FlixBus

{{Short description|German long-distance international coach company}}

{{Infobox bus company

| name = FlixBus

| image = FlixBus Setra S 431 DT - Berlin ZOB.jpg

| image_caption = A FlixBus Setra S 431 DT at Berlin Messe in 2016

| logo = Flixbus 201x logo.svg

| logo_caption = FlixBus' current logo, used since 5 May 2016

| parent = {{ill|Flix SE|de|Flix (Unternehmen)}}

| founded = {{start date and age|df=yes|2011|p=yes}}

| headquarters = Munich, Bavaria, Germany

| service_area = {{ubl|Europe|United States|Brazil|Chile|Canada|India|Mexico}}

| service_type = Intercity coach service

| revenue = €2 billion (2023)

| website = {{Official URL}}

| map = 260px

| map_name = Countries in which FlixBus operates

}}

FlixBus ({{IPA|de|'flɪksbʊs}}; styled FLiXBUS) is a German brand that offers low-cost intercity coach services in Europe, North America, South America and Asia. It is owned by {{ill|Flix SE|de|Flix (Unternehmen)}}, which also operates FlixTrain, FlixCar, {{ill|Kâmil Koç|tr}}, and Greyhound Lines. FlixBus operates buses or, in many cases, just handles marketing, pricing, and customer service for a commission, on behalf of bus operators.{{cite news | title=Flixbus aims 'to make coach travelling cool again' | url=https://www.ft.com/content/1d25b874-86b5-11e9-a028-86cea8523dc2 | first=Mark | last=Wembridge | work=Financial Times | date=6 June 2019 | access-date=19 June 2019 | archive-date=28 October 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028142740/https://www.ft.com/content/1d25b874-86b5-11e9-a028-86cea8523dc2 | url-status=live}}{{Cite web | url=https://global.flixbus.com/company/partners/buspartners | title=Bus Partners | publisher=FlixBus | access-date=21 January 2020 | archive-date=21 December 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221234355/https://global.flixbus.com/company/partners/buspartners | url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/losangeles/news/2018/05/15/flixbus-brings-tech-driven-bus-network-to-us.html | title=European FlixBus brings tech-driven bus network to L.A. | first=Annlee | last=Ellingson | work=American City Business Journals | date=15 May 2018}} In 2023, FlixBus had revenues of €2 billion and carried 81 million passengers of which 55 million were in Europe, 14 million were in Turkey, and 12 million were in North America.{{Cite press release |title=Another record year: Flix reports EUR 2 billion total revenue in 2023 |url=https://corporate.flix.com/press_releases/another-record-year-flix-reports-eur-2-billion-total-revenue-in-2023/ | publisher=Flix SE | date=7 March 2024}}

History

FlixBus was founded in 2011 in Munich by Daniel Krauss, Jochen Engert and André Schwämmlein. They had met in university and began discussing the concept in 2009 after plans were made to deregulate the bus industry in Germany.{{Cite web | url=https://www.unternehmertum.de/start-ups/flixmobility | title=FlixMobility | work=Technical University of Munich | language=de | access-date=12 September 2024 | archive-date=21 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521212555/https://www.unternehmertum.de/start-ups/flixmobility | url-status=live}}

FlixBus launched its first three routes in February 2013 in Bavaria, Germany, to take advantage of Germany opening up its bus market to competition.{{cite news |url= https://www.economist.com/business/2018/05/10/how-flixbus-conquered-the-european-coach-market |title=How Flixbus conquered the European coach market |newspaper=The Economist |location= London |date=10 May 2018 |url-access=subscription | access-date=9 September 2019 | archive-date=6 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201106232713/https://www.economist.com/business/2018/05/10/how-flixbus-conquered-the-european-coach-market | url-status=live}} In the following years, it added routes across Europe.{{Cite news | url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20041541 | title=German bus firm Flixbus opens new Vaasa to Warsaw route | work=Yle | date=18 July 2023}}

In April 2018, FlixBus was the first to use all-electric vehicles on a long-distance bus route, between Paris La Défense and Amiens.{{Cite news | url=https://www.metro-magazine.com/10032856/europes-flixbus-inaugurates-1st-100-electric-long-distance-bus-line | title=Europe's FlixBus inaugurates 1st 100% electric long-distance bus line | work=Metro Magazine | date=12 April 2018 | access-date=12 September 2024 | archive-date=12 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912122817/https://www.metro-magazine.com/10032856/europes-flixbus-inaugurates-1st-100-electric-long-distance-bus-line | url-status=live}}

