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 | Iowa City | CheapestFastest | ||||
| Bus | Des Moines | Iowa City | No tags | ||||
| Bus | Des Moines | Iowa City | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 11:30 AM CST.
Get from Des Moines to Iowa City
The journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes, and with fares starting at just R 489, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular stops in Des Moines and Iowa City?
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 Iowa City
- A
Court Street Bus Station
170 E Court St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
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Frequently asked questions about travelling from Des Moines to Iowa City by bus
Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.
How much is the bus ticket from Des Moines to Iowa City?
The cheapest bus tickets from Des Moines to Iowa City start at R 489. The average price for this route is around R 619. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from Des Moines to Iowa City?
The average bus journey time from Des Moines to Iowa City is 2h 15m, covering a distance of 171 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 1h 39m and is operated by Jefferson Lines.
Which bus companies service the Des Moines to Iowa City route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 3 buses available per day, including services from Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Burlington Trailways.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Des Moines to Iowa City?
The earliest bus departs from Des Moines to Iowa City at 00:01. And the latest bus departs at 23:45.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Des Moines to Iowa City?
A bus trip from Des Moines to Iowa City produces an estimated 4 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.
What is the best bus company from Des Moines to Iowa City?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Burlington Trailways, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 20 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Des Moines to Iowa City?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Burlington Trailways has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.
Which bus company offers the most punctual service from Des Moines to Iowa City?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Burlington Trailways, with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Des Moines to Iowa City?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Burlington Trailways, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Des Moines to Iowa City was searched and found on 04 Dec 2025 with a price of R 382To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Des Moines to Iowa City as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from R 382 to R 955 for a bus ticket from Des Moines to Iowa City based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 408, which is on 2025-12-07.
