How do I get from Washington to Des Moines without flying?

The best way to travel from Washington to Des Moines is by bus. The bus provides a cost-effective, safe, and easy way to travel between the two cities. Taking a ride with other travelers through carpool services is an additional option to consider.

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

On average, the trip from Washington to Des Moines takes around 1d 15h, but you can get there in as little as 1d 8h with the fastest bus. This is the time it takes to travel the 892 miles (1438 km) that separate the two cities.

How far is Washington from Des Moines?

The distance between the two cities is 892 miles (1438 km).

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

Most of the buses traveling from Washington to Des Moines leave from Union Station and arrive at Jefferson/Trailways Depot. These are the main departure and arrival locations on this route, but you could find others that could be a better fit for your travel plans.

What is the cheapest way to get from Washington to Des Moines?

Go for the bus if you want the most cost-effective way to travel this route. The lowest tickets for this trip cost as little as $200.

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

The average bus ticket price from Washington to Des Moines is $215. In the past 30 days, prices have fluctuated between $200 and $234, so it's best to compare them to make sure you get the best deal.

Can I take an overnight bus from Washington to Des Moines?

Yes, it is possible to take an overnight bus from Washington to Des Moines. Remember to bring along essentials like a blanket and some snacks to ensure a cozy and convenient journey.

Washington (DC), US to Des Moines Bus Tickets

Bus Washington to Des Moines: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$215

Average bus trip duration1d 15h

Number of daily buses3

Earliest bus departure6:00am

Distance892 miles (1438 km)

Latest bus departure11:55pm

Compare bus companies

Greyhound

3.5/586,977 reviews

Staff3.6

Timeliness2.8

Cleanliness3.3

Wifi2.3

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.

FlixBus

3.5/58,614 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness4

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.6

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

US bus companies: FlixBus, Greyhound, Los Limousines, Tornado Bus, Valley Transit, Tufesa, Wanda Coach

Washington to Des Moines Bus

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

We make sure you can find a bus service from Washington to Des Moines from the most reliable bus companies operating this trip.

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

Where are the popular stops in Washington and Des Moines?

Stops in Washington

A - Union Station

B - Dupont Circle

C - Metro Center Station

D - L’Enfant Plaza

E - 10th Street NW

F - Foggy Bottom

Stops in Des Moines

A - Jefferson/Trailways Depot

B - 1514 East Grand Ave

Frequently asked questions for your trip Washington - Des Moines

How do I get from Washington to Des Moines without flying?
How long is the bus ride from Washington to Des Moines?
How far is Washington from Des Moines?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Washington to Des Moines?
What is the cheapest way to get from Washington to Des Moines?
How much does a bus ticket from Washington to Des Moines cost?
Can I take an overnight bus from Washington 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

05/12

No data

05/13

$193

Today

No data

05/15

No data

05/16

No data

05/17

No data

05/18

No data

05/19

No data

The cheapest trip from Washington to Des Moines was searched and found on May 13, 2025 with a price of $193

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

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 Washington to Des Moines but it'll also be endearing to native speakers who will surely appreciate your effort.

Start sightseeing the minute your bus leaves the station. If you're on the night bus from Washington to Des Moines, get comfy and count the stars.

Buses have one of the smallest carbon footprints of motorized transport modes. A bus going from Washington to Des Moines will emit less CO2 than a car or an airplane.

Tune out to the fine sounds of your best music playlist on your bus trip from Washington to Des Moines while indulging in miles on end of beautiful scenic views.

Did you know?

Did you know some bus companies in Germany offer to their passenger low-costs snacks and regional beer based on their destination? Prosit!

It takes 27 hours to go by bus from Lima to Cusco, one of the craziest bus trips on the world. This route is used daily by locals and backpackers.

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 Washington by bus?

Bus from Washington to Des Moines

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worldwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. Busbud partners with safe and reliable bus companies throughout the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others so you can buy tickets without a worry.

Bus Tickets from Washington, DC to Des Moines, IA

Bus Washington to Des Moines: Trip Overview

Compare bus companies

Washington to Des Moines Bus

Where are the popular stops in Washington and Des Moines?

Frequently asked questions for your trip Washington - Des Moines

How do I get from Washington to Des Moines without flying?

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

How far is Washington from Des Moines?

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

What is the cheapest way to get from Washington to Des Moines?

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

Can I take an overnight bus from Washington to Des Moines?

Find cheapest prices for buses

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Did you know?

Will you be returning to Washington by bus?

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

People from around the world trust Busbud

Popular Buses Connecting Washington

Buses Leaving from Washington

Buses Going to Washington

Popular Buses Connecting Des Moines

Buses Leaving from Des Moines

Buses Going to Des Moines

Popular routes in this country

Popular airport transfers