FlixBus Canada reported a 128% increase in ridership during the 2024 winter holiday season, as more travelers turned to intercity buses for affordable and reliable transportation.
The surge in demand highlights a growing shift toward buses as a cost-effective and stress-free way to visit family, explore new destinations, and take spontaneous getaways, especially amid rising airfare and unpredictable winter travel conditions.
“Intercity bus travel is not only rebounding but thriving in Canada,” said Kai Boysan, CEO of Flix North America. “More people are recognizing buses as a convenient, affordable, and sustainable choice for long-distance journeys. This remarkable growth also underscores the value we bring to our bus partners and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality service that keeps buses top-of-mind for travelers.”
Flix North America Inc., the parent company of FlixBus Inc. and Greyhound Lines Inc., is a leading provider of long-distance bus transportation in North America. A subsidiary of Germany-based Flix SE, the company operates intercity bus and train services in more than 40 countries across four continents. FlixBus and Greyhound serve over 1,600 destinations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, carrying more than 12 million passengers annually.
Choice for leisure trips
The holiday season reinforced the growing popularity of intercity buses for leisure travel, not just essential trips. Many budget-conscious travelers opted for FlixBus routes to connect with loved ones or visit top destinations across Canada and the U.S.
Among the key trends from the 2024 holiday season:
- Record ridership on leisure routes: High-demand travel corridors included Toronto-Ottawa, Toronto-Niagara Falls, and Calgary-Edmonton. Cross-border travel also surged, with strong demand for routes linking Toronto, Montreal, and Niagara Falls with New York.
- Peak travel dates aligned with holidays: Ridership spiked around Christmas, New Year’s, and Canadian Thanksgiving, underscoring the role of intercity buses in seasonal travel.
- Affordability and reliability drive demand: With airline prices fluctuating and winter weather causing frequent flight delays, more travelers opted for buses due to their lower costs, direct routes, and reliability.
Amid economic pressures and rising environmental awareness, intercity buses are increasingly seen as a greener alternative to air and car travel. With lower emissions than planes or private vehicles, buses provide an eco-friendly option for long-distance travel.
More growth seen
FlixBus has expanded its network to connect smaller communities such as Chatham and Brantford, Ontario, with major hubs like Toronto, Ottawa, and Windsor. The company has also increased cross-border service to cities including Detroit and New York.
As demand for affordable, dependable, and sustainable transportation continues to grow, the intercity bus sector in Canada is expected to expand further in 2025. Industry leaders anticipate increased collaboration between public and private sectors to improve regional connectivity and enhance long-distance travel options.
“Intercity buses will play a critical role in shaping Canada’s transportation future,” Boysan said. “We are committed to expanding our network, enhancing service quality, and working closely with public and private partners to ensure long-distance bus travel remains a convenient and accessible choice for Canadians.”
For more information, visit flixbus.com.
