How much is the bus ticket from Des Moines to Ames?

The cheapest bus tickets from Des Moines to Ames start from $10. 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 Des Moines to Ames?

The average bus trip duration from Des Moines to Ames is 40m, covering a distance of 26 miles (42 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 3 buses available per day, including services from Jefferson Lines , Tornado Bus , Greyhound .

What is the earliest and latest departure time 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 3:51pm.

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 recommended mode of travel 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 764 reviews.

Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Des Moines to Ames?

Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Tornado Bus has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 4.1.

Which bus company has the most timely service from Des Moines to Ames?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is Jefferson Lines , with a punctuality rating of 3.5 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.

Bus Des Moines to Ames from $4 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for Des Moines to Ames on January 8
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	9:45am	Des Moines	40m	10:25am	Ames (Phillips 66)	Cheapest
Bus	12:01am	Des Moines	34m	12:35am	Ames	Fastest
Bus	12:10pm	Des Moines	35m	12:45pm	Ames	No tags
Bus	11:21am	Des Moines, (IA - Diversity Insurance/Seguros Mundo Latino)	2h	1:21pm	Gas Station Phillips 66	No tags
Bus	4:05am	Des Moines	40m	4:45am	Ames	No tags

Next departures for Des Moines to Ames on January 9
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	9:45am	Des Moines	40m	10:25am	Ames (Phillips 66)	Cheapest
Bus	12:01am	Des Moines	34m	12:35am	Ames	Fastest
Bus	12:10pm	Des Moines	35m	12:45pm	Ames	No tags
Bus	11:21am	Des Moines, (IA - Diversity Insurance/Seguros Mundo Latino)	2h	1:21pm	Gas Station Phillips 66	No tags

Next departures for Des Moines to Ames on January 10
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	9:45am	Des Moines	40m	10:25am	Ames (Phillips 66)	Cheapest
Bus	12:01am	Des Moines	34m	12:35am	Ames	Fastest
Bus	12:10pm	Des Moines	35m	12:45pm	Ames	No tags
Bus	11:21am	Des Moines, (IA - Diversity Insurance/Seguros Mundo Latino)	2h	1:21pm	Gas Station Phillips 66	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 11:32 PM CST.

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 $10, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3bus per day

40mAverage Duration

26 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

4/5764 reviews

Staff4

Timeliness3.6

Cleanliness4.3

Wifi2.3

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

Tornado Bus

3/5168 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.4

Cleanliness4.5

Wifi4.1

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.

Greyhound

3.5/587,489 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.

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling 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 $10. 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 Des Moines to Ames?
The average bus trip duration from Des Moines to Ames is 40m, covering a distance of 26 miles (42 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 3 buses available per day, including services from Jefferson Lines, Tornado Bus, Greyhound.
What is the earliest and latest departure time 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 3:51pm.
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 recommended mode of travel 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 764 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Des Moines to Ames?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Tornado Bus has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 4.1.
Which bus company has the most timely service from Des Moines to Ames?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is Jefferson Lines, with a punctuality rating of 3.5 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.

Best price found

01/05

$6

01/06

$20

Today

$20

01/08

$5

01/09

$5

01/10

$5

01/11

No data

01/12

No data

The cheapest trip from Des Moines to Ames, IA, US was searched and found on Jan 8, 2026 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 2026-01-08.

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.