How much is the bus ticket from Des Moines to Madison?

The cheapest bus tickets from Des Moines to Madison start from $90. The average price for this route is around $131. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the bus ride from Des Moines to Madison?

The average bus trip duration from Des Moines to Madison is 13h 30m, covering a distance of 236 miles (381 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 12h 45m and is operated by Jefferson Lines .

Which bus companies service the Des Moines to Madison route?

Several major bus companies operate on this route with 2 buses available per day, including services from Jefferson Lines , Greyhound .

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Des Moines to Madison?

The earliest bus departs from Des Moines to Madison at 12:01am. And the latest bus departs at 5:30am.

What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Des Moines to Madison?

A bus trip from Des Moines to Madison generates an estimated 10 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.

What is the best bus company from Des Moines to Madison?

According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Jefferson Lines , with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 759 reviews.

Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Des Moines to Madison?

Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Jefferson Lines has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.1.

Which bus company has the most timely service from Des Moines to Madison?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is Jefferson Lines , with a punctuality rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars.

Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Des Moines to Madison?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Jefferson Lines , with a cleanliness rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars.

Bus Des Moines to Madison from $185 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for Des Moines to Madison on December 24
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus	Bus	5:30am	Des Moines	13h 10m	6:40pm	Dutch Mill Park & Ride	CheapestFastest
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus	Bus	5:30am	Des Moines	13h 30m	7:00pm	North Lake St	No tags

Next departures for Des Moines to Madison on December 25
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus	Bus	5:30am	Des Moines	13h 10m	6:40pm	Dutch Mill Park & Ride	CheapestFastest
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus	Bus	5:30am	Des Moines	13h 30m	7:00pm	North Lake St	No tags

Next departures for Des Moines to Madison on December 27
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus	Bus	5:30am	Des Moines	13h 10m	6:40pm	Dutch Mill Park & Ride	CheapestFastest
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus	Bus	5:30am	Des Moines	13h 30m	7:00pm	North Lake St	No tags
	Bus	12:01am	Des Moines	16h 49m	4:50pm	University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center	No tags
Jefferson Lines + Jefferson Lines	Bus	12:01am	Des Moines	16h 49m	4:50pm	University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center	No tags

Next departures for Des Moines to Madison on December 28
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus	Bus	5:30am	Des Moines	13h 30m	7:00pm	North Lake St	Cheapest
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus	Bus	5:30am	Des Moines	13h 10m	6:40pm	Dutch Mill Park & Ride	Fastest
	Bus	12:01am	Des Moines	16h 49m	4:50pm	University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center	No tags
Jefferson Lines + Jefferson Lines	Bus	12:01am	Des Moines	16h 49m	4:50pm	University of Wisconsin - Gordon Center	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 5:22 PM CST.

Get from Des Moines to Madison

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 13 hours 30 minutes and with fares starting at just $90, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day

13h 30mAverage Duration

236 milesDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

Where are the popular stops in Des Moines and Madison?

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 Madison

A
UW Memorial Union
800 Langdon Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA
B
Dutch Mill Park & Ride
4 Collins Ct, Madison, WI 53716, USA

Compare bus companies

Jefferson Lines

4/5759 reviews

Staff4

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4

Wifi3.2

Greyhound

3.5/587,447 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.

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Des Moines to Madison, WI by bus

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the bus ticket from Des Moines to Madison?
The cheapest bus tickets from Des Moines to Madison start from $90. The average price for this route is around $131. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus ride from Des Moines to Madison?
The average bus trip duration from Des Moines to Madison is 13h 30m, covering a distance of 236 miles (381 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 12h 45m and is operated by Jefferson Lines.
Which bus companies service the Des Moines to Madison route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 2 buses available per day, including services from Jefferson Lines, Greyhound.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Des Moines to Madison?
The earliest bus departs from Des Moines to Madison at 12:01am. And the latest bus departs at 5:30am.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Des Moines to Madison?
A bus trip from Des Moines to Madison generates an estimated 10 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.
What is the best bus company from Des Moines to Madison?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Jefferson Lines, with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 759 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Des Moines to Madison?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Jefferson Lines has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.1.
Which bus company has the most timely service from Des Moines to Madison?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is Jefferson Lines, with a punctuality rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Des Moines to Madison?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Jefferson Lines, with a cleanliness rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

12/21

No data

12/22

No data

Today

No data

12/24

No data

12/25

No data

12/26

No data

12/27

$185

12/28

$185

The cheapest trip from Des Moines to Madison, WI was searched and found on Dec 27, 2025 with a price of $185

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 Madison, WI, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $185 to $185 for a bus ticket from Des Moines to Madison, WI based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $185 which is on 2025-12-27.