FlixBus inaugurates domestic bus services in Romania, linking 50 urban centers.
In a significant move for the Romanian transport market, FlixBus, the travel-tech company, has launched its first domestic routes, connecting over 50 cities across the country [5]. This expansion is expected to have a positive impact on internal tourism and the local economy.
Key aspects of this development include the connection of 50 cities via 10 domestic lines, operated in partnership with local carriers [1][5]. This improved accessibility to major cities and tourist destinations across Romania provides a modern, affordable, and environmentally friendly travel option for domestic travellers.
Gabriel-Bogdan Ștețco, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism, believes that these efficient intercity connections facilitate easier access to tourist sites throughout Romania. This not only supports the local economy but also promotes the country's natural and cultural beauty, potentially attracting increased tourist inflows and stimulating regional economic growth [1].
Adrian Voican, Vice President of the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT), underscores the importance of enhanced accessibility in attracting tourists, particularly to regions less served by rail or air [1]. The coach remains one of the top three favoured means of transport among foreign tourists visiting Romania, a fact noted by Tudorel Andrei, President of the National Institute of Statistics [1].
This expansion fits into a broader context of growing regional connectivity. FlixBus already operates international routes linking Romania with neighbouring countries like Bulgaria and Greece, fostering not just internal but also cross-border tourism and economic exchange [2][3][4].
Adrian Rașoiu, Business Development Director at FlixBus Romania, stated that expanding the network internally is a natural step towards offering a fully integrated mobility solution for Romanian passengers [6]. Gabriel-Bogdan Sțetco, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, echoed this sentiment, stating that FlixBus's expansion into the domestic transport market is an important step that diversifies mobility options for citizens, directly supporting the growth of internal and regional tourism [7].
FlixBus's domestic network in Romania now includes major routes such as Bucharest-Iași, Constanța-Timișoara, and connections to cities like Satu Mare [8]. With the launch of these new intercounty lines, FlixBus connects more than 80 Romanian cities to over 160 destinations across Europe [9].
In 2024, nearly 37,000 international visitors travelled by coach within Romania, with transport spending increasing by over 15% [10]. This growth in coach travel during the pandemic suggests a strong demand for affordable and accessible travel options, which FlixBus's expansion aims to meet.
In summary, FlixBus’s domestic network expansion enhances mobility within Romania, supports local tourism by improving access to destinations nationwide, and has the potential to stimulate economic activity in connected regions through increased tourist spending and job creation in related sectors [1][2]. This move is a significant step in diversifying mobility options for Romanian citizens and boosting internal and regional tourism.
References: [1] FlixBus Romania, Press Release, June 2025 [2] European Commission, Press Release, June 2025 [3] Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism of Romania, Press Release, June 2025 [4] National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT), Press Release, June 2025 [5] FlixBus Romania, Website, June 2025 [6] FlixBus Romania, Press Conference, June 2025 [7] Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism of Romania, Press Conference, June 2025 [8] FlixBus Romania, Route Map, June 2025 [9] FlixBus International, Route Map, June 2025 [10] National Institute of Statistics, Report, June 2025
The expansion of FlixBus's domestic network in Romania, connecting over 50 cities across the country, has potential implications for various sectors, particularly finance and transportation. With an improved transport option available, finance may see increased travel-related spending, and transportation will experience increased demand as more people travel domestically.
Additionally, the improved accessibility to major cities and tourist destinations throughout Romania will impact lifestyle and travel, enhancing opportunities for leisure and cultural exploration, potentially attracting increased tourist inflows and stimulating economic growth in related sectors.
