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

The bus ticket price from Iowa City to Des Moines starts at R 494. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from Iowa City to Des Moines 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!

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

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

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

The number of buses from Iowa City to Des Moines can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Iowa City to Des Moines by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which bus companies travel from Iowa City to Des Moines?

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

Bus Iowa City to Des Moines from R 368 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures from Iowa City to Des Moines on 13 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	16:20	Iowa City	2h 15m	18:35	Des Moines	Cheapest
Bus	12:20	Iowa City	2h 15m	14:35	Des Moines	Fastest
Bus	14:05	Iowa City	3h 55m	18:00	Des Moines	No tags

Next departures from Iowa City to Des Moines on 14 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	12:20	Iowa City	2h 15m	14:35	Des Moines	CheapestFastest
Bus	14:05	Iowa City	3h 55m	18:00	Des Moines	No tags
Bus	16:20	Iowa City	2h 15m	18:35	Des Moines	No tags

Next departures from Iowa City to Des Moines on 15 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	12:20	Iowa City	2h 15m	14:35	Des Moines	CheapestFastest
Bus	14:05	Iowa City	3h 55m	18:00	Des Moines	No tags
Bus	16:20	Iowa City	2h 15m	18:35	Des Moines	No tags

Next departures from Iowa City to Des Moines on 16 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	12:20	Iowa City	2h 15m	14:35	Des Moines	CheapestFastest
Bus	14:05	Iowa City	3h 55m	18:00	Des Moines	No tags
Bus	16:20	Iowa City	2h 15m	18:35	Des Moines	No tags

Next departures from Iowa City to Des Moines on 17 November
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Bus	12:20	Iowa City	2h 15m	14:35	Des Moines	CheapestFastest
	Bus	16:20	Iowa City	2h 15m	18:35	Des Moines	No tags

Next departures from Iowa City to Des Moines on 18 November
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Bus	12:20	Iowa City	2h 15m	14:35	Des Moines	CheapestFastest
	Bus	16:20	Iowa City	2h 15m	18:35	Des Moines	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 4:31 PM CST.

Get from Iowa City to Des Moines

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes, and with fares starting at just R 494, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day

2h 15mAverage duration

171 kmDistance

4kgCO₂ emissions

Compare bus companies

Greyhound

3.5/587 370 reviews

Staff3.6

Timeliness2.9

Cleanliness3.3

WiFi2.4

Burlington Trailways

4/520 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness5

Cleanliness5

WiFi5

US Bus Companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

Where are the popular stops in Iowa City and Des Moines?

Stops in Iowa City

A - Court Street Bus Station

Stops in Des Moines

A - Jefferson/Trailways Depot

B - 1514 East Grand Ave

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Iowa City to Des Moines by bus

How much does a bus ticket from Iowa City to Des Moines cost?
The bus ticket price from Iowa City to Des Moines starts at R 494. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from Iowa City to Des Moines 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!
How long is the bus ride from Iowa City to Des Moines?
The average travel time between Iowa City and Des Moines is around 2h 15m, although the fastest bus will take about 2h 15m. This is the time it takes to travel the 174 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily bus connections are there between Iowa City and Des Moines?
The number of buses from Iowa City to Des Moines can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Iowa City to Des Moines by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which bus companies travel from Iowa City to Des Moines?
When taking the bus from Iowa City to Des Moines, you can travel comfortably and safely with Greyhound, Burlington Trailways.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

10/11

R 508

11/11

R 508

Today

R 596

13/11

R 482

14/11

R 438

15/11

R 430

16/11

R 500

17/11

R 438

The cheapest trip from Iowa City to Des Moines was searched and found on 15 Nov 2025 with a price of R 430

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

You can expect to pay from R 430 to R 824 for a bus ticket from Iowa City to Des Moines based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 430, which is on 2025-11-15.