IA → IA · about 27 miles
Des Moines to Ames bus schedule
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run 33 direct buses a week from Des Moines to Ames. The fastest takes 30 minutes; the first bus leaves at 12:01 AM and the last at 11:55 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
- 12:01 AM
- Last bus
- 11:55 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:01 AM | 12:35 AM | 34m | Daily | Des Moines to Ames | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $18Book (carrier website) |
| 4:05 AM | 4:45 AM | 40m | Daily | Des Moines to Ames | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $18Book (carrier website) |
| 9:45 AM | 10:25 AM | 40m | Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Des Moines to Ames South Duff Avenue | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 12:15 PM | 12:50 PM | 35m | Daily | Des Moines to Ames | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $18Book (carrier website) |
| 11:55 PM New | 12:25 AM +1 day | 30m | Daily | Des Moines to Ames South Duff Avenue | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
Route map
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Where to board in Des Moines Where you get off in Ames The route of the busiest trip
Where to catch the bus in Des Moines
- Des Moines bus stop Map of Des Moines bus stop (Google Maps)
Where the bus stops in Ames
Return trip: Ames to Des Moines
Questions
How long is the bus from Des Moines to Ames?
The fastest direct bus takes 30 minutes; the typical trip is 35 minutes.
How much is the bus from Des Moines to Ames?
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 Des Moines to Ames?
The earliest departure is at 12:01 AM (Daily) and the last at 11:55 PM (Daily).
Which bus companies go from Des Moines to Ames?
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run direct buses on this route.
Where do I catch the bus in Des Moines?
Buses to Ames leave from Des Moines bus stop.