IL → IA · about 306 miles
Chicago to Des Moines bus schedule
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run 26 direct buses a week from Chicago to Des Moines. The fastest takes 6 hours; the first bus leaves at 6:10 AM and the last at 9:15 PM. The standard fare with Jefferson Lines is $87 one way.
Timetable data from · No schedule changes since at least
- Buses a week
- 26
- Fastest trip
- 6h 00m
- First bus
- 6:10 AM
- Last bus
- 9:15 PM
- Standard fare
- $87
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:10 AM | 2:35 PM | 8h 25m | Daily | Chicago Bus Station to Des Moines | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 8:50 AM | 6:45 PM | 9h 55m | Wed–Sun | Chicago Bus Station to Des Moines | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 12:25 PM | 6:55 PM | 6h 30m | Daily | Chicago Bus Station to Des Moines | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 9:15 PM | 3:15 AM +1 day | 6h 00m | Daily | Chicago to Des Moines | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $87Book (carrier website) |
Route map
The map needs JavaScript.
Where to board in Chicago Where you get off in Des Moines The route of the busiest trip
Where to catch the bus in Chicago
Where the bus stops in Des Moines
- Des Moines bus stop Map of Des Moines bus stop (Google Maps)
Return trip: Des Moines to Chicago
Questions
How long is the bus from Chicago to Des Moines?
The fastest direct bus takes 6 hours; the typical trip is 8 hours 25 minutes.
How much is the bus from Chicago to Des Moines?
The standard one-way fare with Jefferson Lines is $87. 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 Chicago to Des Moines?
The earliest departure is at 6:10 AM (Daily) and the last at 9:15 PM (Daily).
Which bus companies go from Chicago to Des Moines?
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run direct buses on this route.
Where do I catch the bus in Chicago?
Buses to Des Moines leave from Chicago Bus Station.