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 10:56 PM 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

    1. What is the distance between Chicago and Des Moines?

      Chicago and Des Moines are 496 km (308 miles) apart.

    2. What are the departure and arrival locations for buses traveling from Chicago to Des Moines?

      Buses departing from Downtown Greyhound Station in Chicago will take you to Jefferson/Trailways Depot in Des Moines.

    Find cheapest prices for buses

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

    Best price found
    11-24
    $116
    11-25
    $225
    Today
    $116
    11-27
    $117
    11-28
    $107
    11-29
    $103
    11-30
    $208
    12-01
    $94
    busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Chicago to Des Moines was searched and found on Dec 1, 2025 with a price of $94

    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 $94 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 $94 which is on 2025-12-01.

    Usually Jefferson Lines 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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