This has contributed to an increase in demand for FlixBus travel during the Christmas and New Year period, particularly on international connections with France, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, according to a press release from the transport company.

More buses

To meet this increased demand, FlixBus has reinforced its offer on all domestic and international routes during the Christmas and New Year season. In international travel, the company is registering an increase of approximately 30% in demand for connections between Switzerland and Luxembourg and the cities of Lisbon and Porto, which has led to the reinforcement of all routes to these destinations. The most significant increase is seen in connections to Paris, where demand has grown by about 50% for trips departing from Lisbon and 25% for connections departing from Porto.

“The announcement of strikes at several European airports during the festive season, including in Portugal, is having a direct impact on FlixBus bookings, not only in Portugal but also abroad, especially in countries with a large Portuguese community, such as France, Luxembourg, or Switzerland,” says Tiago Cavaco Alves, director of FlixBus operations in Portugal. “These potential disruptions associated with air transport during the month of December are leading travellers to seek alternative travel options that can guarantee more control and predictability this Christmas and New Year, something they are finding in the FlixBus network,” he adds.

Christmas travel

However, the increased demand for bus travel is not solely explained by the announcement of strikes. Traditional Christmas destinations also continue to play a significant role, with FlixBus registering a 20% growth in connections from Lisbon and 40% from Porto to Galicia, a region that maintains strong appeal among the Portuguese at this time of year, particularly due to the well-known Christmas lights in the city of Vigo.

Algarve demand

The increased demand for express travel is not limited to international connections. Domestically, FlixBus registered an overall growth of 12% in demand for bus travel compared to the same period last year. For the Christmas and New Year period, the company will reinforce its service on routes between Porto, Coimbra and Lisbon, as well as on routes to the Algarve. Between Lisbon and Porto, approximately 180 daily trips will be available, 90 in each direction, 8% more than in 2024.

The Algarve remains one of the preferred destinations for Portuguese people at this time of year. FlixBus recorded an 11% increase in demand for trips to the region, compared to the same period last year, reinforcing the relevance of the south of the country as a preferred destination for New Year's Eve. Vila Real de Santo António, Vilamoura, Tavira and Olhão are among the most sought-after destinations.