- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Major modern and contemporary art museum with notable architecture and a strong permanent collection. A top cultural stop in the city.
Cheapest price
$262
Average price
$262
Fastest journey
21 h 15 m
Average duration
21 h 15 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1182 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Toronto, ON 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 Toronto, ON to Des Moines, IA will cost around $262 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $262.
Of the 1 buses that leave Toronto, ON for Des Moines, IA on Fri, May 29, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct buses cover the 1182 km distance in an average of 21 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 21 h 15 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest buses will take 21 h 15 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.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Toronto, ON to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $107. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $107, and a flight costs an average of $298.
Distance: 734 miles (1182 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$184 Average price Cheapest | $408 Average price | $2 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 38m Average total duration 25h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration Fastest 3h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Toronto, ON to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $224 (€181) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Toronto, ON to Des Moines, IA costing on average $408 (€329).
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 25h 8m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $262 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 29h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $107 |
The table below shows live departures for Toronto, ON to Des Moines, IA buses for tomorrow, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:20 AM Toronto, ON | 21h15 | 12:35 AM Des Moines, IA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Toronto, ON to Des Moines, IA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 25h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $107 (€86) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 734 miles (1182 km) distance in 21h 15m.
Distance 734 miles (1182 km) |
Average bus duration 25h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $107 (€86) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 21h 15m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Des Moines — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Des Moines trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum with notable architecture and a strong permanent collection. A top cultural stop in the city.
Museum covering Iowa history through artifacts, exhibits, and state-focused interpretation. Good for understanding the region beyond downtown sights.
Historic house museum with art, books, and decorative collections in an estate setting. Popular for its distinctive architecture and interiors.
Large downtown sculpture park with major works in an open urban setting. One of the city's most photogenic and social-media-friendly stops.
Walkable district east of the river known for local shops, murals, and lively street atmosphere near the Capitol.
Riverfront garden with indoor conservatory spaces and landscaped grounds. Popular for photos, seasonal displays, and a relaxing stroll.
An Iowa classic featuring a pork cutlet pounded thin, breaded, fried, and served on a bun. It is one of the most iconic comfort foods in Central Iowa.
Iowa sweet corn is prized in summer for its tenderness and natural sweetness. It is a simple local staple strongly tied to the state’s farming identity.
A seasoned ground beef sandwich served loose on a bun rather than formed into a patty. It is a long-standing regional Midwestern favorite found across Iowa.
An established upscale steakhouse known for prime steaks, seafood, and polished service in a classic fine-dining setting.
A popular venue highlighting Iowa beer, local ingredients, and regional comfort food in a spacious and welcoming setting.
A well-known downtown restaurant serving Italian fare, wood-fired pizzas, and pasta in a lively, stylish atmosphere.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major coastal cities, while everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5. Tipping is expected for table service, but not usually for counter service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Toronto, ON 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.

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