FlixBus expanded to the United States in 2018, first operating from Los Angeles,{{Cite news | url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/05/15/germanys-data-driven-flixbus-launches-in-the-u-s-to-make-bus-travel-cool-again/ | title=Germany's data-driven FlixBus launches in the U.S. to make bus travel cool again | first=Chris | last=O'Brien | work=VentureBeat | date=15 May 2018 | access-date=16 May 2018 | archive-date=9 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109013147/https://venturebeat.com/2018/05/15/germanys-data-driven-flixbus-launches-in-the-u-s-to-make-bus-travel-cool-again/ | url-status=live}} then expanding to the East Coast in 2019 through a partnership with Eastern Bus.{{cite news | url=https://www.metro-magazine.com/motorcoach/article/734779/how-greyhound-coach-usa-sales-will-impact-intercity-bus-lines | title=How Greyhound, Coach USA sales will impact intercity bus lines | first1=Joseph | last1=Schwieterman | first2=Brian | last2=Antolin | work=Metro Magazine | date=11 July 2019 | access-date=9 September 2019 | archive-date=14 December 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214181929/https://www.metro-magazine.com/motorcoach/article/734779/how-greyhound-coach-usa-sales-will-impact-intercity-bus-lines | url-status=live}} FlixBus also launched service in Brazil in 2021,{{Cite news | url=https://www.keybuses.com/article/flixbus-starts-brazil | title=Flixbus starts up in Brazil | work=Buses | date=12 January 2022}} Canada in 2022,{{Cite news | last=Dunne | first=James | title=Giant German bus company hits the highway in Canada | url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/flixbus-bus-service-ontario-market-1.6412670/ | publisher=CBC News | date=8 April 2022 | access-date=10 April 2022 | archive-date=10 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410032035/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/flixbus-bus-service-ontario-market-1.6412670 | url-status=live}}{{Cite news | url=https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/flixbus-new-bus-service-vancouver-seattle | title=FlixBus launches new bus service between Vancouver and Seattle | first=Cheryl | last=Chan | work=Vancouver Sun | date=24 May 2022}}{{Cite news | url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-seattle-bus-route-flixbus-route-service | title=FlixBus: Vancouver to Seattle bus service launches in June with $18 fares | first=Kenneth | last=Chan | work=Daily Hive | date=27 May 2022 | access-date=18 July 2023 | archive-date=18 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718171645/https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-seattle-bus-route-flixbus-route-service | url-status=live}} Chile in 2023, and India in 2024.{{Cite news | url=https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/massive-step-as-flix-launches-in-india/ | title=Massive step as Flix launches in India | work=Bus & Coach Buyer | date=1 February 2024}}

In April 2022, the company converted from a GmbH structure to an SE structure and was renamed Flix SE.{{Cite news | url=https://www.startbase.com/news/flixbus-mutterfirma-heisst-jetzt-flix/ | title=Flixbus parent company is now called Flix | work=Startbase | date=20 April 2022}}

In 2025, Trentbarton became the operator of Flixbus services in the East Midlands.{{cite news |url=https://www.route-one.net/news/trentbarton-is-latest-partner-operator-for-flixbus-services/ | title=Trentbarton is latest partner operator for FlixBus services | last=Render | first=Stuart |work=routeone |date=15 November 2024}}

In May 2025, FlixBus launched operations in Mexico under the brand name Flix.{{Cite web |last=Stoate |first=Joey |date=2025-05-28 |title=FlixBus Launches New Mexican Services |url=https://bus-news.com/flixbus-launches-new-mexican-services/ |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=Bus-News |language=en-gb}}

=Financing history – parent company, Flix SE=

In 2013, the company received equity financing from Mercedes-Benz Group and the Technical University of Munich.

In July 2019, the company raised €500 million in a Series F financing round led by TCV and Permira, valuing the company at over €2 billion.{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tech-flixbus/transport-app-flixmobility-gets-germanys-biggest-tech-funding-round-to-drive-growth-idUSKCN1UD2IJ/ |title=Transport app FlixMobility gets Germany's biggest tech funding round to drive growth |first1=Douglas |last1=Busvine |first2=Alexander |last2=Hübner |first3=Arno |last3=Schuetze |agency=Reuters |date=18 July 2019 |access-date=12 September 2024 |archive-date=12 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712063534/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tech-flixbus/transport-app-flixmobility-gets-germanys-biggest-tech-funding-round-to-drive-growth-idUSKCN1UD2IJ |url-status=live}}

In June 2021, FlixMobility GmbH raised $650 million in a Series G financing round at a valuation of US$3 billion from investors including General Atlantic, Permira, TCV, HV Capital, BlackRock, Baillie Gifford, and SilverLake.{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/02/flixmobility-raises-650m-at-a-3b-valuation-to-double-down-on-buses-and-other-transport-in-the-us/ |title=FlixMobility raises $650M+ at a $3B valuation to double down on buses and other transport in the US |first=Ingrid |last=Lunden |work=TechCrunch |date=2 June 2021 |access-date=12 September 2024 |archive-date=12 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912122816/https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/02/flixmobility-raises-650m-at-a-3b-valuation-to-double-down-on-buses-and-other-transport-in-the-us/ |url-status=live}}

In July 2024, EQT AB and Kuehne + Nagel acquired a 35% stake in the company for €1 billion.{{Cite press release |url=https://eqtgroup.com/news/2024/eqt-and-k-hne-holding-invest-in-flix-the-global-travel-company/ |title=EQT and Kühne Holding invest in Flix, the global travel company |publisher=EQT AB |date=4 July 2024}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/eqt,-german-tycoon-buy-%E2%82%AC1-billion-stake-in-greyhound-owner-flix/82707885 |title=EQT, German Tycoon Buy €1 Billion Stake in Greyhound Owner Flix |work=SWI swissinfo |date=4 July 2024}}

