IA → IL · about 306 miles
Des Moines to Chicago bus schedule
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run 26 direct buses a week from Des Moines to Chicago. The fastest takes 6 hours; the first bus leaves at 5:30 AM and the last at 11:45 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
- 5:30 AM
- Last bus
- 11:45 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | 1:35 PM | 8h 05m | Daily | Des Moines to Chicago Bus Station | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 9:20 AM | 4:25 PM | 7h 05m | Daily | Des Moines to Chicago Bus Station | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 9:45 AM | 7:45 PM | 10h 00m | Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Des Moines to Chicago Bus Station | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 11:45 PM | 5:45 AM +1 day | 6h 00m | Daily | Des Moines to Chicago | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $87Book (carrier website) |
Route map
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Where to board in Des Moines Where you get off in Chicago 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 Chicago
Return trip: Chicago to Des Moines
Questions
How long is the bus from Des Moines to Chicago?
The fastest direct bus takes 6 hours; the typical trip is 8 hours 5 minutes.
How much is the bus from Des Moines to Chicago?
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 Des Moines to Chicago?
The earliest departure is at 5:30 AM (Daily) and the last at 11:45 PM (Daily).
Which bus companies go from Des Moines to Chicago?
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run direct buses on this route.
Where do I catch the bus in Des Moines?
Buses to Chicago leave from Des Moines bus stop.