (1626 km) distance in 27h 15m.
Distance 1010 miles (1626 km) |
Average bus duration 28h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $128 (€104) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 27h 15m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 9:45 AM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 Newark, NJ 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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