- Must visit
AKG Art Museum
Major art museum with a strong modern and contemporary collection in a restored and expanded campus.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $110. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $110, and a flight costs an average of $355.
Distance: 757 miles (1219 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$158 Average price Cheapest | $452 Average price |
32h 40m Average total duration 32h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 54m Average total duration Fastest 7h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY is a bus with an average price of $158 (€128).
This is compared to other travel options from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY:
A bus is $294 (€237) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY costing on average $452 (€364).
The fastest way to travel from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY is by flight with an average journey time of 7h 54m.
Other travel options to Buffalo, NY take longer:
Bus takes on average 32h 10m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Des Moines, IA and Buffalo, NY including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY 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.
Wed
May 27
May 27
Thu
May 28
May 28
Fri
May 29
May 29
Sat
May 30
May 30
Sun
May 31
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Jun 02
Journey information
Overview: Train from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY
USAUSA
Take a train from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY and enjoy the approximately 757 miles (1219 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $110 (€88)
Distance 757 miles (1219 km) |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $110 (€88)
Complete guide to Buffalo
Things to do in Buffalo
Discover the best of Buffalo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Buffalo trip today.
- Must visit
Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
Architectural museum complex and one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most important Prairie School works.
- Recommended
Buffalo Museum of Science
Family-friendly science museum with natural history, space, health, and hands-on exhibits.
- Must visit
Canalside
Popular waterfront district with promenades, events, seasonal activities, and harbor views.
- Must visit
Delaware Park
Frederick Law Olmsted-designed urban park with trails, lake views, and major cultural institutions nearby.
- Recommended
Elmwood Village
Walkable neighborhood known for historic homes, local shops, and lively street life.
Buffalo Wings
Crispy chicken wings tossed in a buttery cayenne pepper hot sauce, traditionally served with celery and blue cheese. Buffalo's signature dish was created here and remains a local essential.
Beef On Weck
Roast beef sandwich on a kummelweck roll topped with coarse salt and caraway seeds, usually served with horseradish and au jus. It is one of Buffalo's most iconic regional sandwiches.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Sponge Candy
A light, airy toffee-like candy coated in chocolate. It is a classic Western New York sweet strongly associated with Buffalo confectioners.
Schwabl's Restaurant
Classic traditional restaurant best known for Beef On Weck, with old-school service and a long-standing Buffalo reputation.
The Left Bank
Well-known bistro-style restaurant offering a more upscale meal in a polished but comfortable setting, popular for date nights and special occasions.
Duff's Famous Wings
Long-established local favorite specializing in spicy Buffalo wings. Casual, busy, and highly regarded by locals for heat and consistency.
United States Dollar
Moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining and coffee are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak periods.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 3-6 for drip coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 15-20% for taxis. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff, and round up for casual service.
Token Transit
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- USD 2.00
- Day pass
- USD 5.00
To the city center
Buffalo NY Exchange Street, Buffalo -> Downtown Buffalo Transit Center, Buffalo
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- You can pay NFTA Metro fares with the Token Transit app, which is convenient for buses and light rail.
- Card payment availability onboard can vary, so buy tickets in the app or carry a backup payment method.
FAQs: Trains from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Buffalo, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The distance by train from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY is 757 miles (1219 km).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY.
The cheapest way to get from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY is by bus, with a cost of around $110 (€88).
The train journey from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the rolling landscapes of the Midwest and the picturesque areas around the Great Lakes region, providing a pleasant visual experience for travelers.
A stay of 2 to 3 days in Buffalo, NY is ideal for exploring key attractions like Niagara Falls, the Buffalo Zoo, and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, while also enjoying the local food scene.
No, you cannot take the train from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY.
Since neither Des Moines, IA nor Buffalo, NY 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.
Popular day trips by train from Buffalo, NY include Rochester, NY, Niagara Falls, NY, Erie, PA, Niagara Falls, ON, St. Catharines, ON.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
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 Buffalo, NY, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like downtown and tourist spots. Scams involving overcharging for taxi or rideshare services have been reported, so it's advised to use licensed transportation and confirm fares beforehand. Additionally, travelers should stay aware of their surroundings at night, particularly in less populated neighborhoods, to avoid potential safety risks.
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.
More options for your journey from Des Moines, IA to Buffalo, NY
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Buffalo, NY and Des Moines, IA
Most popular train connections to Buffalo, NY
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
