METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

FlixBus officially begins U.S. operations

The launch marks the 28th country of operation for the German-born tech and travel pioneer — and the company’s biggest launch to date.

May 31, 2018
FlixBus officially begins U.S. operations

FlixBus is already preparing to announce an additional 400 connections to follow the initial influx of green buses upon launch.

FlixBus

3 min to read


FlixBus is already preparing to announce an additional 400 connections to follow the initial influx of green buses upon launch. FlixBus

The first American FlixBus fleet is hitting the streets, starting with 180 connections across California, Nevada, and Arizona. The launch marks the 28th country of operation for the German-born tech and travel pioneer — and the company’s biggest launch to date.

FlixBus’ inaugural destinations include the region’s most popular hubs like Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and others, offering one-way and round-trip routes in a luxury motorcoach at prices that often cost less than a coffee. After flourishing throughout Europe in five years’ time, advancing from market newcomer to the continent’s fastest-growing long-distance travel provider, the U.S. launch is the first phase of a larger plan to bring 1,000-plus daily connections to the American west coast by year’s end.

Ad Loading...

“If we’ve proven anything in the hyper-competitive travel markets of Europe, it’s that we’re survivors,” said Managing Director of FlixBus USA Pierre Gourdain. “America is a different beast entirely, but we’re prepared to change people’s mindsets about mobility. We believe everyone should be able to get where they want to go in life, and we found a way to make that dream a reality, comfortably and affordably. This is just the beginning for FlixBus in the United States.”

RELATED: FlixBus to expand to U.S. Southwest region

On top of buses being the most environmentally-friendly form of public transportation available, FlixBus passengers have the unique ability to offset their carbon emissions with CO2 Neutral tickets. When passengers select this option during the booking process, they support ecologically savvy efforts on the front lines of climate protection. For example, each CO2 Neutral ticket will help the National Forest Foundation plant trees to ensure the long-term wellbeing of our nation’s 193 acres of forests and grasslands. Every year, the company also partners with a global compensation project, with 2018 focusing on providing energy efficient stoves to locals in Rwanda.

“We have the chance to take up to 56 cars off the road with each FlixBus trip,” said Gourdain. “In terms of passenger miles per gallon, bus travel is widely recognized as the most sustainable way to travel. What’s more impressive to me personally is that FlixBus passengers are keeping the entire travel chain as green as possible. Seventy percent of our customers choose to ride with us even though they have access to a car, with most people riding a bike or walking to the stop.”

RELATED: Intercity Bus Lines Picking Up Speed

Ad Loading...

FlixBus is already preparing to announce an additional 400 connections to follow the initial influx of green buses upon launch. By the end of the year, the company aims to have more than 1,000 connections across the western U.S. Not only will this aid in increased tourism and cultural understanding, but FlixBus plans to create more jobs in the U.S. than what’s already been created in Europe. Putting that into perspective, current U.S. team aside, FlixBus has 1,200-plus employees, 7,000-plus bus drivers, and the residual employment effects continue to ripple as tourism demands increase throughout the various communities FlixBus services, according to the company.

More Motorcoach

frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →
Photo of disaster in neighborhood near a highway
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanApril 30, 2026

How the Motorcoach Industry Supports Disaster Response and National Preparedness

Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA), discussed how the industry prepares for emergencies, the growing recognition of motorcoaches as critical infrastructure, and steps operators can take to strengthen disaster readiness.

Read More →
METRO Product Showcase for the motorcoach industry
Motorcoachby Alex RomanApril 27, 2026

Inside the Next Generation of Motorcoaches

From advanced driver-assist systems to upgraded passenger amenities, leading manufacturers are refining proven coach platforms to meet evolving operator and rider expectations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Virginia Breeze's new Van Hool motorcoaches with branding, which were delivered by ABC Companies.
Motorcoachby StaffApril 20, 2026

Virginia Breeze Launches New Tidewater Current Service

The Tidewater Current is the first east-to-west Virginia Breeze route, expanding access to key destinations including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, Williamsburg, Richmond, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Harrisonburg.

Read More →
A Coach USA Van Hool CX 45 delivered by ABC Companies.
Technologyby StaffApril 15, 2026

ABC Delivers Van Hools to Coach USA and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.

Read More →
Six people in business wear pose for a picture in front of the Empire State Building in the distance.
Motorcoachby StaffApril 15, 2026

New York City Receives 1,000th Prevost Motorcoach

The milestone delivery caps a historic contract as MTA expands its fleet to serve more than 1 million daily riders.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
FlixBus vehicles in a parking garage.
MotorcoachApril 13, 2026

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism

Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.

Read More →
Prevost Service Center in Goodlettsville, Tennessee
Motorcoachby StaffApril 9, 2026

Prevost Expands its Tennessee Service Center

The expansion includes a new collision center with 32 additional parking spaces, along with a significant increase in service capacity.

Read More →
Cover photo for A Practical Guide for Selling to Private Equity
MotorcoachApril 3, 2026

How Motorcoach Operators Can Prepare for a Private Equity Sale

Essential strategies to strengthen your business before entering a private equity transaction.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ABA Marketplace Report
Motorcoachby StaffMarch 30, 2026

ABA Marketplace Drives $124.9M in Business, New Report Finds

As the American Bus Association marks its 100th year, a new ABA Foundation report highlights the Marketplace’s role as a key revenue engine for the bus and group travel industry.

Read More →