=Acquisitions=

class="wikitable sortable"
scope="col" \| # ! scope="col" \| Date ! scope="col" \| Company ! scope="col" \| Seller ! scope="col" \| Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" \| Ref(s).
1 \| {{dts\|2015\|01}} \| MeinFernbus \| \| Received investment from General Atlantic \| {{cite press release \| url=https://www.generalatlantic.com/media-article/meinfernbus-flixbus-become-one-aim-establish-europe-wide-bus-network/ \| title=MeinFernbus and FlixBus Become One \| publisher=General Atlantic \| date=17 January 2015 \| access-date=18 July 2023 \| archive-date=28 September 2023 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928152224/https://www.generalatlantic.com/media-article/meinfernbus-flixbus-become-one-aim-establish-europe-wide-bus-network/ \| url-status=live }}
2 \| {{dts\|2015\|11}} \| LIINITA \| \| Provider of trips of up to 15 kilometers \| {{cite web \| url=https://mergr.com/flix-se-acquires-liinita \| title=FlixBus Acquires LIINITA \| publisher=Mergr \| access-date=26 May 2024 \| archive-date=26 May 2024 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526105331/https://mergr.com/flix-se-acquires-liinita \| url-status=live }}
3 \| {{dts\|2016\|07}} \| Megabus Europe \| Stagecoach Group \| Stagecoach became an operating partner \| {{cite press release \| url=https://cbwmagazine.com/megabus-europe-retail-operations-sold-flixbus/ \| title=Megabus Europe retail operations sold to FlixBus \| work=CBW \| date=4 July 2016 \| access-date=18 July 2023 \| archive-date=22 September 2023 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922023222/https://cbwmagazine.com/megabus-europe-retail-operations-sold-flixbus/ \| url-status=live }}
4 \| {{dts\|2016\|08}} \| Postbus \| Deutsche Post \| German bus lines \| {{cite news \| url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/03/deutsche-post-sells-long-distance-bus-unit-confirms-2016-targets.html \| title=Deutsche Post sells long-distance bus unit, confirms 2016 targets \| agency=Reuters \| publisher=CNBC \| date=3 August 2016 \| access-date=18 July 2023 \| archive-date=18 July 2023 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718171649/https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/03/deutsche-post-sells-long-distance-bus-unit-confirms-2016-targets.html \| url-status=live }}
5 \| {{dts\|2017\|05}} \| Hellö coach network \| Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) \| Austrian bus lines \| {{cite news \| url=https://www.keybuses.com/article/flixbus-buys-out-austrias-hello \| title=Flixbus buys out Austria's Hellö \| work=Buses \| date=15 June 2017 \| access-date=12 September 2024 \| archive-date=12 September 2024 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912122819/https://www.keybuses.com/article/flixbus-buys-out-austrias-hello \| url-status=live }}
6 \| {{dts\|2018\|05}} \| Swebus Express \| Nobina \| Swedish bus lines \| {{cite press release \| url=https://www.nobina.com/media/press-releases/2018/nobina-divests-express-bus-operations/ \| title=Nobina divests express bus operations \| publisher=Nobina \| date=2 May 2018 \| access-date=26 May 2024 \| archive-date=26 May 2024 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526105331/https://www.nobina.com/media/press-releases/2018/nobina-divests-express-bus-operations/ \| url-status=live }}
7 \| {{dts\|2019\|04}} \| Eurolines and Isilines \| Transdev \| Acquisition of Eurolines operating businesses including France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic and Spain and excluding Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ireland, Switzerland and Serbia \| {{cite press release \| url=https://www.transdev.com/en/press-release/flixbus-buys-eurolines-isilines/ \| title=Negotiations successfully completed: FlixBus buys Eurolines/isilines from Transdev Group \| publisher=Transdev \| date=2 May 2019 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613060440/https://www.transdev.com/en/press-release/flixbus-buys-eurolines-isilines/ \| archive-date=13 June 2019 \| url-status=live}}{{Cite news \| url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/04/flixbus-the-german-uber-like-bus-service-is-buying-rival-eurolines-from-transdev/ \| title=FlixBus, the German Uber-like bus service, is buying rival \| first=Ingrid \| last=Lundgren \| work=TechCrunch \| date=4 March 2019 \| access-date=9 September 2019 \| archive-date=30 November 2020 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130184447/https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/04/flixbus-the-german-uber-like-bus-service-is-buying-rival-eurolines-from-transdev/ \| url-status=live }}
8 \| {{dts\|2019\|08}} \| Kâmil Koç \| Private equity firm Actera Group \| Turkish bus lines \| {{Cite news \| title=German FlixBus moves to acquire prominent Turkish bus company Kamil Koç \| url=https://www.dailysabah.com/tourism/2019/08/21/german-flixbus-moves-to-acquire-prominent-turkish-bus-company-kamil-koc \| work=Daily Sabah \| date=21 August 2019 \| access-date=28 January 2021 \| archive-date=9 May 2023 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509192022/https://www.dailysabah.com/tourism/2019/08/21/german-flixbus-moves-to-acquire-prominent-turkish-bus-company-kamil-koc \| url-status=live }}
9 \| {{dts\|2021\|10}} \| Greyhound Lines \| FirstGroup \| U.S. bus lines; price was $78 million \| {{Cite news \| url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/10/21/germanys-flixmobility-acquires-greyhound-lines-the-iconic-u-s-bus-company-in-78m-deal/ \| title=Germany's FlixMobility acquires Greyhound Lines, the iconic \| first=Ingrid \| last=Lunden \| work=TechCrunch \| date=21 October 2021 \| access-date=14 January 2022 \| archive-date=14 January 2022 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114034028/https://techcrunch.com/2021/10/21/germanys-flixmobility-acquires-greyhound-lines-the-iconic-u-s-bus-company-in-78m-deal/ \| url-status=live }}{{Cite news \| url=https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-flixbus-acquires-us-greyhound-bus-company/a-59572295 \| title=Germany's Flixbus acquires US Greyhound bus company \| publisher=Deutsche Welle \| date=21 October 2021 \| access-date=14 January 2022 \| archive-date=14 January 2022 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114033142/https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-flixbus-acquires-us-greyhound-bus-company/a-59572295 \| url-status=live }}{{Cite news \| url=https://www.reuters.com/business/flixbus-owner-hitches-ride-with-greyhound-firstgroup-exits-2021-10-21/ \| title=FlixBus owner hitches ride with Greyhound as FirstGroup exits \| work=Reuters \| date=21 October 2021 \| access-date=23 October 2021 \| archive-date=23 October 2021 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023144856/https://www.reuters.com/business/flixbus-owner-hitches-ride-with-greyhound-firstgroup-exits-2021-10-21/ \| url-status=live }}{{Cite news \| url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/local-companies/2021/10/21/dallas-based-greyhound-sells-to-europes-largest-long-distance-bus-network/ \| title=Dallas-based Greyhound sells to Europe's largest long-distance bus network \| first1=Paul \| last1=O'Donnell \| first2=Natalie \| last2=Walters \| work=The Dallas Morning News \| date=21 October 2021 \| url-access=subscription \| access-date=14 January 2022 \| archive-date=14 January 2022 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114033130/https://www.dallasnews.com/business/local-companies/2021/10/21/dallas-based-greyhound-sells-to-europes-largest-long-distance-bus-network/ \| url-status=live }}{{Cite news \| title=FlixBus owner hitches ride with Greyhound as FirstGroup exits \| url=https://www.reuters.com/business/flixbus-owner-hitches-ride-with-greyhound-firstgroup-exits-2021-10-21/ \| work=Reuters \| date=21 October 2021 \| access-date=23 October 2021 \| archive-date=23 October 2021 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023144856/https://www.reuters.com/business/flixbus-owner-hitches-ride-with-greyhound-firstgroup-exits-2021-10-21/ \| url-status=live }}

