Opinions on Flixbus – Cheap bus journeys
The last few years have seen the development of new modes of transport for traveling around France and Europe. With car-sharing, the bus has become an excellent alternative to the plane and train, especially for those on a tight budget.
Want to join a friend for a weekend or a vacation? Visiting a European capital? Whether it’s planned or last-minute, think of the Flixbus network, which offers a range of low-cost bus tickets.
These green and orange buses that criss-cross the roads are now a huge success.
So what’s behind Flixbus? How does it work? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this means of transport? Let’s find out how Flixbus makes millions of Europeans travel at low prices.
What is Flixbus?
With the end of the rail monopoly in 2013, Flixbus was created in Munich by three young entrepreneurs. Their aim was to accelerate travelers’ mobility in Europe at low fares. This solution, an alternative to other modes of transport such as the car, train or plane, now transports millions of people.
Initially a leader on the German market, Flixbus has gradually expanded its network across Europe (France, England, Italy, Spain…) and aims to be environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible to all.
Success is based on the use of the fully connected Flixbus platform. Via the website or the free smartphone application, register and access the reservation and ticketing system free of charge. Other benefits include free wi-fi on board and real-time GPS tracking of buses.
The start-up now has 1,000 employees across Europe and thousands of bus drivers.
To date, this means more than 2,000 destinations and 29 linked countries.
How does it work?
Login and reservation
Simply log on to www.flixbus.fr or via the free mobile application. You can reserve a ticket and pay directly online, or register and create an account using your e-mail address or Facebook handle. It’s so intuitive!
In France, there is also a store in Paris and Lyon for those who prefer to book their tickets in person.
Then organize your trip by simply entering your departure city and destination. The platform will ask you to specify your departure dates and number of passengers. A system of filters will enable you to refine your search according to the type of journey you require.
The details of your journey then appear on the Flixbus interface, with the duration, connections and price. All you have to do is choose what suits you best!
If you’re traveling at the last minute, you can also buy your ticket directly from the bus driver (subject to availability on the day), but at the normal fare, i.e. without the Internet discount.
Luggage and seating
Like most modern means of transport, Flixbus also offers optional insurance and the possibility of taking extra luggage for a fee. However, as a basic rule, you can take one piece of hand luggage weighing 7 kg and one piece of luggage weighing 20 kg, which is already included in the fare, free of charge.
If you’re traveling with small children, remember to take a suitable seat, as these are compulsory on buses for their safety. Strollers may be carried free of charge, but you must notify us by telephone 48 hours in advance. The same applies to wheelchairs. You can also take along bulky items such as bicycles, skis or musical instruments, for an additional charge to be indicated at the time of payment, subject to bus space availability.
Finally, if you’re traveling with your family or a group of friends, like on the train, remember to reserve your seats so that you can all be seated together. There are several categories of seats for your comfort. And on double-decker buses, you can opt for seats with a table in the middle, ideal when traveling with children, for example.
Cancellation
With Flixbus, you can change your mind. You can cancel or change a reservation up to 15 minutes before departure. Please note, however, that there are additional charges for cancellations.
Good to know:
-You can save time by traveling by night bus. At night, there’s less traffic and fewer intermediate stops.
-If you’re looking for reduced fares, don’t hesitate to download the free Flixbus app, which offers exclusive promo codes to lower the price of your journey.
-On some buses, you can enjoy the free Flixtainment platform, which offers games, films and music. Once connected to the Flixbus Wi-fi network, all you have to do is open media.flixbus.com.
Flixbus: Advantages and disadvantages
Photo credit: Flixbus
Advantages of using Flixbus
- Free login and registration
- Cheap tickets
- Wi-fi on board
- Real-time GPS bus tracking
- Night travel possible
- Legroom and adjustable backrest
- On-board electrical outlet and toilet
- Snacks and drinks available on board
- One piece of 7kg hand luggage and one piece of 20kg luggage included in the fare
Disadvantages of using Flixbus:
- Some delays noted by some users, depending on the route
- Routes sometimes longer than planned, depending on traffic conditions
- Customer service difficult to reach at all hours
Flixbus: the editor’s opinion
Flixbus is a great alternative to trains and cars for low-cost travel in France and throughout Europe. The booking platform and free application are intuitive and easy to use. On-board Wi-fi is also top-notch, especially for longer journeys. In our opinion, this travel option is best reserved for solo travelers, small groups of friends or couples. For families with several children, for example, the bus seems a less suitable option, as journeys are longer and delays more frequent. We also appreciate the real-time tracking of journeys, which enables us to monitor delays or changes to stops and reassure loved ones. So, in just 3 clicks, go to sleep in France and wake up in Italy or Spain!
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