- Must visit
New Orleans Museum of Art
Leading art museum in City Park with major European, American, African, and contemporary collections plus a renowned sculpture garden.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from ₫91. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of ₫91, and a flight costs an average of ₫308.
Distance: 828 miles (1333 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
₫138 Average price Cheapest | ₫475 Average price | ₫166 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
31h 58m Average total duration 31h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 4m Average total duration Fastest 5h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 55m 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA:
A bus is ₫337 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA costing on average ₫475.
Other travel options to New Orleans, LA take longer:
Bus takes on average 31h 28m.
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.
Take a train from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA and enjoy the approximately 828 miles (1333 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
Distance 828 miles (1333 km) |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of New Orleans, LA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Orleans, LA trip today.
Leading art museum in City Park with major European, American, African, and contemporary collections plus a renowned sculpture garden.
Powerful museum using immersive exhibits to explain World War II through personal stories, artifacts, and major military history.
Smithsonian-affiliated museum devoted to Southern art, design, and culture in a contemporary warehouse district setting.
The city’s most famous neighborhood, packed with historic architecture, music, courtyards, and essential New Orleans street life.
Lively public square facing St. Louis Cathedral, ideal for architecture, performers, and a classic introduction to the city.
Vast urban park with oak groves, lagoons, museums, and trails, offering one of the best green escapes in New Orleans.
A hearty Creole rice dish with sausage, chicken, and seafood. It reflects Spanish, French, and local influences central to New Orleans cooking.
A rich Louisiana stew usually made with roux, okra or filé, and seafood or sausage. It is a signature dish of Creole and Cajun tradition.
A classic po' boy is a French bread sandwich stuffed with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef. It is one of the city's most iconic everyday foods.
Celebrated Creole restaurant famous for gumbo z'herbes, turtle soup, and jazz brunch in an elegant Garden District mansion.
Casual landmark for classic po' boys and fried seafood. Expect a lively, old-school New Orleans atmosphere near the French Quarter.
Historic coffee stand best known for beignets and chicory café au lait. It is busy, informal, and one of the city's essential stops.
Moderate for U.S. cities: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but food and transit are reasonable for tourists.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or $1 at cafes for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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