class="wikitable sortable"

scope="col" | #

! scope="col" | Date

! scope="col" | Company

! scope="col" | Seller

! scope="col" | Notes

! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Ref(s).

| {{dts|2015|01}}

| MeinFernbus

| Received investment from General Atlantic

| {{cite press release | url=https://www.generalatlantic.com/media-article/meinfernbus-flixbus-become-one-aim-establish-europe-wide-bus-network/ | title=MeinFernbus and FlixBus Become One | publisher=General Atlantic | date=17 January 2015 | access-date=18 July 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928152224/https://www.generalatlantic.com/media-article/meinfernbus-flixbus-become-one-aim-establish-europe-wide-bus-network/ | url-status=live }}

| {{dts|2015|11}}

| LIINITA

| Provider of trips of up to 15 kilometers

| {{cite web | url=https://mergr.com/flix-se-acquires-liinita | title=FlixBus Acquires LIINITA | publisher=Mergr | access-date=26 May 2024 | archive-date=26 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526105331/https://mergr.com/flix-se-acquires-liinita | url-status=live }}

| {{dts|2016|07}}

| Megabus Europe

| Stagecoach Group

| Stagecoach became an operating partner

| {{cite press release | url=https://cbwmagazine.com/megabus-europe-retail-operations-sold-flixbus/ | title=Megabus Europe retail operations sold to FlixBus | work=CBW | date=4 July 2016 | access-date=18 July 2023 | archive-date=22 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922023222/https://cbwmagazine.com/megabus-europe-retail-operations-sold-flixbus/ | url-status=live }}

| {{dts|2016|08}}

| Postbus

| Deutsche Post

| German bus lines

| {{cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/03/deutsche-post-sells-long-distance-bus-unit-confirms-2016-targets.html | title=Deutsche Post sells long-distance bus unit, confirms 2016 targets | agency=Reuters | publisher=CNBC | date=3 August 2016 | access-date=18 July 2023 | archive-date=18 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718171649/https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/03/deutsche-post-sells-long-distance-bus-unit-confirms-2016-targets.html | url-status=live }}

| {{dts|2017|05}}

| Hellö coach network

| Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB)

| Austrian bus lines

| {{cite news | url=https://www.keybuses.com/article/flixbus-buys-out-austrias-hello | title=Flixbus buys out Austria's Hellö | work=Buses | date=15 June 2017 | access-date=12 September 2024 | archive-date=12 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912122819/https://www.keybuses.com/article/flixbus-buys-out-austrias-hello | url-status=live }}

