Find coaches from Des Moines to Iowa City

Next departures

Next departures from Des Moines to Iowa City on 3 November
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    		Des Moines
    		Iowa CityCheapestFastest
    Greyhound Lines, Inc.
      		Des Moines
      		Iowa CityNo tags
      Greyhound Lines, Inc.
        		Des Moines
        		Iowa CityNo tags

        Last refresh of the prices: Last Thursday at 6:12 PM CDT.

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        Get from Des Moines to Iowa City

        This route is served by bus only

        The journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes, and with fares starting at just US$29, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

        3bus per day
        2h 15mAverage duration
        172 kmDistance
        4kgCO₂ emissions

        Bus Des Moines to Iowa City: Trip Overview

        Average ticket priceUS$35
        Average bus trip duration2h 15m
        Number of daily buses3
        Earliest bus departure00:01
        Distance171 km
        Latest bus departure09:30

        Des Moines to Iowa City Bus

        Busbud shows you the best bus ticket fares and bus schedules so you can easily plan and book a trip by bus from Des Moines to Iowa City.

        We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable bus companies that cover bus service from Des Moines to Iowa City.

        Discover how much the bus trip from Des Moines to Iowa City will cost you. Use our filters and sorting features to find the cheapest bus tickets or luxury buses.

        Frequently asked questions on the trip Des Moines - Iowa City

        1. How much does a bus ticket from Des Moines to Iowa City cost?

          The bus ticket price from Des Moines to Iowa City starts at US$29. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from Des Moines to Iowa City is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

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

          The average travel time between Des Moines and Iowa City is around 2h 15m, although the fastest bus will take about 1h 39m. This is the time it takes to travel the 174 km that separates the two cities.

        3. How many daily bus connections are there between Des Moines and Iowa City?

          The number of buses from Des Moines to Iowa City can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 3 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Des Moines to Iowa City by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

        4. Which bus companies travel from Des Moines to Iowa City?

          When taking the bus from Des Moines to Iowa City, you can travel comfortably and safely with Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Burlington Trailways.

        5. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Des Moines to Iowa City?

          Buses travelling between Des Moines and Iowa City leave from Jefferson/Trailways Depot or 1514 East Grand Ave and arrive at Court Street Bus Station.

        Find cheapest prices for buses

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

        Best price found
        31/10
        US$23
        01/11
        US$28
        Today
        US$26
        03/11
        US$25
        04/11
        US$23
        05/11
        US$23
        06/11
        US$25
        07/11
        US$23
        busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Des Moines to Iowa City was searched and found on 31 Oct 2025 with a price of US$23

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

        You can expect to pay from US$23 to US$52 for a bus ticket from Des Moines to Iowa City based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at US$23, which is on 2025-11-04.

        About Bus Travel

        Bus Travel Tips

        If you're abroad, study some local language. Not only could it get you out of a pickle during your bus trip from Des Moines to Iowa City but it'll also be endearing to native speakers who will surely appreciate your effort.

        From miles long of beauteous natural landscapes to impressive man-crafted sights, you’re bound to be in for a visual treat on your bus trip from Des Moines to Iowa City.

        Buses have the smallest carbon footprint of all motorized transport modes. A bus going from Des Moines to Iowa City will emit half the CO2 emitted by a train, and radically less than a car or an airplane.

        Make a music playlist for your bus ride from Des Moines to Iowa City, and enjoy the scenery to tunes from your own personal soundtrack.

        Did you know?

        The average number of passengers on a coach bus is 32 meaning that a bus could replace a minimum of at least 30 cars!

        One of the longest bus route in the world goes all the way from Ontario to Alberta in Canada (with the same bus). This trip is 3,435 km or 2,135 miles long and the price is a bit under $100.

        Did you know there are on average 4,400 intercity bus departures every day in the US only? This number has been growing for 9 years in a row, yay!

        Will you be returning to Des Moines by bus?

        Bus from Iowa City to Des Moines

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