IA → IA · about 27 miles
Ames to Des Moines bus schedule
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run 33 direct buses a week from Ames to Des Moines. The fastest takes 30 minutes; the first bus leaves at 2:35 AM and the last at 10:45 PM. The standard fare with Jefferson Lines is $18 one way.
Timetable data from · Schedule last changed
- Buses a week
- 33
- Fastest trip
- 30m
- First bus
- 2:35 AM
- Last bus
- 10:45 PM
- Standard fare
- $18
A standard fare is the carrier's published one-way price. Many carriers price by demand, so the fare when you book can be higher or lower. Fares don't include any fees the carrier's ticket site may add; BusSchedules.com adds no fees. Fares for Greyhound aren't listed here.
Timetable
Times are local to each stop. Timetables published by tds.ai, refreshed October 15, 2026. Schedules change, so check times when you book.
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Days | Stops | Bus company | Standard fare & ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:35 AM | 3:15 AM | 40m | Daily | Ames to Des Moines | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $18Book (carrier website) |
| 4:35 AM New | 5:05 AM | 30m | Daily | Ames South Duff Avenue to Des Moines | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 5:50 PM | 6:35 PM | 45m | Daily | Ames to Des Moines | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $18Book (carrier website) |
| 6:05 PM | 6:45 PM | 40m | Wed–Sun | Ames South Duff Avenue to Des Moines | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 10:45 PM | 11:30 PM | 45m | Daily | Ames to Des Moines | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $18Book (carrier website) |
Route map
The map needs JavaScript.
Where to board in Ames Where you get off in Des Moines The route of the busiest trip
Where to catch the bus in Ames
Where the bus stops in Des Moines
- Des Moines bus stop Map of Des Moines bus stop (Google Maps)
Return trip: Des Moines to Ames
Questions
How long is the bus from Ames to Des Moines?
The fastest direct bus takes 30 minutes; the typical trip is 40 minutes.
How much is the bus from Ames to Des Moines?
The standard one-way fare with Jefferson Lines is $18. Many carriers price by demand, so the fare when you book can be higher or lower. Fares don't include any fees the carrier's ticket site may add; BusSchedules.com adds no fees. Fares for Greyhound aren't listed here; check its website.
What time is the first bus from Ames to Des Moines?
The earliest departure is at 2:35 AM (Daily) and the last at 10:45 PM (Daily).
Which bus companies go from Ames to Des Moines?
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run direct buses on this route.
Where do I catch the bus in Ames?
Buses to Des Moines leave from Ames Jefferson Lines bus stop and Ames South Duff Avenue.