Data from the 2024 winter holiday season show that intercity bus travel is on the rise in the U.S. and Canada. 

Flix North America, the parent company of FlixBus and Greyhound, reported a 7.5% year-over-year increase in holiday ridership, driven by heightened consumer interest in buses for family visits, vacations, and last-minute getaways.

FlixBus in Canada announced earlier this month that they had seen a year-over-year ridership increase of 128%. This growth reinforces intercity buses as a cost-effective and reliable travel option.

“This holiday season showed just how essential intercity buses are for keeping people connected,” said Kai Boysan, CEO of Flix North America. “As travelers faced rising airfare, airport disruptions, and other travel challenges, they increasingly turned to FlixBus and Greyhound for a dependable and affordable way to reach their destinations. This demand underscores the critical role of intercity buses in the broader transportation landscape. Our continued investment in technology and service innovation is making intercity buses a more attractive choice for long-distance travelers.”

Holiday Travel Trends Support Broader Growth in Intercity Bus Travel

The rise in holiday ridership aligns with the broader trend of growing intercity bus demand as passengers recognize their affordability, convenience, and sustainability.

During peak holiday periods, key corridors across North America saw a significant ridership increase, including major city-to-city and leisure routes.

FlixBus and Greyhound posted on-time performance rates of 82% and 79.8%, respectively, during the 2024 holiday season despite high travel demands. This outpaces most major U.S. airlines and shows the services’ reliability amid winter disruptions.

Expanding Access to Travel in 2025

With the growing role of intercity buses in expanding travel across the U.S. and Canada, economic pressures, and changing consumer behaviors, buses remain a practical alternative to costly flights and congested highways.

DePaul University released a report predicting the growth of intercity bus ridership in 2025, and companies like Flix North America are working to prepare for it.

“With nearly 40% of people in the U.S. lacking access to reliable transportation, there is a tremendous opportunity to expand service and improve connectivity,” Boysan said. “Flix North America is committed to collaborating with local and regional partners to enhance transit options, increase intermodal connections, and make bus travel even more accessible.”

As more travelers prioritize affordability, flexibility, and sustainability, intercity buses will continue to play a critical role in connecting cities, small towns, and major destinations.