IA → IA · about 106 miles
Des Moines to Iowa City bus schedule
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run 40 direct buses a week from Des Moines to Iowa City. The fastest takes 1 hour 45 minutes; the first bus leaves at 5:30 AM and the last at 11:45 PM. Standard one-way fares with Jefferson Lines run from $17 to $33.
Timetable data from · No schedule changes since at least
- Buses a week
- 40
- Fastest trip
- 1h 45m
- First bus
- 5:30 AM
- Last bus
- 11:45 PM
- Standard fare
- $17–$33
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 | 7:40 AM | 2h 10m | Daily | Des Moines to Iowa City Burlington Trailways | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 8:30 AM | 11:25 AM | 2h 55m | Daily | Des Moines to Iowa City | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $33Book (carrier website) |
| 9:20 AM | 11:25 AM | 2h 05m | Daily | Des Moines to Iowa City Burlington Trailways | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 9:45 AM | 2:35 PM | 4h 50m | Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Des Moines to Iowa City | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 2h 00m | Daily | Des Moines to Iowa City | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $17Book (carrier website) |
| 11:45 PM | 1:30 AM +1 day | 1h 45m | Daily | Des Moines to Iowa City | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $33Book (carrier website) |
Route map
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Where to board in Des Moines Where you get off in Iowa City 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 Iowa City
- Iowa City Burlington Trailways Map of Iowa City Burlington Trailways (Google Maps)
Return trip: Iowa City to Des Moines
Questions
How long is the bus from Des Moines to Iowa City?
The fastest direct bus takes 1 hour 45 minutes; the typical trip is 2 hours 10 minutes.
How much is the bus from Des Moines to Iowa City?
The standard one-way fare with Jefferson Lines is $17 to $33, depending on the trip. 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 Iowa City?
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 Iowa City?
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run direct buses on this route.
Where do I catch the bus in Des Moines?
Buses to Iowa City leave from Des Moines bus stop.