- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Leading art museum with strong American, contemporary, and decorative arts collections, plus a sculpture park just outside downtown.
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 $263 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $220.
It's difficult to get from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA without transferring at least 2 times.
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Buses from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 31h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $134 (€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 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $134 (€112) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 28h 51m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 9:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 35 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 39h05 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $225 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 39h40 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $225 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 38h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $228 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 38h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $302 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 34h30 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $229 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 40h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $288 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 39h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $224 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 34h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $220 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 33h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 33h10 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $139 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 33h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $226 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 33h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $224 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 52h30 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $234 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 42h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $224 |
The table below shows live departures for Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Saturday, October 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · | 10:35 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 34h20 | 6:55 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+ · | 1:25 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 34h20 | 9:45 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 3 transfers | |
| Sunday, November 1 | |||||
FlixBus+ · | 12:55 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 39h40 | 2:35 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 5:45 AM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 38h10 | 6:55 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 6:45 AM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 40h00 | 9:45 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 3 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich features a thin, breaded pork cutlet fried and served on a bun. It is a classic Iowa diner specialty known for its oversized cutlet.
Loose meat sandwich is seasoned ground beef served warm on a bun without being formed into a patty. It is a longtime Iowa lunch-counter staple.
Sweet corn is a signature Iowa summer food, prized for its sweetness and freshness. It is commonly boiled or grilled at fairs, cookouts, and family meals.
Historic market hall with multiple local food vendors, ideal for sampling regional snacks, coffee, craft beer, and casual meals.
Casual local favorite for the classic Iowa breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, plus burgers and comfort food in a laid-back setting.
Long-running smokehouse known for Iowa-style barbecue, ribs, brisket, and hearty sides in a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
Moderate for US city breaks; hotels and dining are usually cheaper than larger US metros, while car use can add transport costs.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, round up or add 10-15% for taxis, and tip a little at cafes only if table service is provided.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.

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.
Raleigh, Bus Station is 4 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Station is accessible via ramps.
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) is 6 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon). ATMs are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Station is accessible for passengers with disabilities.
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.
Check bus stations information for Raleigh, NC and Des Moines, IA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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