German Flixbus acquires iconic American Greyhound Lines

Travel platform FlixMobility, owner of the well-known FlixTrain and FlixBus and parent company of FlixBus USA, is taking over the legendary American bus company Greyhound Lines. Greyhound is the largest provider of long-distance bus journeys in Noth America, transports 62 million passengers a year, and calls in at 2 400 destinations.

Both companies will remain operational independently from each other and under their original name, for the time being. Tickets for FlixBus trips can be purchased from FlixBus, those for travel on Greyhound can be bought from Greyhound. Current bookings are not affected.

Until recently, Greyhound Lines was part of the British transport group FirstGroup. The latter acquired Greyhound in 2007 in a $3,6 billion deal, part of a strategy to take on the American market at that time.

Shared mobility expertise

The acquisition brings together two leaders in the intercity bus industry, combining FlixBus’ innovative global technology and shared mobility expertise with Greyhound’s iconic nationwide presence and experience. Together, they will offer a smart, green, and connected World Class intercity bus experience.

FlixBus USA is number three on the American market following Greyhound and Megabus. The company is operational since 2018 and serves about 195 destinations.

Revolutionary means of transport

FlixBus was created in 2013 in Germany. The founders – Jochen Engert, Daniel Krauss, and André Schammlein – wanted to deliver a revolutionary means of travel that combined technological advances, e-commerce capabilities, and sustainable transportation.

Over the past eight years, the company has demonstrated significant success, with FlixBus growing to become Europe’s largest long-distance bus network operating in 37 countries, helping more than 62 million people in 2019 alone reach their destinations.

FlixBus USA was launched in 2018 and meanwhile offers sustainable transport to over 195 destinations across the USA. The company put 172 million dollars (148 million euros) on the table for the recent acquisition.