Buses in Europe

Booking a bus ticket in Europe is easy with Omio. Once you know your route simply put the departure and arrivals points—along with date you wish to travel—into the search and within seconds you’ll be given plenty of options, meaning you can pick the journey that suits you best. Then just follow the simple steps and within a few minutes, you’ll have your ticket for your trip!

Getting Your Ticket:If your ticket is a mobile ticket—don’t worry we’ll let you know—then all you need to do before getting on your bus is make sure you can access it to show it to the driver. If your ticket is not a mobile ticket then you’ll need to make sure you’ve downloaded or printed the pdf of your ticket prior to departure. Then just make sure you have your ticket on hand when you board the bus so you can show it to the driver.

Good to know: Although most buses leave from a bus station, they can sometimes leave from other bus stops around the city. We recommend checking the address of the bus stop before you plan to leave and giving yourself plenty of time to find it. If you can find the stop at some point during your stay then even better!

All long-distance buses will have a bathroom onboard. It is also becoming more frequent for buses to provide WiFi and power sockets — particularly useful for longer trips. In some cases, some buses companies, such as RegioJet, even have an onboard trolley service providing snacks and hot beverages. To be sure of what your bus will offer, you can find out by checking the company page.

Unlike airlines, buses in Europe often have generous luggage allowances that don’t come at an extra cost. Company policies do vary so it is best to check with the company to be on the safe side. However, the general rule is that you are allowed a bigger bag to go in the hold and a smaller bag, one that fit above or underneath the seat.

Pet policy varies from company to company so it is always best to check with the bus company directly. It is safe to assume that guide dogs are allowed on all buses across Europe, however, the bus company should be notified before you travel. Some bus companies, such as Flixbus, allow small animals (no bigger than a domestic cat) onboard if they are in a proper animal carrier.

Refunds depend on the company you are traveling with and the type of ticket you originally purchased. If you bought a flexible ticket then it is often likely you can change the bus you are meant to be traveling on and, in some cases, get a refund. However, if you bought a non-flexible ticket then it is unlikely you would be able to get a refund if you decide to cancel your journey. To check if you apply for a refund it is best to check with the bus company directly or you can speak to some in our Customer Service department.

Traveling with children varies from bus company to company as well as country to country. Generally, children up to 15 are considered children throughout Europe and will need to travel with an adult. Babies and toddlers can often travel for free if traveling with an adult but will need a car seat for safety. All children under 15 will be able to travel at a discounted rate. If you are unsure then we recommend checking with the bus company you are traveling with directly to find out their child policy.