What is the travel distance from Des Moines to Kansas City?

Des Moines and Kansas City are 180 miles (291 km) apart.

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

The majority of buses traveling from Des Moines to Kansas City start their journey at Jefferson/Trailways Depot and wind up at Greyhound Station. 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.

What are the best sights and things to do in Kansas City?

Once in Kansas City, you can start exploring the city and discover its surroundings. The top sights and things to do are Hallmark Kaleidoscope, National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, Powell Gardens, Kansas City Power & Light District and The Money Museum.

Bus Des Moines to Kansas City from $67 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for Des Moines to Kansas City on November 26
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Bus	6:15pm	Des Moines	3h 35m	9:50pm	Kansas City	CheapestFastest

Last refresh of the prices: Last Monday at 6:30 PM CST.

Get from Des Moines to Kansas City

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 4 hours 30 minutes and with fares starting at just $69, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day

4h 30mAverage Duration

182 milesDistance

7kgCO₂ emissions

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

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

Stops in Kansas City

A
Greyhound Station
1101 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106

Compare bus companies

Jefferson Lines

4/5759 reviews

Staff4

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4

Wifi3.2

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 $116 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 Des Moines to Kansas City, MO by bus

What is the travel distance from Des Moines to Kansas City?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Des Moines to Kansas City?
What are the best sights and things to do in Kansas City?

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

$67

11/25

$67

Today

$67

11/27

No data

11/28

No data

11/29

$67

11/30

No data

12/01

No data

The cheapest trip from Des Moines to Kansas City, MO was searched and found on Nov 24, 2025 with a price of $67

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 Kansas City, MO, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $67 to $130 for a bus ticket from Des Moines to Kansas City, MO based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $67 which is on 2025-11-29.

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.