Next bus departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bus | Des Moines | Ames (Phillips 66) | Cheapest | ||||
 | Bus | Des Moines | Ames | Fastest | ||||
| Bus | Des Moines | Ames | No tags | ||||
 | Bus | Des Moines, (IA - Diversity Insurance/Seguros Mundo Latino) | Gas Station Phillips 66 | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 8:23 PM CST.
Get from Des Moines to Ames
The journey takes about 40 minutes, and with fares starting at just $16, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular stops in Des Moines and Ames?
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 Ames
- A
Intermodal Facility
129 Hayward Ave, Ames, IA 50014, USA
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Frequently asked questions about travelling from Des Moines to Ames, IA, US 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 Ames?
The cheapest bus tickets from Des Moines to Ames start from $16. The average price for this route is around $31. 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 Ames?
The average bus travel time from Des Moines to Ames is 40m, covering a distance of 49 km. The quickest bus can get you there in 34m and is operated by Jefferson Lines.
Which bus companies service the Des Moines to Ames route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 2 buses available per day, including services from Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, Tornado Bus.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the bus from Des Moines to Ames?
The earliest bus departs from Des Moines to Ames at 12:01am. And the latest bus departs at 2:06pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Des Moines to Ames?
A bus trip from Des Moines to Ames generates an estimated 1 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and a mode of travel recommended by Busbud.
What is the best bus company from Des Moines to Ames?
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 Ames?
Based on Busbud reviews, the bus company Tornado Bus has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.
Which bus company has the best on-time performance from Des Moines to Ames?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual 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 Ames?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Tornado Bus, with a cleanliness rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Des Moines to Ames, IA, US was searched and found on Nov 29, 2025 with a price of $7To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Des Moines to Ames, IA, US, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $7 to $194 for a bus ticket from Des Moines to Ames, IA, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $8 which is on 2025-11-30.
