Greyhound Routes Launch, March Madness Arrives, Warm Weekend Buzzes in Des Moines
Des Moines, IA – March 22, 2026 – New Greyhound routes roll out as March Madness and near-80-degree weather energize a busy weekend downtown.
It has been a lively few days across Des Moines, with new transportation options, big-time basketball and springlike weather drawing people out across the metro.
Greyhound Adds New Daily Routes
Des Moines travelers now have two new direct bus options. Greyhound this week introduced daily routes connecting the city to St. Louis and Indianapolis. Each route runs once per day in both directions, seven days a week.
The service is supported in part by a federal grant administered through the Iowa DOT, helping offset operating costs. Local leaders say the added connections expand affordable travel options for central Iowans and strengthen ties to other Midwest hubs.
March Madness Energy Downtown
Wells Fargo Arena has been a focal point this weekend as college basketball fans pour into downtown for tournament play. With games scheduled March 21 and 23, hotels, restaurants and skywalk traffic have all seen an uptick.
City parking garages reported steady use, and free shuttle options from nearby lots helped ease congestion. The tournament atmosphere has added extra buzz to Court Avenue and the East Village, giving downtown a welcome economic boost.
Warm Weather Brings Crowds Outdoors
Adding to the excitement, unseasonably warm temperatures near 80 degrees on Saturday sent residents outdoors. Parks such as Water Works, Walnut Woods and the Downtown Sculpture Park saw steady foot traffic, while patios and dog-friendly spots filled up quickly.
Community event calendars were packed, and locals shared plans for everything from brewery visits to hockey and live music. After a long winter stretch, the sudden taste of spring made for one of the busiest March weekends in recent memory.
Sources
https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/03/19/new-greyhound-routes-st-louis-indianapolis-dot
https://www.reddit.com/r/desmoines/comments/1rxidl5/march_21st/
https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/desmoines/Downtown_Map_Small_c138fd7d-6897-4175-a710-1f6433d92959.pdf
