Is Traveling by Flix Bus in Europe a Good Idea?

Traveling by Flix Bus in Europe

Credit Tony Thinnakorn Poonvasin

It has to be said that traveling between cities or across borders in Europe by coach is the cheapest option, much cheaper than the train (in some cities and countries, the train is cheaper). These days the coaches have improved a lot in quality, and have gotten much better since COVID.

There are many coach companies in Europe, but the most popular is Flix bus.

The main reasons are its network, which covers almost everywhere, and the number and frequency of its buses, which are greater than many competitors (it now also operates in the US and Turkey).

To use Flix bus, first download the Flix bus app and register. You can buy tickets in advance, check the stops, and board in various cities.

Check the timetable so you can plan ahead, even if you are traveling several months from now.

Flix bus summary
1. The earlier you book before your trip, the cheaper the price. The closer to the travel date, the more expensive it gets.
2. If you want to choose your seat (for example, two travelers who want to sit together), you will need to reserve and pay a reservation fee of a few euros. If you travel alone and do not reserve, you get a free seat, assigned on the bus, so pick whichever one is available (free seats are marked in green; you cannot sit just anywhere).
3. One piece of luggage is free, with no limit on weight or size, but there is no help with lifting it.
4. On board there is Wi-Fi (depending on your luck) and power outlets.
5. Very important: check the boarding and drop-off points carefully before you book, so you know where you will get off and where you will get on. In some countries, such as France, the stops are just bus stops, and sometimes there is not even a roof, so you stand in the rain or snow.
6. If you don't have to, do not book connecting buses, because if a bus is delayed (this is shown on the online ticket in the app), you will definitely have a problem.
7. Once you have paid, the ticket is sent to you in the app, and all the details are shown on the ticket.
8. Every bus has a toilet. It is very small, but better than none.
9. Check carefully the time the bus will arrive at your drop-off point, and never get off at the wrong stop. The details of every stop are shown on the ticket you receive.
10. Most stops are at train stations. If not, you can transfer to public transport, such as trams, to reach different parts of the city.
11. To change your ticket in advance, you must do so within the time limit set in the app, and of course there will be a price difference.
12. E-tickets can be used to board right away, with no need to print anything. The ticket has a QR code for the driver to scan. If you travel across a border, you must also show your ID.

Thank you to Tony Thinnakorn Poonvasin for the credit