Find coaches from Des Moines to Chicago

Next departures

Next departures from Des Moines to Chicago on 31 October
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Des Moines
Downtown Greyhound StationCheapest
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Des Moines
Downtown Greyhound StationFastest
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Des Moines
Downtown Greyhound StationNo tags
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus
Des Moines
Chicago 95Th & Dan RyanNo tags
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus
Des Moines
Chicago 95Th & Dan RyanNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 5:43 AM CDT.

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Get from Des Moines to Chicago

busbud logoThis route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 8 hours 45 minutes, and with fares starting at just US$37, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

5bus per day
8h 45mAverage duration
496 kmDistance
12kgCO₂ emissions

Bus Des Moines to Chicago: Trip Overview

Average ticket priceUS$62
Average bus trip duration8h 45m
Number of daily buses5
Earliest bus departure00:01
Distance496 km
Latest bus departure23:15

Des Moines to Chicago Bus

With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a bus from Des Moines to Chicago is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and bus schedules to find the best deals.

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

From cheap bus tickets to more luxurious buses travelling from Des Moines to Chicago, we offer a wide range of bus services to best suit your needs depending on how much your budget is.

Frequently asked questions on the trip Des Moines - Chicago

  1. How much does a bus ticket from Des Moines to Chicago cost?

    The bus ticket price from Des Moines to Chicago starts at US$37. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from Des Moines to Chicago is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

  2. How long is the bus ride from Des Moines to Chicago?

    The average travel time between Des Moines and Chicago is around 8h 45m, although the fastest bus will take about 6h 4m. This is the time it takes to travel the 496 km that separates the two cities.

  3. How many daily bus connections are there between Des Moines and Chicago?

    The number of buses from Des Moines to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 5 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Des Moines to Chicago by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  4. Which bus companies travel from Des Moines to Chicago?

    When taking the bus from Des Moines to Chicago, you can travel comfortably and safely with Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Burlington Trailways.

  5. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Des Moines to Chicago?

    Buses travelling between Des Moines and Chicago leave from Jefferson/Trailways Depot or 1514 East Grand Ave and arrive at Downtown Greyhound Station, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Polk St & Canal St.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found
28/10
US$53
29/10
US$37
Today
US$51
31/10
US$51
01/11
US$43
02/11
US$44
03/11
US$40
04/11
US$41
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Des Moines to Chicago was searched and found on 29 Oct 2025 with a price of US$37

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 Chicago as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from US$37 to US$156 for a bus ticket from Des Moines to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at US$40, which is on 2025-11-03.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Meet and talk to locals at the bus stations while travelling from Des Moines to Chicago.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

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

Taking the bus creates the smallest carbon footprint compared to other modes of transport. Not to mention that buses will allow you to discover scenic gems from Des Moines to Chicago that are otherwise impossible to come by with a plane.

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

Did you know?

The Superbus, created by a Dutch engineer is the world's fastest bus with 250 km/h. Too bad it's only a prototype for now.

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.

The bus driver with the longest career in the world drove more than 2,000,000 miles and is a happy World Record holder.

Will you be returning to Des Moines by bus?

Bus from Chicago to Des Moines

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