| {{dts|2018|05}}

| Swebus Express

| Nobina

| Swedish bus lines

| {{cite press release | url=https://www.nobina.com/media/press-releases/2018/nobina-divests-express-bus-operations/ | title=Nobina divests express bus operations | publisher=Nobina | date=2 May 2018 | access-date=26 May 2024 | archive-date=26 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526105331/https://www.nobina.com/media/press-releases/2018/nobina-divests-express-bus-operations/ | url-status=live }}

| {{dts|2019|04}}

| Eurolines and Isilines

| Transdev

| Acquisition of Eurolines operating businesses including France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic and Spain and excluding Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ireland, Switzerland and Serbia

| {{cite press release | url=https://www.transdev.com/en/press-release/flixbus-buys-eurolines-isilines/ | title=Negotiations successfully completed: FlixBus buys Eurolines/isilines from Transdev Group | publisher=Transdev | date=2 May 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613060440/https://www.transdev.com/en/press-release/flixbus-buys-eurolines-isilines/ | archive-date=13 June 2019 | url-status=live}}{{Cite news | url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/04/flixbus-the-german-uber-like-bus-service-is-buying-rival-eurolines-from-transdev/ | title=FlixBus, the German Uber-like bus service, is buying rival | first=Ingrid | last=Lundgren | work=TechCrunch | date=4 March 2019 | access-date=9 September 2019 | archive-date=30 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130184447/https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/04/flixbus-the-german-uber-like-bus-service-is-buying-rival-eurolines-from-transdev/ | url-status=live }}

| {{dts|2019|08}}

| Kâmil Koç

| Private equity firm Actera Group

| Turkish bus lines

| {{Cite news | title=German FlixBus moves to acquire prominent Turkish bus company Kamil Koç | url=https://www.dailysabah.com/tourism/2019/08/21/german-flixbus-moves-to-acquire-prominent-turkish-bus-company-kamil-koc | work=Daily Sabah | date=21 August 2019 | access-date=28 January 2021 | archive-date=9 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509192022/https://www.dailysabah.com/tourism/2019/08/21/german-flixbus-moves-to-acquire-prominent-turkish-bus-company-kamil-koc | url-status=live }}

| {{dts|2021|10}}

| Greyhound Lines

| FirstGroup

| U.S. bus lines; price was $78 million

| {{Cite news | url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/10/21/germanys-flixmobility-acquires-greyhound-lines-the-iconic-u-s-bus-company-in-78m-deal/ | title=Germany's FlixMobility acquires Greyhound Lines, the iconic | first=Ingrid | last=Lunden | work=TechCrunch | date=21 October 2021 | access-date=14 January 2022 | archive-date=14 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114034028/https://techcrunch.com/2021/10/21/germanys-flixmobility-acquires-greyhound-lines-the-iconic-u-s-bus-company-in-78m-deal/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite news | url=https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-flixbus-acquires-us-greyhound-bus-company/a-59572295 | title=Germany's Flixbus acquires US Greyhound bus company | publisher=Deutsche Welle | date=21 October 2021 | access-date=14 January 2022 | archive-date=14 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114033142/https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-flixbus-acquires-us-greyhound-bus-company/a-59572295 | url-status=live }}{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/business/flixbus-owner-hitches-ride-with-greyhound-firstgroup-exits-2021-10-21/ | title=FlixBus owner hitches ride with Greyhound as FirstGroup exits | work=Reuters | date=21 October 2021 | access-date=23 October 2021 | archive-date=23 October 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023144856/https://www.reuters.com/business/flixbus-owner-hitches-ride-with-greyhound-firstgroup-exits-2021-10-21/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite news | url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/local-companies/2021/10/21/dallas-based-greyhound-sells-to-europes-largest-long-distance-bus-network/ | title=Dallas-based Greyhound sells to Europe's largest long-distance bus network | first1=Paul | last1=O'Donnell | first2=Natalie | last2=Walters | work=The Dallas Morning News | date=21 October 2021 | url-access=subscription | access-date=14 January 2022 | archive-date=14 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114033130/https://www.dallasnews.com/business/local-companies/2021/10/21/dallas-based-greyhound-sells-to-europes-largest-long-distance-bus-network/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite news | title=FlixBus owner hitches ride with Greyhound as FirstGroup exits | url=https://www.reuters.com/business/flixbus-owner-hitches-ride-with-greyhound-firstgroup-exits-2021-10-21/ | work=Reuters | date=21 October 2021 | access-date=23 October 2021 | archive-date=23 October 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023144856/https://www.reuters.com/business/flixbus-owner-hitches-ride-with-greyhound-firstgroup-exits-2021-10-21/ | url-status=live }}

