Flix SE, the German intercity bus and rail operator, is expanding into India – the world’s second largest bus market worth an estimated €30 billion. Beginning February 6, 2024, FlixBus will run over 200 daily services connecting 46 cities, partnering with five local bus companies initially concentrated around New Delhi.
FlixBus stations in Delhi, Agra, Jodhpur and beyond will reflect the chaotic energy of existing bus hubs – crowds jostling amid vendors selling snacks, drivers yelling instructions, and a sea of brightly painted buses. Rather than establish its own fleet, FlixBus will focus on booking, planning, marketing and customer service.
India becomes the 43rd country in FlixBus’ global network, which spans Europe, the Americas, and now South Asia after recent moves into Chile. Originally a Munich-based startup, FlixBus has aggressively expanded through acquisitions like America’s Greyhound and organic network growth.
FlixBus co-founder and CEO André Schwämmlein sees massive potential in the burgeoning Indian market, building on successes serving passenger demand for affordable, sustainable transit options abroad. With India surpassing China in 2023 as the world’s most populous nation, its 1.4 billion residents present enormous growth runway.
“Our aim is to offer travelers in India a new standard of travel,” Schwämmlein explained of the launch. By leveraging its international expertise in areas like digital bookings, route planning, and marketing, FlixBus aims to elevate intercity bus service as it has across Europe and beyond.
The Indian market entry also strengthens FlixBus’ position as a global brand. As demand increases for flexible and sustainable mobility, FlixBus has demonstrated its ability to adapt operations across diverse markets while introducing new innovations. India represents the next phase of this expansion, bringing advanced yet affordable bus transit to an emerging giant.