Next bus departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bus | Ames (Phillips 66) | Des Moines | CheapestFastest | ||||
 | Bus | Ames | Des Moines | No tags | ||||
| Bus | Ames | Des Moines | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 3:02 PM CST.
Get from Ames to Des Moines
The journey takes about 45 minutes and with fares starting at just $11, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular stops in Ames and Des Moines?
Stops in Ames
- A
Intermodal Facility
129 Hayward Ave, Ames, IA 50014, USA
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
Compare bus companies
Frequently asked questions about traveling from Ames, IA, US to Des Moines 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 Ames to Des Moines?
The cheapest bus tickets from Ames to Des Moines start from $11. The average price for this route is around $21. 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 Ames to Des Moines?
The average bus trip duration from Ames to Des Moines is 45m, covering a distance of 28 miles (45 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 35m and is operated by Jefferson Lines.
Which bus companies service the Ames to Des Moines route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 2 buses available per day, including services from Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, Tornado Bus.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Ames to Des Moines?
The earliest bus departs from Ames to Des Moines at 2:35am. And the latest bus departs at 10:20pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Ames to Des Moines?
A bus trip from Ames to Des Moines generates an estimated 1 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.
What is the best bus company from Ames to Des Moines?
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 Ames to Des Moines?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Tornado Bus has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.
Which bus company has the most timely service from Ames to Des Moines?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely 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 Ames to Des Moines?
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 Ames, IA, US to Des Moines was searched and found on Nov 26, 2025 with a price of $5To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Ames, IA, US to Des Moines, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $5 to $135 for a bus ticket from Ames, IA, US to Des Moines based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $5 which is on 2025-11-29.
Usually Tornado Bus 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.
