IA → IA · about 106 miles
Iowa City to Des Moines bus schedule
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run 40 direct buses a week from Iowa City to Des Moines. The fastest takes 1 hour 40 minutes; the first bus leaves at 1:35 AM and the last at 7:35 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 40m
- First bus
- 1:35 AM
- Last bus
- 7:35 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:35 AM | 3:15 AM | 1h 40m | Daily | Iowa City to Des Moines | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $33Book (carrier website) |
| 12:20 PM | 2:35 PM | 2h 15m | Daily | Iowa City Burlington Trailways to Des Moines | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 1:55 PM | 5:10 PM | 3h 15m | Daily | Iowa City to Des Moines | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $33Book (carrier website) |
| 1:55 PM | 6:45 PM | 4h 50m | Wed–Sun | Iowa City to Des Moines | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 4:50 PM | 6:55 PM | 2h 05m | Daily | Iowa City Burlington Trailways to Des Moines | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 7:35 PM | 9:25 PM | 1h 50m | Daily | Iowa City to Des Moines | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $17Book (carrier website) |
Route map
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Where to board in Iowa City Where you get off in Des Moines The route of the busiest trip
Where to catch the bus in Iowa City
- Iowa City Burlington Trailways Map of Iowa City Burlington Trailways (Google Maps)
Where the bus stops in Des Moines
- Des Moines bus stop Map of Des Moines bus stop (Google Maps)
Return trip: Des Moines to Iowa City
Questions
How long is the bus from Iowa City to Des Moines?
The fastest direct bus takes 1 hour 40 minutes; the typical trip is 2 hours 15 minutes.
How much is the bus from Iowa City to Des Moines?
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 Iowa City to Des Moines?
The earliest departure is at 1:35 AM (Daily) and the last at 7:35 PM (Daily).
Which bus companies go from Iowa City to Des Moines?
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run direct buses on this route.
Where do I catch the bus in Iowa City?
Buses to Des Moines leave from Iowa City Burlington Trailways.