FlixBus and Excelsior strengthen partnership with more coach services launching in spring

FlixBus and Excelsior strengthen partnership with more coach services launching in spring

Global travel tech brand FlixBus is expanding its partnership with Dorset-based operator Excelsior in spring 2026.

The additional capacity reflects the ongoing success of the collaboration, which brought FlixBus coach services to the South of England for the first time in May 2025.

David Lee-Kong, operations director at Excelsior, said: “Following a strong first year partnership, we are pleased to add capacity for our FlixBus operation ahead of the busy summer season.

“Demand has been exceptional, and we are proud to help deliver greater connectivity for the region, as well as providing fantastic cross-promotion to our local bus passengers.” 

Part of a long-term agreement, the expansion will see two new FlixBus spec Yutong GT12s added to Excelsior’s FlixBus-branded fleet, alongside its four existing Temsa HD12s.

FlixBus has continued to grow at a record pace since entering the UK market in 2021. Last year it doubled its network, connecting over 80 destinations nationwide.

FlixBus is set for continued expansion in 2026, driven by new partnerships alongside expansion with existing operators.

Andreas Schorling, Vice President of West Europe at FlixBus, added: “Excelsior is a trusted, forward thinking partner, and with them we have developed a strong footprint in the south of England which we are now growing to meet the swell of demand for services.

“We are delighted to deepen our collaboration as we continue to build the coach network of the future and lead the express market.”

Excelsior, part of the Go Ahead Group, provides corporate and private hire, school transport and coach trips across Dorset, Devon, Hampshire and London.

Excelsior will continue recruiting drivers across Poole and Bournemouth to support its expanding FlixBus services.