The cheapest and fastest buses from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$152
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$218
Fastest journey on Sep 17
1 d 9 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
1 d 12 h 39 m
Buses on Sep 17
5
Distance
1449 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA will cost around $218 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $152.
It's difficult to get from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA without transferring at least 2 times.
· · 10:45 AM33h10Raleigh, Bus Station6:55 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$1521One-way2 transfers
FlixBus+
· 7:45 AM39h20Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC10:05 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$2311One-way2 transfers
· · 1:25 PM33h40Raleigh, Bus Station10:05 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$2321One-way2 transfers
+
FlixBus+
12:30 AM39h05Raleigh, Bus Station2:35 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$2331One-way2 transfers
FlixBus+
· 5:45 AM38h00Raleigh, Bus Station6:45 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$2411One-way2 transfers
· · 10:45 AM33h10Raleigh, Bus Station6:55 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$1521One-way2 transfers
· · 1:25 PM33h40Raleigh, Bus Station10:05 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$2321One-way2 transfers
FlixBus+
· 5:45 AM38h00Raleigh, Bus Station6:45 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$2411One-way2 transfers
+
FlixBus+
12:30 AM39h05Raleigh, Bus Station2:35 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$2331One-way2 transfers
FlixBus+
· 7:45 AM39h20Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC10:05 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$2311One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $226 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 43m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $226, while a flight costs an average of $480.
Distance: 900 miles (1449 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$226 Average price Cheapest | $480 Average price | $221 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
31h 43m Average total duration 31h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 43m Average total duration Fastest 4h 43m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 17h 2m 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 Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $254 (€206) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA costing on average $480 (€390).
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 31h 13m.
Tickets start at around $226 (€184) compared to roughly $221 (€180) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-5.04 (€-4.10). The journey takes 31h 13m versus 17h 2m 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.
Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 39h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $231 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 38h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $235 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 39h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $231 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 33h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 33h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $232 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 52h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $240 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 42h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $231 |
Live departures
Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus+![]() | 12:30 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 39h05 | 2:35 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 5:45 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 38h00 | 6:45 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 7:45 AM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 39h20 | 10:05 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 2 transfers | |
· · | 10:45 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 33h10 | 6:55 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 2 transfers | |
· · | 1:25 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 33h40 | 10:05 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 2 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Raleigh, NC 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.
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Why should you book Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA
Buses from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 31h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $138 (€112) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 21:25. The fastest bus covers the 900 miles (1449 km) distance in 28h 51m.
Distance 900 miles (1449 km) |
Average bus duration 31h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $138 (€112) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 28h 51m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 9:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 35 days |
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IAYou can travel by bus between Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $138 (€112). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Raleigh, NC 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.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA
Most Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA buses use the Raleigh, Bus Station to Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) station pair. Use this guide to compare Raleigh, NC and Des Moines, IA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Raleigh, NC station do buses to Des Moines, IA leave from?
Getting to Raleigh, Bus Station from Raleigh city centre
Raleigh, Bus Station is 4 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Raleigh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Station is accessible via ramps.
Getting to Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) from Raleigh city centre
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) is 6 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) bus station facilities and services
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon). ATMs are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Station is accessible for passengers with disabilities.
Which Des Moines, IA station do buses from Raleigh, NC arrive at?
Getting to Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) from Des Moines city centre
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.) bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
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.).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
More options for your journey from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA
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