- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Leading art museum with strong American, contemporary, and decorative arts collections, plus a sculpture park just outside downtown.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$130
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$132
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 d 2 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 d 4 h 10 m
Buses on Sep 19
2
Distance
1436 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA will cost around $132 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $130.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus+
1:30 PM30h15Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station6:45 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$1301One-way2 transfers- · 5:50 PM26h05Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station6:55 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$1341One-way1 transfer
- · 5:50 PM26h05Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station6:55 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$1341One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus+1:30 PM30h15Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station6:45 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$1301One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $150 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 42m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $150, while a flight costs an average of $625.
Distance: 892 miles (1436 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$150 Average price Cheapest | $625 Average price | $278 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 35m Average total duration 25h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 42m Average total duration Fastest 4h 42m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 15h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA is a bus with an average price of $150.
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $474 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA costing on average $625.
The fastest way to travel from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 42m.
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 25h 5m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Washington, DC and Des Moines, IA including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $150 compared to roughly $278 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $128. The journey takes 25h 5m versus 15h 17m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 32h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 30h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 26h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 26h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
Live departures
Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| · | 5:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 26h05 | 6:55 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus+ | 1:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 30h15 | 6:45 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA by bus or flight
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.
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Why should you book Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA buses with Omio?
Greyhound operates all buses services from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA
USAUSA
Buses from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 25h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $96 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 892 miles (1436 km) distance in 23h 40m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 892 miles (1436 km) |
Average bus duration 25h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $96 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 23h 40m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 42 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IAYou can travel by bus between Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $96. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
26h 5m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$96
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greyhound Duration
23h 40m
Cheapest Greyhound Price
$97
Greyhound frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Complete guide to Des Moines, IA
Things to do in Des Moines, IA
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.
- Recommended
State Historical Museum of Iowa
Compact state museum covering Iowa history, culture, and artifacts. A practical stop for visitors wanting context before exploring the city.
- Recommended
Science Center of Iowa
Science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and hands-on displays suited to families and curious adults alike.
- Must visit
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
A 4.4-acre downtown sculpture park with major contemporary works, open lawns, and easy walking access to nearby restaurants and museums.
- Recommended
East Village
Historic neighborhood east of the river with indie shops, murals, nightlife, and restored buildings. Ideal for an easy local walk.
- Recommended
Gray's Lake Park
Large urban park with wooded trails, picnic areas, a lake, and river views. A favorite local green escape close to downtown.
FAQs: Bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA can start from as little as $96 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA is $150 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA is 23h 40m to travel the 892 miles (1436 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA leaves at 5:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA which require at least one change with Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA, you can count on Greyhound for the best way to get you to Des Moines, IA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Washington, DC and Des Moines, IA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station, which is located around 1 miles (2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA, located 3 away from the city centre.
A trip to Des Moines, IA from Washington, DC is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 23h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Washington, DC and Des Moines, IA including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA for bus company Greyhound.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA with the following bus company: Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Since neither Washington, DC nor Des Moines, IA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Des Moines, IA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and occasional vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include fake ticket sellers for local events and unofficial ride services. Staying alert in busy downtown spots and using authorized transportation options helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA
Most Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station to Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Des Moines, IA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Washington
Arrival bus stations in Des Moines
Which Washington, DC station do buses to Des Moines, IA leave from?
Buses from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA leave from Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station. The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Washington, DC city centre at 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station from Washington city centre
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
BusD30 · 15m · $4 · every ~10 min
281, 481, 483, 484, 486 · 19m · $2 · every ~1 min
SubwayR · 5m · $2 · every ~27 min
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station bus station facilities and services
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: McDonald's (in the station), Shake Shack (in the station)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and food court.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Which Des Moines, IA station do buses from Washington, DC arrive at?
Buses from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA arrive at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.). Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) is 1 miles (3 km) from Des Moines, IA city centre.
Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.)1625 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) from Des Moines city centre
Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) is 3 km from Des Moines city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
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.).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Des Moines, IA and Washington, DC
Most popular bus connections to Des Moines, IA
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