What is the travel distance from Ames to Des Moines?

The distance between the two cities is 30 miles (48 km).

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Ames to Des Moines?

The majority of buses traveling from Ames to Des Moines start their journey at Intermodal Facility and wind up at Jefferson/Trailways Depot. These are the main departure and arrival locations on this route, there are other pick-up and drop-off locations that could make it easier for you to reach your destination.

Bus Ames to Des Moines from $4 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for Ames to Des Moines on November 27
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	5:20pm	Ames (Phillips 66)	40m	6:00pm	Des Moines	CheapestFastest
Bus	10:20pm	Ames	45m	11:05pm	Des Moines	No tags
Bus	1:50pm	Gas Station Phillips 66	1h 40m	3:30pm	Des Moines, (IA - Diversity Insurance/Seguros Mundo Latino)	No tags
Bus	5:05pm	Ames	45m	5:50pm	Des Moines	No tags
Bus	2:35am	Ames	40m	3:15am	Des Moines	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:09 PM CST.

Get from Ames to Des Moines

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 45 minutes and with fares starting at just $11, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day

45mAverage Duration

26 milesDistance

1kgCO₂ emissions

Where are the popular stops in Ames and Des Moines?

Stops in Ames

A
Intermodal Facility
129 Hayward Ave, Ames, IA 50014, USA

Stops in Des Moines

A
Jefferson/Trailways Depot
1501 2nd Ave North, Des Moines, IA 50314
B
1514 East Grand Ave
1514 East Grand Avenue,, Des Moins, IA, 50316

Compare bus companies

Jefferson Lines

4/5759 reviews

Staff4

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4

Wifi3.2

Greyhound

3.5/587,393 reviews

Staff3.6

Timeliness2.9

Cleanliness3.3

Wifi2.4

Greyhound Lines offers the most comprehensive intercity bus services in the United States. They operate a modern, environmentally friendly fleet that serves more than 2400 destinations and carries nearly 16 million passengers annually. When traveling with them, you can expect free WiFi, onboard entertainment, bathrooms, power outlets and decent legroom. One of the great perks of Greyhound is that they connect big cities and smaller towns in the US, where you usually can't get to by train or plane. If you're looking for safe and affordable transportation, Greyhound is a great choice.

Tornado Bus

3/5156 reviews

Staff4.5

Timeliness3.3

Cleanliness4.5

Wifi3.8

A Texas-based company, Tornado Bus operates throughout the United States, with routes connecting major cities, including Houston, San Antonio and El Paso. Each day,1 buses leave from their terminals to destinations across the continent. Their buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, bathrooms, power outlets and a comfortable amount of legroom. With prices as low as $122 for a short ride, Tornado offers options for budget travelers, without compromising comfort. and those looking for a little luxury. The company requires printed tickets for boarding and their tickets are non-refundable, but you can exchange them up to two hours before travel time for a fee. With a friendly staff and multiple routes, traveling with Tornado is a convenient way to get around.

US bus companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Ames, IA, US to Des Moines by bus

What is the travel distance from Ames to Des Moines?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Ames to 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

11/22

$5

11/23

$5

Today

$135

11/25

$135

11/26

No data

11/27

$5

11/28

No data

11/29

No data

The cheapest trip from Ames, IA, US to Des Moines was searched and found on Nov 22, 2025 with a price of $5

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

You can expect to pay from $5 to $135 for a bus ticket from Ames, IA, US to Des Moines based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $5 which is on 2025-11-27.

Usually Tornado Bus 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.