What is the cheapest way to get from St. Louis to Des Moines?

The cheapest way to get from St. Louis to Des Moines is to drive which costs $60 - $90 and takes 6h 35m.

What is the fastest way to get from St. Louis to Des Moines?

The fastest way to get from St. Louis to Des Moines is to fly which takes 2h 52m and costs $80 - $470.

Is there a direct bus between St. Louis and Des Moines?

No, there is no direct bus from St. Louis station to Des Moines. However, there are services departing from St Louis Bus Station and arriving at Des Moines via Kansas City. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 8h 30m.

How far is it from St. Louis to Des Moines?

The distance between St. Louis and Des Moines is 281 miles. The road distance is 333.1 miles.

How do I travel from St. Louis to Des Moines without a car?

The best way to get from St. Louis to Des Moines without a car is to bus which takes 8h 30m and costs $50 - $160.

How long does it take to get from St. Louis to Des Moines?

It takes approximately 2h 52m to get from St. Louis to Des Moines, including transfers.

Where do I catch the St. Louis to Des Moines bus from?

St. Louis to Des Moines bus services, operated by Greyhound USA, depart from St Louis Bus Station.

Bus or fly from St. Louis to Des Moines?

The best way to get from St. Louis to Des Moines is to fly which takes 2h 52m and costs $80 - $470. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $50 - $160 and takes 8h 30m.

Where does the St. Louis to Des Moines bus arrive?

St. Louis to Des Moines bus services, operated by Greyhound USA, arrive at Kansas City Bus Station.

Can I drive from St. Louis to Des Moines?

Yes, the driving distance between St. Louis to Des Moines is 333 miles. It takes approximately 6h 35m to drive from St. Louis to Des Moines.

Where can I stay near Des Moines?

There are 252+ hotels available in Des Moines.

St. Louis to Des Moines - 4 ways to travel via train, plane, bus, and car

There are 4 ways to get from St. Louis to Des Moines by plane, bus (Greyhound), train, bus, or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Fly
best
1. Fly from Lambert–St. Louis International Airport (STL) to Des Moines (DSM)plane STL - DSM
2h 52m
$84–464
Bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from St Louis Bus Station to Kansas City Bus Stationbus Greyhound US1200 / ...
2. Take the bus from Kansas City to Des Moinesbus Jefferson 802 / ...
8h 30m
$53–152
Train, bus
1. Take the train from St. Louis to Kansas Citytrain Missouri River Runner / ...
2. Take the bus from Kansas City to Des Moinesbus Jefferson 802 / ...
10h 25m
$54–268
Drive 331.1 mi
1. Drive from St. Louis to Des Moinescar 331.1 mi
6h 35m
$61–88

St. Louis to Des Moines by bus

14Weekly Buses

8h 30mAverage Duration

$53Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from St. Louis to Des Moines.

Launch map view

Distance: 279.7 mi
Duration: 2h 52m

What companies run services between St. Louis, MO, USA and Des Moines, IA, USA?

Southwest Airlines flies from Lambert–St. Louis International Airport (STL) to Des Moines (DSM) twice daily. Alternatively, you can take a bus from St Louis Bus Station to Des Moines via Kansas City in around 8h 30m.

Airlines

Train operators

Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.