BRAZIL
Flixbus is continuing its global expansion with the start of its first routes in Brazil beginning on 1 December, serving São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte. FlixBus is offering a total of twelve daily departures on the two main routes from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, with tickets on sale since mid-November.
According to Flixbus’ figures, around 60% of the Brazilian population uses long-distance buses, and the company set its sights on the country following expansion across Europe and in the US. “Brazil is a strategic market for us due to its continental dimensions and its high potential. As a company that is innovating mobility on a global scale, we want to offer affordable and sustainable travel options to even more consumers around the world. Therefore, we are immensely happy to start our operations in Brazil,” said André Schwämmlein, founder and CEO of FlixBus.
“We are introducing a new mobility alternative aiming to expand in regions where there’s currently a lack of competition and people are looking for affordable means of transport. With a smart business approach and great product, FlixBus managed to change the way people travel across Europe and the US. Now we offer Brazilian customers the same green experience with high quality standards and the best value for money,” added Edson Lopes, Managing Director of FlixBus Brazil.
The new services will be operated by local partner Grupo Adamantina, using FlixBus’ technical support for pricing, marketing and sales, route intelligence, quality management and product expansion. The buses are equipped to the company’s international standard, which includes services such as free on-board WiFi.
“We are aware of FlixBus’ quality history outside Brazil. Being the company’s first partner in the country is a fundamental step in consolidating Adamantina at the national level, allowing us to compete with any other road transport group,” said Clóvis Nascimento Martins, owner of Grupo Adamantina.
Eight daily departures are being offered on the São Paulo-Rio de Janeiro route in both directions. São Paulo-Belo Horizonte sees four services per day.
“We are closely looking into offering further connections and cooperating with more local partners. We want to establish a solid network in Brazil similar to the networks that are offered in Europe and the United States, where we are working together with more than 500 different bus partners,” added Edson. “FlixBus will be one of the first global players to provide Brazilian customers with easy, affordable, and comfortable bus services following the recent steps taken by federal regulators towards a more competitive market.“
