- Must visit
Saint Louis Art Museum
Vast art museum in Forest Park with global collections from antiquity to modern works and strong free general admission.
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Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $54. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $54, and a flight costs an average of $170.
Distance: 273 miles (440 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$139 Average price Cheapest | $304 Average price | $67 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 8m Average total duration 9h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 51m Average total duration Fastest 2h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 28m 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 Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO is a bus with an average price of $139 (€114).
This is compared to other travel options from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO:
A bus is $165 (€135) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO costing on average $304 (€250).
The fastest way to travel from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 51m.
Other travel options to St. Louis, MO take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 38m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Des Moines, IA and St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO
USAUSA
Take a train from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO and enjoy the approximately 273 miles (440 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 $54 (€44)
Distance 273 miles (440 km) |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 $54 (€44)
Complete guide to St. Louis, MO
Things to do in St. Louis, MO
Discover the best of St. Louis, MO — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St. Louis, MO trip today.
- Recommended
Missouri History Museum
Leading history museum covering St. Louis, Missouri, and national stories through rotating exhibitions in Forest Park.
- Recommended
Saint Louis Science Center
Interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits, planetarium, and family-friendly displays near Forest Park.
- Must visit
Gateway Arch National Park Grounds
Lively downtown riverfront district with trails, views of the Arch, public art, and access to major historic sites.
- Must visit
Forest Park
Large urban park with trails, lakes, zoo access, and major museums, ideal for walking between top attractions.
- Recommended
Tower Grove Park
Beloved neighborhood park with formal lily ponds, pavilions, and one of the city's most photographed landscapes.
- Vegetarian
St. Louis-Style Pizza
A thin, cracker-like crust pizza cut into squares and topped with Provel cheese, a St. Louis original loved for its distinct texture and tangy flavor.
- Vegetarian
Toasted Ravioli
Crisp, breaded ravioli said to be born on The Hill, usually served with marinara. It is a signature St. Louis Italian-American appetizer.
- Vegetarian
Gooey Butter Cake
Sticky butter cake with a dense base and gooey sweet top. A longtime St. Louis bakery favorite often enjoyed for breakfast or dessert.
Bulrush
Refined contemporary restaurant with tasting menus and strong national acclaim. Elegant fine dining focused on seasonal Midwestern ingredients.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Beloved frozen custard stand serving concretes and sundaes since 1929. Casual, nostalgic, and one of the city's iconic dessert stops.
Pappy's Smokehouse
Popular smokehouse known for St. Louis barbecue, especially ribs, brisket, and pork steak, in a polished but relaxed atmosphere.
United States dollar ($)
Moderate for U.S. city breaks: hotels and dining are reasonable, transit is limited, and attractions often cost less than in larger U.S. tourist cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-15 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- $20-35 per person for a mid-range restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $3-5 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or screen prompts.
FAQs: Trains from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The distance by train from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO is 273 miles (440 km).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO.
The cheapest way to get from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO is by bus, with a cost of around $54 (€44).
The train journey from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO offers a varied landscape, with views of the rolling hills of Iowa and the rural charm of the Midwest. While it may not be considered traditionally "scenic" like mountainous or coastal routes, it provides a pleasant and peaceful experience with glimpses of small towns and open farmland.
Three days are typically sufficient to explore key attractions in St. Louis, including the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, and the Missouri Botanical Garden.
No, you cannot take the train from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO.
Since neither Des Moines, IA nor St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO include Springfield, IL, Hermann, MO, Washington, MO, Alton, IL, Carlinville, IL.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Des Moines, IA to St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO, travelers should be cautious in certain neighborhoods with higher crime rates, especially after dark. Common safety concerns include petty theft, pickpocketing, and occasional scams targeting visitors near popular attractions like the Gateway Arch. It’s advisable to stay in well-populated areas, avoid displaying valuables openly, and use reputable transportation services to minimize 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 St. Louis, MO
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Most popular trains to and from St. Louis, MO and Des Moines, IA
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