Find coaches from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA

Find affordable coach tickets from Iowa City, IA to Des Moines, IA with flexible options. Book your journey now

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Today24 Apr
Tomorrow25 Apr
Sat26 Apr
Sun27 Apr
Mon28 Apr
from US$30
Tue29 Apr
from US$30
Wed30 Apr
Thu1 May

Cheap buses leaving Monday

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest
    Departure time: 28 April at
    Departure city: Iowa City
    Departure location: Iowa City
    Arrival time: 28 April at
    Destination city: Des Moines
    Destination location: Des Moines (Subway)
    Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Fastest
    Departure time: 28 April at
    Departure city: Iowa City
    Departure location: Iowa City
    Arrival time: 28 April at
    Destination city: Des Moines
    Destination location: Des Moines
    Operated by: Burlington TrailwaysBurlington Trailways
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: 28 April at
    Departure city: Iowa City
    Departure location: Iowa City
    Arrival time: 28 April at
    Destination city: Des Moines
    Destination location: Des Moines
    Operated by: Burlington TrailwaysBurlington Trailways
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: 28 April at
    Departure city: Iowa City
    Departure location: Iowa City
    Arrival time: 28 April at
    Destination city: Des Moines
    Destination location: Des Moines
    Operated by: Burlington TrailwaysBurlington Trailways
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: 28 April at
    Departure city: Iowa City
    Departure location: Iowa City
    Arrival time: 28 April at
    Destination city: Des Moines
    Destination location: Des Moines
    Operated by: Burlington TrailwaysBurlington Trailways
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

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Bus Iowa City to Des Moines: Trip Overview

Average ticket priceUS$42
Average bus trip duration2h 15m
Number of daily buses1
Earliest bus departure12:20
Distance107 miles
Latest bus departure20:50

Iowa City to Des Moines Bus

Busbud helps you find a bus from Iowa City to Des Moines. Get the best fare and schedule, book a round trip ticket or find buses with WiFi and electrical outlets.

We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable bus companies that cover bus service from Iowa City to Des Moines.

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

Frequently asked questions on the trip Iowa City - Des Moines

  1. How much does it cost to go to Des Moines by bus?

    For coach travel from Iowa City to Des Moines, ticket prices typically start at US$38 and can reach a maximum of US$59. The cost of tickets can fluctuate based on factors like the time of day, the company, and the class you choose. Compare the prices and amenities offered by each company on Busbud and find the best deals and offers.

  2. How long is a coach from Iowa City to Des Moines?

    The average duration for a trip from Iowa City to Des Moines by coach is around 2h 15m. If you're looking for the fastest trip, you can get there in just about 1h 55m. However, please keep in mind that your specific travel time may vary due to the prevailing traffic conditions along the route.

  3. At what time is the first coach from Iowa City to Des Moines?

    The first coach to Des Moines from Iowa City departs at 12:20. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

  4. What's the distance between Iowa City and Des Moines by coach?

    The distance between Iowa City and Des Moines by coach is approximately 108 miles (174 km).

  5. What is the best way to go from Iowa City to Des Moines without a car?

    The best way to go from Iowa City to Des Moines without a car is by coach. They are frequent and reliable, offering a convenient and eco-friendly journey. Depending on your preferences, another alternative is to explore ridesharing trips.

  6. Can you go on a day trip from Iowa City to Des Moines?

    Yes, you can go on a day trip from Iowa City to Des Moines. The round-trip by coach takes roughly 3h 50m. This means you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the day in Des Moines before returning.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found
22/04
US$30
23/04
No data
Today
No data
25/04
No data
26/04
No data
27/04
No data
28/04
US$30
29/04
US$30
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Iowa City to Des Moines was searched and found on 22 Apr 2025 with a price of US$30

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 US$30 to US$56 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 US$30, which is on 2025-04-28.

Usually Burlington Trailways 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.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Make friends with the driver. They usually know a lot about your destination and may even recommend which side of the bus to sit on to get the best views on the road between Iowa City and Des Moines!

From miles long of beauteous natural landscapes to impressive man-crafted sights, you’re bound to be in for a visual treat on your bus trip from Iowa City to Des Moines.

Buses have the smallest carbon footprint of all motorized transport modes. A bus going from Iowa City to Des Moines will emit half the CO2 emitted by a train, and radically less than a car or an airplane.

Make a music playlist for your bus ride from Iowa City to Des Moines, and enjoy the scenery to tunes from your own personal soundtrack.

Did you know?

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.

One of the longest bus route in the world goes all the way from Ontario to Alberta in Canada (with the same bus). This trip is 3,435 km or 2,135 miles long and the price is a bit under $100.

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 Iowa City by bus?

Bus from Iowa City to Des Moines

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Popular Buses Connecting Iowa City

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Popular Buses Connecting Des Moines

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