- 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 Springfield, IL 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 Springfield, IL to Des Moines, IA will cost around $164 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $141.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 2 buses from Springfield, IL to Des Moines, IA, including 2 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct buses cover the 389 km distance in an average of 17 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 15 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest buses will take 21 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

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Buses from Springfield, IL to Des Moines, IA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 13h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $64 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:20, the last at 09:30. The fastest bus covers the 241 miles (389 km) distance in 9h 30m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Springfield, IL to Des Moines, IA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $133 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $132 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $187 |
The table below shows live departures for Springfield, IL to Des Moines, IA buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:25 AM Springfield, IL | 21h30 | 11:55 PM Des Moines, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:20 AM Springfield, IL | 13h15 | 8:35 PM Des Moines, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Springfield, IL to Des Moines, IA with Greyhound. Overnight buses available on this route with Greyhound. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
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 Springfield, IL 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 Springfield, IL to Des Moines, IA buses use the Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center) to Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) station pair. Use this guide to compare Springfield, IL and Des Moines, IA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center). ATMs are available at Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center).
Ticket office support is available at Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center).
Available at Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Springfield, E Adams St / S 11th St (Transfer Center): The bus station is wheelchair accessible.
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 Springfield, IL and Des Moines, IA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.