FlixBus & FlixTrain
Affordable intercity bus & train travel
by FlixMobility GmbH
About this app
FlixBus is the world's largest intercity bus network, connecting 5,500+ destinations across 40+ countries. Book affordable bus and train tickets with fares starting as low as $4.99 for intercity travel across the United States and Europe. Every FlixBus comes with free WiFi, power outlets, extra legroom, and onboard entertainment. The eco-friendly service produces up to 80% less CO2 per passenger than flying or driving alone. FlixBus operates in the US with routes connecting major cities on the East Coast, West Coast, and beyond. The app lets you search, book, and manage your trips with mobile tickets — no printing needed.
Key Features
Fares from $4.99
Ultra-affordable intercity travel between major cities
Free WiFi & power
Every bus has WiFi, outlets, and entertainment
5,500+ destinations
Vast network across the US and 40+ countries
Eco-friendly
Up to 80% less CO2 than flying per passenger
Flexible booking
Change or cancel trips easily through the app
Mobile tickets
Show your ticket on your phone — no printing
How It Works
Search routes
Enter origin, destination, and travel date
Book your trip
Choose your bus, pick a seat, and pay securely
Board & travel
Show your mobile ticket to the driver and enjoy the ride
Detailed Review
FlixBus has quietly become a major force in US intercity travel. Starting from its European dominance (where it's the Uber of long-distance buses), FlixBus entered the US market and now connects dozens of city pairs with its signature green buses.
The pricing is the headline. New York to Philadelphia for $4.99. LA to Las Vegas for $9.99. Boston to New York for $12.99. These aren't bait-and-switch prices — they're regularly available, especially when booking a week or more in advance. Even last-minute fares rarely exceed $30-40 for routes where a flight would cost $150+.
FlixBus operates on a platform model, partnering with local bus operators who run the service under the FlixBus brand. This capital-light approach allows rapid expansion. The buses are standardized regardless of operator: green exterior, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and extra legroom compared to old-school bus companies.
The WiFi is genuinely usable. We streamed video, joined video calls, and worked on laptops during multiple test trips. Quality varies during peak congestion through urban areas, but for most of the journey, it's reliable enough for productivity.
Booking through the app is straightforward. Search your route, see available departure times with prices, select your bus, optionally choose a specific seat, and pay. Your ticket is stored in the app — just show the QR code to the driver when boarding. Seat selection costs extra ($1-3) but is worth it on popular routes.
The travel experience is what you'd expect from a bus: not luxurious, but comfortable enough. Seats recline slightly, there's a small restroom onboard, and the ride is smooth on highways. The main downside is time — a NYC-DC trip takes 4-5 hours by bus vs 1 hour by air or 3 hours by Amtrak. But at $10 vs $150+ for a flight, many travelers are happy to make that trade-off.
Flexibility is good. Most tickets can be changed or cancelled through the app, often for a small fee or for free with premium tickets. This is more generous than airline change policies.
Delays happen. Bus travel is subject to traffic, and routes through congested corridors (I-95 Northeast Corridor, LA freeways) can run behind schedule. The app provides real-time bus tracking so you can see exactly where your bus is, but delays of 15-30 minutes are not uncommon.
For budget-conscious travelers, students, and anyone who values savings over speed, FlixBus is an excellent option. The ability to book $5-15 intercity trips from your phone, with guaranteed WiFi and power, makes bus travel a legitimate alternative to flying or driving.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Our Verdict
FlixBus is the best budget option for intercity travel in the US. For travelers willing to trade speed for savings, a $5-20 bus ticket vs a $150+ flight is hard to beat. The free WiFi and power outlets make the journey productive.