What is the travel distance from Des Moines to Ames?

Des Moines and Ames are 30 miles (48 km) apart.

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Des Moines to Ames?

The majority of buses traveling from Des Moines to Ames start their journey at Jefferson/Trailways Depot and wind up at Intermodal Facility. These are the main departure and arrival locations on this route, there are other pick-up and drop-off locations that could make it easier for you to reach your destination.

Bus Des Moines to Ames from $4 | Refundable Tickets

Previously seen trips

Next departures for Des Moines to Ames on November 23
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	12:10pm	Des Moines	40m	12:50pm	Ames	No tags
Bus	11:30pm	Des Moines	40m	12:10am	Ames	No tags
Bus	4:20am	Des Moines	35m	4:55am	Ames	No tags
Bus	12:10pm	Des Moines	40m	12:50pm	Ames	No tags
Bus	11:30pm	Des Moines	40m	12:10am	Ames	No tags

Get from Des Moines to Ames

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 40 minutes and with fares starting at just $11, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day

40mAverage Duration

31 milesDistance

1kgCO₂ emissions

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

Compare bus companies

Jefferson Lines

4/5759 reviews

Staff4

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4

Wifi3.2

Founded in 1919, Jefferson Lines provides bus services across the Midwest in the US. Their buses have WiFi, USB plugs, bathrooms, reclining seats, reading lights and GPS tracking. Tickets are non-refundable, but you can change the date by paying a fee. Known for their affordable prices and convenient schedules, if you're looking to travel in the Midwest, Jefferson Lines is the way to go.

Jefferson Lines Des Moines Ames recent customer reviews

Overall, it was a bud ride. The bus drivers was kind of rude, when I got on the bus he just put his hand in my face and didn’t really say anything.

Beatrice F.

October 10, 2022

Greyhound

3.5/587,391 reviews

Staff3.6

Timeliness2.9

Cleanliness3.3

Wifi2.4

Greyhound Lines offers the most comprehensive intercity bus services in the United States. They operate a modern, environmentally friendly fleet that serves more than 2400 destinations and carries nearly 16 million passengers annually. When traveling with them, you can expect free WiFi, onboard entertainment, bathrooms, power outlets and decent legroom. One of the great perks of Greyhound is that they connect big cities and smaller towns in the US, where you usually can't get to by train or plane. If you're looking for safe and affordable transportation, Greyhound is a great choice.

Tornado Bus

3/5156 reviews

Staff4.5

Timeliness3.3

Cleanliness4.5

Wifi3.8

A Texas-based company, Tornado Bus operates throughout the United States, with routes connecting major cities, including Houston, San Antonio and El Paso. Each day,1 buses leave from their terminals to destinations across the continent. Their buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, bathrooms, power outlets and a comfortable amount of legroom. With prices as low as $122 for a short ride, Tornado offers options for budget travelers, without compromising comfort. and those looking for a little luxury. The company requires printed tickets for boarding and their tickets are non-refundable, but you can exchange them up to two hours before travel time for a fee. With a friendly staff and multiple routes, traveling with Tornado is a convenient way to get around.

US bus companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Des Moines to Ames, IA, US by bus

What is the travel distance from Des Moines to Ames?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Des Moines to Ames?

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

11/21

$5

11/22

$5

Today

$6

11/24

$5

11/25

No data

11/26

$115

11/27

No data

11/28

No data

The cheapest trip from Des Moines to Ames, IA, US was searched and found on Nov 21, 2025 with a price of $5

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 Ames, IA, US, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $5 to $135 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 $5 which is on 2025-11-24.