- Must visit
Des Moines Art Center
Major contemporary and modern art museum with a respected collection and notable architecture by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$151
Average price
$153
Fastest journey
1 d 2 h 20 m
Average duration
1 d 11 h 20 m
Buses per day
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 $153 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $151.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
· · 11:35 PM44h20Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station6:55 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$1511One-way4 transfers- · 5:35 PM26h20Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station6:55 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$1551One-way1 transfer
- · 5:35 PM26h20Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station6:55 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$1551One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus+ · · 11:35 PM44h20Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station6:55 PMDes Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA$1511One-way4 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 prices starting from $145. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $145, and a flight costs an average of $182.
Distance: 892 miles (1436 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$217 Average price Cheapest | $399 Average price | $275 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 36m Average total duration 27h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 3h 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 $217 (€178).
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA:
A bus is $182 (€149) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA costing on average $399 (€327).
The fastest way to travel from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 29m.
Other travel options to Des Moines, IA take longer:
Bus takes on average 27h 6m.
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. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
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 Tue | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 30h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $139 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 26h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 44h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $151 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 44h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $142 |
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, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| · | 5:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 26h20 | 6:55 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
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 27h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $145 (€119) 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 26h 0m.
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 27h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $145 (€119) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 26h 0m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 4 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 from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IAYou can travel by bus between Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA with Greyhound for as low as $145 (€119). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 Duration
26h 0m
Cheapest Price
$145 (€119)
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
Things to do in Des Moines
Discover the best of Des Moines — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Des Moines trip today.
- Recommended
State Historical Museum of Iowa
Museum covering Iowa history through permanent and rotating exhibits, located in the State Historical Building near the Capitol complex.
- Recommended
Salisbury House & Gardens
Historic house museum inspired by English manor architecture, featuring art, books, antiques, and landscaped grounds.
- Must visit
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Downtown sculpture park featuring major contemporary works in an open urban green space, highly popular for walks and photos.
- Must visit
East Village
Trendy neighborhood east of the river known for independent shops, murals, historic streetscapes, and a lively local atmosphere.
- Must visit
Principal Riverwalk
Signature downtown walking area along the Des Moines River with bridges, lighting, event spaces, and skyline views.
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
An Iowa classic: a pork cutlet pounded thin, breaded, fried, and served on a bun, often comically larger than the bread. It is one of the state's most iconic comfort foods.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Sweet Corn
Iowa sweet corn is a summer staple, prized for its tenderness and natural sweetness. It is commonly eaten grilled, boiled, or buttered at fairs, cookouts, and seasonal meals.
Loose Meat Sandwich
A seasoned ground beef sandwich served loose on a bun rather than formed into a patty. It is a longtime Midwestern lunch-counter favorite strongly associated with Iowa.
Aposto at the Scala House
A respected fine-dining venue in a historic house, serving refined American and Italian-influenced dishes in an intimate setting. A strong choice for a special night out.
801 Chophouse
An upscale steakhouse known for classic service, prime steaks, and an elegant atmosphere. It is one of Des Moines' best-known options for a high-end dinner.
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
A popular Des Moines burger spot known for creative burgers, boozy shakes, and a lively horror-themed atmosphere. A dependable place to try a strong local casual dining favorite.
United States Dollar
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major coastal cities, though downtown and event periods cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-35 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 3-6 for drip coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for casual services.
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 $145 (€119) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA is $217 (€178) ; 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 26h 0m 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.
A trip to Des Moines, IA from Washington, DC is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 26h 0m 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 September.
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
Washington
Des Moines
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:00-23:00
Distance to city center
2 km
Car connection
Massachusetts Ave NEWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- McDonald's (in the station)
- Shake Shack (in the station)
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station
- Bus: 96, 97, D6 Metro: Red Train: Amtrak, MARC, VRE
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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