Bus from Chicago to Des Moines: Tickets & Schedules

Next bus departures

Next departures for Chicago to Des Moines on November 29
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Greyhound Lines, Inc.Bus
Downtown Greyhound Station
Des MoinesCheapest
Jefferson LinesBus
    Chicago (Bus Station)
    Des MoinesFastest
    Greyhound Lines, Inc.Bus
    Downtown Greyhound Station
    Des MoinesNo tags
    FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Bus
    Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
    Des MoinesNo tags
    Greyhound Lines, Inc.Bus
    Downtown Greyhound Station
    Des MoinesNo tags

    Last refresh of the prices: Today at 6:09 AM CST.

    Get from Chicago to Des Moines

    This route is served by bus only

    The journey takes about 9 hours 10 minutes, and with fares starting at just $64, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

    8bus per day
    9h 10mAverage Duration
    495 kmDistance
    12kgCO₂ emissions

    Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to Des Moines by bus

    Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

    1. How much is the bus ticket from Chicago to Des Moines?

      The cheapest bus tickets from Chicago to Des Moines start from $64. The average price for this route is around $86. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

    2. How long is the bus ride from Chicago to Des Moines?

      The average bus travel time from Chicago to Des Moines is 9h 10m, covering a distance of 495 km. The quickest bus can get you there in 6h and is operated by Jefferson Lines.

    3. Which bus companies service the Chicago to Des Moines route?

      Several major bus companies operate on this route with 8 buses available per day, including services from Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Burlington Trailways, FlixBus.

    4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the bus from Chicago to Des Moines?

      The earliest bus departs from Chicago to Des Moines at 4:45am. And the latest bus departs at 11:50pm.

    5. What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Chicago to Des Moines?

      A bus trip from Chicago to Des Moines generates an estimated 12 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and a mode of travel recommended by Busbud.

    6. What is the best bus company from Chicago to Des Moines?

      According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Burlington Trailways, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 20 reviews.

    7. Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Chicago to Des Moines?

      Based on Busbud reviews, the bus company Burlington Trailways has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.

    8. Which bus company has the best on-time performance from Chicago to Des Moines?

      According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Burlington Trailways, with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

    9. Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Chicago to Des Moines?

      According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Burlington Trailways, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

    Find cheapest prices for buses

    Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

    Best price found
    11-26
    $116
    11-27
    $113
    Today
    $117
    11-29
    $127
    11-30
    $208
    12-01
    $116
    12-02
    $64
    12-03
    $59
    busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Chicago to Des Moines was searched and found on Dec 3, 2025 with a price of $59

    To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Chicago to Des Moines, as early as possible.

    You can expect to pay from $59 to $225 for a bus ticket from Chicago to Des Moines based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $59 which is on 2025-12-03.

    Usually Jefferson Lines, Greyhound will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

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