- 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 Oct 13
€129
Average ticket price on Oct 13
€147
Fastest journey on Oct 13
1 d 17 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Oct 13
1 d 23 h 7 m
Buses on Oct 13
7
Distance
2299 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA will cost around €147 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €129.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA without transferring at least 3 times.
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· · Buses from San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 38h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €148 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 19:35. The fastest bus covers the 1428 miles (2299 km) distance in 38h 0m.
Distance 1428 miles (2299 km) |
Average bus duration 38h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price €148 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 38h 0m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 7:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 49h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €117 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 45h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €119 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 42h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €188 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 41h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €118 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 57h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €187 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 57h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €121 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 56h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €121 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Monday, October 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 9:25 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 45h30 | 8:55 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 12:40 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 42h15 | 8:55 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 1:10 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 41h45 | 8:55 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:15 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 57h40 | 8:55 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:45 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 57h10 | 8:55 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 10:05 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 56h50 | 8:55 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 3 transfers | |
| Tuesday, October 13 | |||||
· · · | 5:40 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 49h15 | 8:55 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 4 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA to Des Moines, IA buses use the San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) to Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Des Moines, IA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options are in the area.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District). ATMs are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Accessible for persons with disabilities.
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
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.
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