Accidents

In May 2017, the driver of a double-decker bus outside Berlin, Germany, attempted to drive under a bridge with insufficient clearance, completely ripping off its roof. No passengers were on board.{{Cite news |url=https://www.dw.com/en/flixbus-roof-completely-torn-off-by-bridge-outside-berlin/a-41651427 |title=Flixbus roof sheared off by bridge |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=12 May 2017 |access-date=9 August 2023 |archive-date=23 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723050438/https://www.dw.com/en/flixbus-roof-completely-torn-off-by-bridge-outside-berlin/a-41651427 |url-status=live}}
In May 2018, a bus rolled and crashed near Udine, Italy. There were 43 people on board, of whom 26 were injured.{{cite news |url= https://www.ilmessaggero.it/primopiano/cronaca/corriera_flixbus_si_ribalta_lungo_autostrada_a4_26_feriti-3742299.html |title=Bus della Flixbus si ribalta sull'A4 in provincia di Udine: 26 feriti, uno grave |first=Paola |last=Treppo |work=Il Messaggero |date=19 May 2018 |lang=it |access-date=12 June 2023 |archive-date=24 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324095718/https://www.ilmessaggero.it/primopiano/cronaca/corriera_flixbus_si_ribalta_lungo_autostrada_a4_26_feriti-3742299.html |url-status=live}}
In August 2018, a bus travelling from Stockholm to Berlin crashed in Germany after veering off a highway, seriously injuring sixteen passengers.{{Cite news | url=https://www.dw.com/en/long-distance-flixbus-crashes-in-germany-several-injured/a-45121236 | title=Several injured in mystery Flixbus crash | publisher=Deutsche Welle | date=17 August 2018 | access-date=27 July 2023 | archive-date=27 July 2023 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230727131007/https://www.dw.com/en/long-distance-flixbus-crashes-in-germany-several-injured/a-45121236 | url-status=live}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.thelocal.dk/20180817/several-injured-after | title=Update: 16 injured after Flixbus travelling from Stockholm to Berlin tips over in crash | work=The Local | date=17 August 2018 | access-date=27 July 2023 | archive-date=27 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727131012/https://www.thelocal.dk/20180817/several-injured-after | url-status=live}}
In December 2018, a bus crashed on a motorway near Zurich, Switzerland, killing two people including the driver.{{Cite news | url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/society/flixbus_zurich-coach-accident-claims-second-victim/44654244 | title=Zurich coach accident claims second victim | work=Swissinfo | date=2 January 2019 | access-date=27 July 2023 | archive-date=27 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727131048/https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/society/flixbus_zurich-coach-accident-claims-second-victim/44654244 | url-status=live}}
In May 2019, a bus crashed in Germany. At least three passengers were seriously injured. Initial police findings were that the bus driver was not at fault for the accident.{{cite news | url=https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/panorama/drei-schwerverletzte-zwei-flixbus-unfaelle-in-einer-nacht-32652494 | title=Drei Schwerverletzte Zwei Flixbus-Unfälle in einer Nacht | work=Berliner Zeitung | date=5 June 2019 | language=de-DE}}
In May 2019, a bus rolled and crashed into a road safety barrier in Germany. One person was killed and 60 were injured. The local police found early indications the driver had fallen asleep.{{Cite news | url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-flixbus-crash-kills-one-many-more-seriously-injured/a-48799140 | title=One dead, many injured in German Flixbus crash | publisher=Deutsche Welle | date=20 May 2019 | access-date=27 July 2023 | archive-date=27 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727130857/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-flixbus-crash-kills-one-many-more-seriously-injured/a-48799140 | url-status=live}}
In October 2019, a bus rolled and crashed near Bizanet, France. One person was killed and 17 were injured.{{cite news | title=Un mort et 17 blessés, dont un grave, dans un accident de car Flixbus dans l'Aude | url=https://www.nouvelobs.com/faits-divers/20191006.OBS19397/un-mort-et-17-blesses-dont-un-grave-dans-un-accident-de-car-flixbus-dans-l-aude.html | trans-title=One dead and 17 injured, including one seriously, in a Flixbus bus accident in Aude | work=L'Obs | date=6 October 2019 | language=fr-FR}}
In November 2019, a bus rolled and crashed near Amiens, France, injuring more than 30 people.{{Cite news | title=Dozens injured in France Flixbus bus crash | url=https://www.dw.com/en/dozens-injured-in-france-flixbus-bus-crash/a-51098542 | publisher=Deutsche Welle | date=3 November 2019 | access-date=12 June 2023 | archive-date=9 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509013245/https://www.dw.com/en/dozens-injured-in-france-flixbus-bus-crash/a-51098542 | url-status=live}}
In February 2023, an Uber Eats bicycle courier was struck and killed by a Flixbus coach in Brussels, Belgium.{{Cite web |last=Ro.Ma |title=Près de trois mois après le décès de Sultan, livreur percuté par un Flixbus, des poteaux sont installés boulevard Albert II, proche de la Gare du Nord |url=https://www.dhnet.be/regions/bruxelles/bruxelles-mobilite/2023/04/25/pres-de-trois-mois-apres-le-deces-de-sultan-livreur-percute-par-un-flixbus-des-poteaux-sont-installes-boulevard-albert-ii-proche-de-la-gare-du-nord-XJ4DE32BOFHVVCQLF7FXKDIRUM/ | work=La Dernière Heure |date=24 February 2024 |language=fr}} Two months after the incident, the government and FlixBus were criticized for not moving the bus stop away from the bike lane.{{Cite news | title=Twee maanden na dood fietskoerier nog niks veranderd | url=https://www.bruzz.be/veiligheid/twee-maanden-na-dood-fietskoerier-nog-niks-veranderd-2023-04-16 | work=BRUZZ | date=16 April 2023 |language=nl}}
In June 2023, a bus crashed in Avellino, Italy, when it swerved to avoid another car, resulting in one death and injuries to 26 passengers. The company was criticized by a passenger for the lack of support offered after the incident.{{Cite news |title=Australian involved in fatal Italian bus crash says company offered $16 meal voucher |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-05/australian-woman-involved-in-fatal-italy-bus-crash/102439344 | first=Michael | last=Doyle | publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation | date=5 June 2023}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/flixbus-passengers-meal-voucher-bus-crash-b2351594.html | title=Flixbus passengers offered just €10 meal voucher after fatal bus crash | first=Benjamin | last=Parker | work=The Independent |location= London |date=5 June 2023 | access-date=19 July 2023 | archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230719071416/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/flixbus-passengers-meal-voucher-bus-crash-b2351594.html | url-status=live}}
