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 | Watertown | CheapestFastest | ||||
| Bus | Des Moines | Watertown | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 6:30 PM CST.
Get from Des Moines to Watertown
The journey takes about 17 hours 40 minutes and with fares starting at just $173, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular stops in Des Moines and Watertown?
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 Watertown
- A
Stones Truck
3800 9th Ave SE, Watertown, SD 57201, USA
Compare bus companies
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.
Frequently asked questions about traveling from Des Moines to Watertown, SD 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 Watertown?
The cheapest bus tickets from Des Moines to Watertown start from $173. The average price for this route is around $173. 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 Watertown?
The average bus trip duration from Des Moines to Watertown is 17h 40m, covering a distance of 285 miles (459 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 13h 45m and is operated by Jefferson Lines.
Which bus companies service the Des Moines to Watertown route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 1 buses available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Des Moines to Watertown?
The earliest bus departs from Des Moines to Watertown at 4:20am. And the latest bus departs at 11:30pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Des Moines to Watertown?
A bus trip from Des Moines to Watertown generates an estimated 11 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.
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 Watertown, SD was searched and found on Jan 29, 2026 with a price of $156To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Des Moines to Watertown, SD, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $156 to $179 for a bus ticket from Des Moines to Watertown, SD based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $156 which is on 2026-01-29.
