- 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
$63
Average ticket price on Oct 13
$88
Fastest journey on Oct 13
8 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Oct 13
10 h 37 m
Buses on Oct 13
3
Distance
440 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA will cost around $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
On Tue, Oct 13, we found 3 buses from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Oct 13 the direct buses cover the 440 km distance in an average of 10 h 37 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 30 m .
On Tue, Oct 13 the slowest buses will take 12 h 5 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.

FlixBus+
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FlixBus+
Buses from St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 10h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $49 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 273 miles (440 km) distance in 1h 55m.
Distance 273 miles (440 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 55m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 12h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 15h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
The table below shows live departures for St. Louis, MO 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:35 PM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 8h30 | 11:05 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+![]() | 11:30 PM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 15h05 | 2:35 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, October 13 | |||||
FlixBus+![]() | 10:00 AM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 12h05 | 10:05 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 1 transfer | |
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 St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO to Des Moines, IA buses use the St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) to Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) station pair, with some services arriving at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St. Use this guide to compare St. Louis, MO and Des Moines, IA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center). ATMs are available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center).
Ticket office support is available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center).
Available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
St. Louis has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: There are food vendors in the station.
Free wifi is available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at St. Louis.
Available at St. Louis: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at St. Louis: The station is accessible to wheelchairs.
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.
Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St is 2 km from Des Moines city centre. Public transport options include:
Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St. ATMs are available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St.
Ticket office support is available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St.
Available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Des Moines, Grand Ave & 10th St: Accessible for passengers with limited mobility.
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