- 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.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Orlando, FL to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $229. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $229, and a flight costs an average of $206.
Distance: 1134 miles (1826 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$331 Average price Cheapest | $431 Average price | $266 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
33h 40m Average total duration 33h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Orlando, FL to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $100 (€82) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Orlando, FL to Des Moines, IA costing on average $431 (€353).
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 33h 10m.
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 | Departure Time 02:55AM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 40h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $229 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55AM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 40h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $305 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 37h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $197 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 34h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $207 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 34h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $163 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 34h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $163 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 34h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $340 |
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 Orlando, FL to Des Moines, IA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 33h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $229 (€187) but you can travel from only $206 (€168) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 04:00, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 1134 miles (1826 km) distance in 34h 35m.
Distance 1134 miles (1826 km) |
Average bus duration 33h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $229 (€187) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 34h 35m |
First bus 4:00 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 2 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 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 Orlando, FL 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need