- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Leading art museum with strong American, contemporary, and decorative arts collections, plus a sculpture park just outside downtown.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€98
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€101
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 d 2 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 d 5 h
Buses on Sep 19
2
Distance
1561 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA to Des Moines, IA will cost around €101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €98.
It's difficult to get from Philadelphia, PA to Des Moines, IA without transferring at least 2 times.
FlixBus+
·
· ·
· ·
FlixBus+
· Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €153 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 7h 14m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €153, while a flight costs an average of €452.
Distance: 969 miles (1561 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€153 Average price Cheapest | €452 Average price | €284 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 36m Average total duration 27h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 14m Average total duration Fastest 5h 14m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 16h 7m 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 Philadelphia, PA to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is €299 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Des Moines, IA costing on average €452.
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 27h 6m.
Tickets start at around €153 compared to roughly €284 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €130. The journey takes 27h 6m versus 16h 7m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 31h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €77 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 26h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €77 |
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · | 5:35 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 26h20 | 6:55 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
+ FlixBus+![]() | 12:05 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 31h40 | 6:45 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 2 transfers | |
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 Philadelphia, PA to Des Moines, IA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 27h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €88 but you can travel from only €82 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 01:50, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 969 miles (1561 km) distance in 24h 0m.
Distance 969 miles (1561 km) |
Average bus duration 27h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price €88 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 24h 0m |
First bus 1:50 AM |
Last bus 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 49 days |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA to Des Moines, IA buses use the Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) to Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) station pair. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and Des Moines, IA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) is 2 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park). ATMs are available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park).
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park).
Available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park): The bus stop is accessible with ramps.
Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South) is 1 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South).
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South).
Available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South): Wheelchair accessible area.
Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack bars and vending machines are available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are an ATM is available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station: The station is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need