In July 2023, a bus crashed into another bus in the Czech Republic, killing one of the drivers and injuring 76 people.{{Cite news | url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/1-dead-50-injured-bus-crash-major-highway-101341117 | title=1 dead and 76 injured in a bus crash on a major highway in southeastern Czech Republic | work=ABC News |date=17 July 2023 | access-date=27 July 2023 | archive-date=9 September 2023 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230909120445/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/1-dead-50-injured-bus-crash-major-highway-101341117 | url-status=live}}
In September 2023, a 19-year-old Austrian woman died after a bus overturned near Micheldorf, Austria, injuring 20 people.{{Cite news | url=https://www.thelocal.de/20230919/one-dead-and-20-injured-after-flixbus-travelling-from-berlin-overturns-in-austria | title=One dead and 20 injured after Flixbus travelling from Berlin overturns in Austria | work=The Local | date=19 September 2023 | access-date=23 September 2023 | archive-date=28 March 2024 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240328163449/https://www.thelocal.de/20230919/one-dead-and-20-injured-after-flixbus-travelling-from-berlin-overturns-in-austria |url-status=live}}
In December 2023, an overcrowded Flixbus from Vienna, Austria to Kyiv, Ukraine overturned in Trebišov district of the Košice region of Slovakia, injuring 9 passengers.{{Cite news |last=Lisnychuk |first=Maryna |date=17 December 2023 |title=An overcrowded bus from Ukraine overturns in Slovakia: children are among the victims |url= https://eng.obozrevatel.com/section-world/news-an-overcrowded-bus-from-ukraine-overturns-in-slovakia-children-are-among-the-victims-photo-17-12-2023.html |work=Obozrevatel |access-date=17 December 2023 |archive-date=16 April 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240416213820/https://eng.obozrevatel.com/section-world/news-an-overcrowded-bus-from-ukraine-overturns-in-slovakia-children-are-among-the-victims-photo-17-12-2023.html |url-status=live}}
On 5 January 2024, one person died and 11 others were injured in NY State, USA, after a Flixbus that was bound for New York City from Montreal, Canada, rolled over on Interstate 87.{{cite news |last=Olson |first=Issac |date=5 January 2024 |title=1 dead, 11 injured after bus coming from Montreal crashes in New York's Adirondacks |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-bus-crash-new-york-1.7076064 |publisher=CBC News |access-date=7 January 2024 |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240119180134/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-bus-crash-new-york-1.7076064 |url-status=live}}
On 24 March 2024, one person died in Italy after a Flixbus travelling between Milan and Rome crashed close to Modena.{{cite news |url=https://news.italy24.press/trends/1402972.html |title=Milan, the Flixbus accident heading to Rome: here's who the victim is, Vindou Illumine |work=Italy 24 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240328085816/https://news.italy24.press/trends/1402972.html |archive-date=28 March 2024 | url-status=live}}
On 27 March 2024, five people died and 20 others were injured when a Flixbus crashed near Leipzig, Germany, after veering off a highway bound for Zürich from Berlin.{{Cite web |last1=Langner |first1=Markus |last2=Proft |first2=Johannes |last3=Keim |first3=Karl |last4=Meinfelder |first4=Laura |last5=Fischer |first5=Thomas |date=27 March 2024 |title=A9 bei Leipzig: Fünf Tote und 20 Verletzte bei Flixbus-Unfall |url= https://www.bild.de/regional/leipzig/leipzig-news/unfall-auf-a9-in-sachsen-16-verletzte-bei-bus-unglueck-nahe-leipzig-87667028.bild.html |website=Bild |lang=de |access-date=27 March 2024 |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240718232829/https://www.bild.de/regional/leipzig/leipzig-news/unfall-auf-a9-in-sachsen-16-verletzte-bei-bus-unglueck-nahe-leipzig-87667028.bild.html |url-status=live}}
On 7 November 2024, around 7:10am, a Flixbus operated by Tribal Sun Bus LLC left the roadway and rolled over on I-490 just west of Rochester, New York. All 28 passengers were injured and transported, one critical patient died at the hospital that night.{{Cite news |url=https://www.whec.com/top-news/part-of-i-490-westbound-in-chili-closed-after-crash-with-injuries/ |title=Passenger on bus that crashed on I-490, injuring over 20 people, has died |last=Bourtis |first=Evan | work=WHEC-TV |date=7 November 2024}} The bus left New York City around midnight, bound for Niagara Falls. The driver was charged for fatigued driving, excessive speed, unsafe lane change, and no seatbelt.{{Cite news | url=https://13wham.com/news/local/overturned-vehicle-crash-shuts-down-i-490-westbound-lanes | title='It was surreal': 28 injured, 1 critically, in tour bus crash on 490 | work=WHAM-TV | date=7 November 2024}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.whec.com/top-news/part-of-i-490-westbound-in-chili-closed-after-crash-with-injuries/ | title=Bus crash on I-490 injures 28 people, 1 critically | last=Bourtis |first=Evan | work=WHEC-TV |date=7 November 2024}}
On 3 January 2025, a Flixbus crashed into two cars between the Perušić and Gospić junctions, in the direction of Dubrovnik.{{Cite news |url=https://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/foto-i-video-lancani-sudar-pet-automobila-i-autobusa-na-a1-kod-macole-auti-skrseni/2629657.aspx |title=Lančani sudar pet automobila i autobusa na A1 kod Macole | trans-title=Chain collision of five cars and a bus on the A1 near Macola. Cars wrecked | work=Index.hr |date=3 January 2025 | lang=hr}}
On 11 January 2025, a Flixbus carrying 13 passengers crashed when exiting the Autobahn 11 between Berlin and Szczecin, causing 2 deaths and 11 injuries.{{Cite news |url=https://www.rbb24.de/panorama/beitrag/2025/01/brandenburg-a11-uckermark-stettin-reisebus-unfall-verletzte-tote.html |title=Zwei Tote und elf Verletzte bei schwerem Reisebusunfall auf der A11 | trans-title=Two dead and eleven injured in serious coach accident on the A11 | work=Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg |lang=de}}
On May 4 2025, a Flixbus from Arlington, Virginia to New York City rear-ended another bus on the New Jersey Turnpike. 39 people were hospitalized because of this chain-reaction crash.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/two-buses-cars-crash-new-jersey-turnpike-burlington-county-sunday/4176529/ |title=2 buses, 3 cars crash on NJ Turnpike leaving at least 39 hurt |last=Grassi |first=Emily Rose | date=3 May 2025}}

