From German start-up to European leader

Everything began in 2013 following the end of the rail monopoly in Germany. A gap opened up for coach travel, and André Schwämmlein, Jochen Engert, and Daniel Krauss immediately stepped in. These three young German entrepreneurs were determined to revolutionize how millions of Germans, and eventually millions of Europeans, travel.

They succeeded with the 2013 founding of FlixBus in Munich, a mobility operator that quickly established itself as the European leader in long-distance coach travel. After rapidly becoming number one in Germany, the start-up expanded across the continent. This included France, where they launched their first national route between Paris and Clermont-Ferrand in August 2015, immediately following the passage of the Macron Law that liberalized long-distance bus transport.

Going global

FlixBus did not stop there. Beyond Europe, they expanded to Turkey, the United States, Brazil, and Canada. Today, the network spans over 3,000 destinations in over 40 countries worldwide, with over 400,000 daily connections.

Why travelers choose it

The company owes its success to low prices and technological innovations, such as an intuitive booking and ticketing system, a mobile app, free onboard Wi-Fi, and real-time GPS tracking. You can expect high levels of comfort and safety, including onboard restrooms and power outlets, on these environmentally friendly buses, which are easily spotted by their signature green color.

A different kind of bus company

It is important to note that FlixBus does not own the buses it operates and does not employ the drivers. For the actual transit, the company partners with local bus operators, selling available seats while taking a cut of the profits in exchange for the partners adhering to the brand's strict service standards. FlixBus handles the logistics, including route planning, network strategy, marketing, ticket sales, and customer service. Their primary goal is to provide an eco-friendly, comfortable, and accessible travel option for everyone.

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https://global.flixbus.com
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Reviews of FlixBus

Summary of 6 reviews
3.7/5
Average rating
+14 recs +21 -7 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recs

Average ratings by criterion

Customer service
3.8/5
Reliability
3.7/5
Value for money
3.8/5

Pleasantly surprised by the experience

Very attractive prices. I was pleasantly surprised to do a Rennes to Lorient or a Nice to Marseille trip for just a few euros, especially on the southern route where you are just about as fast as the train. The buses are generally more comfortable than I imagined (let's be clear, it is still a bus). A good experience and a really interesting alternative to the train!

8
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Convenient and cheap

I have booked several trips with FlixBus that have always gone well. Obviously, you should not expect optimal comfort, as it is still a bus ride. For short trips, I find it is ideal. Beyond two or three hours, it can get complicated. But it is the most advantageous in terms of price.

4
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Very complicated bus access despite having a reservation

I have only taken a FlixBus once, and I will not be repeating the experience! I had booked a trip from Paris to Tours because it was much cheaper than the train. I regretted it very quickly! The bus arrived 20 minutes late, and when I went to board, the attendant refused me access because the bus was supposedly full! They asked me to take the next one, despite my duly booked ticket! I had to fight for 15 minutes, after contacting customer service, to manage to get on! Inside the bus, the seats were okay, but there were no seatbelts or bathrooms. In the end, I arrived more than an hour late. It is better to just pay for the train to avoid all that hassle.

2
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On time, clean, but average comfort

I used FlixBus once for a long distance trip. Booking was no problem and the bus was on time, which is nice. On the other hand, the comfort on board leaves a lot to be desired. The seats were really stiff, almost like boards. It was lucky that breaks were scheduled, as they were very welcome. That said, I wondered if the drivers ever forget passengers during stops at highway rest areas, as no check was done before leaving again.

3
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Good experiences

Contrary to so many negative reviews about FlixBus, I have personally never had a bad experience with them. The buses have always arrived on time. They are relatively comfortable (for buses!), with a plug to charge your phone and a restroom. They offer really convenient overnight trips, like Paris to Perpignan.
The only hitch is that drivers can forget passengers during bathroom breaks in the middle of the night. Prices are also starting to go up, a probable consequence of the increase in train fares.

3
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Good for short trips

I have used this company several times for 3 hour trips.
The bus was clean and well maintained. The seats were comfortable, offering enough space to get settled in for the ride. Having power outlets at every seat was also a nice perk.
The prices are attractive and the travel time is reasonable for short trips.

8
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