Since mid-2021, the intention of the German passenger transport giant FlixBus to enter the Brazilian market was announced, where the regulatory framework that would allow the operation was pending. Well, the time has come, and the company is getting ready to serve its first two routes, connecting São Paulo with Rio de Janeiro and with Belo Horizonte.
Unlike many European cities, where there are predetermined stops for boarding, considering that few has or have adapted terminals, in the Brazilian case the departures from São Paulo will be at the Tiete Terminal, with arrivals at both the central transport centers from Rio as Belo Horizonte.
To link São Paulo with Rio de Jainero, FlixBus, together with its ally Expresso Adamantina, will have eight frequencies, while to connect Belo Horizonte, four offices have been defined. The company’s website is now available for travelers to purchase tickets, and the first departure will be at 00:30 on December 1.
To quickly attract more travelers, tickets are being offered at a very special price and the first 1,000 who registered and redeemed a promotional code were able to purchase them for less than one real, equivalent to 18 cents. FlixBus’ initial operation will be focused on the Southeast of Brazil, so they hope to rapidly expand their radius of action with five additional routes, whose destinations are currently being kept in reserve.
Although the lines will be operated by Adamantina, the company’s first local partner, the buses will have the FlixBus brand and will follow the company’s international standard, which includes services such as free Wi-Fi on board. Promotional prices will turn the market upside down, since a Rio de Janeiro – São Paulo ticket has a regular price of 49.90 reais ($9.03) and is being offered in this new scheme for 19.90; for its part, the route to Belo Horizonte is announced to be 33% cheaper.