Controversies

=Working conditions for drivers in Germany=

In 2016, FlixBus was accused by a German government agency of forcing its partners to make drivers work excessive hours at low wages.{{Cite web | title=Einhaltung der Sozialvorschriften im Straßenverkehr und der Arbeitszeiten bei Fernlinienbusunternehmen ... | url=https://www.landtag.nrw.de/Dokumentenservice/portal/WWW/dokumentenarchiv/Dokument/MMV16-4148.pdf;jsessionid=D700A428060406A2C5D0193C8FAE02D8 | publisher=North Rhine-Westphalia | date=9 August 2016 | language=de-DE}}

=Use of infrastructure without toll payments in Germany=

Unlike train services and trucks, buses do not pay any road toll in Germany; this was criticized as a "hidden subsidy" by some German politicians in the spring of 2015.{{cite news | title=Verkehrsminister fordern Maut für Fernbusse | trans-title=Transport ministers call for tolls for long-distance buses | url=https://www.zeit.de/mobilitaet/2016-04/fernbus-maut-verkehr-forderung-reisebusse | work=Die Zeit | date=14 April 2016 | language=de-DE | access-date=14 January 2022 | archive-date=14 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114042042/https://www.zeit.de/mobilitaet/2016-04/fernbus-maut-verkehr-forderung-reisebusse | url-status=live}} bdo, an association of German bus companies, responded that buses pay for infrastructure use in the form of related taxes (on fuel, for example) while billions in subsidies are paid to national rail provider Deutsche Bahn.{{Cite web | title=bdo weist Forderungen nach einer Fernbusmaut zurück | url=https://www.bdo.org/presse/pressemeldungen/bdo-weist-forderungen-nach-einer-fernbusmaut-zuruck | trans-title=bdo rejects calls for a long-distance bus toll | website=bdo.org | date=18 April 2015 | language=de-DE}}

=Buses inaccessible for wheelchair users in California=

On 14 May 2020, the Disability Rights Legal Center (DRLC) filed a federal class action lawsuit in a California U.S. District Court against FlixBus and other bus operators alleging that buses were inaccessible for wheelchair users and staff was untrained on how to accommodate wheelchair users.{{Cite web |title=Class Action Lawsuit Alleges 'Discrimination and Humiliation' by FlixBus Passengers with Disabilities Repeatedly Denied Accessible Vehicles |url=https://thedrlc.org/blog/2020/05/14/class-action-lawsuit-alleges-discrimination-and-humiliation-by-flixbus-passengers-with-disabilities-repeatedly-denied-accessible-vehicles/ |website=Disability Rights Legal Center |date=14 May 2020 |access-date=26 September 2022 |archive-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926174110/https://thedrlc.org/blog/2020/05/14/class-action-lawsuit-alleges-discrimination-and-humiliation-by-flixbus-passengers-with-disabilities-repeatedly-denied-accessible-vehicles/ |url-status=live}}