The Route Ahead: 2026 Travel Trends

2026 is gearing up to be the year when the journey itself takes centre stage - think meaningful, conscious travel off the beaten track. No more out-Instagramming everybody else at tourist hotspots. The real thrill will be embracing the open road and discovering new places.

To find the latest travel trends, FlixBus crunched the numbers and we’ve got the receipts 🧾 We dived deep into booking data and cultural pulses, with a little help from Google and TikTok insights, to map out the future of bus travel in 2026 👀

Spoiler alert: it’s spontaneous, sustainable, and packed with feel-good destinations 😍

So buckle up as we reveal the routes, destinations, and booking trends that will have you itching to pack and go!

What trends will shape the bus travel industry in 2026?

To understand how travellers will move next year, we analysed a range of data points, including FlixBus booking habits, search behaviour, and cultural indicators. The eight trends we uncovered capture everything from how we book to why we travel. Let’s dig in!

1. Spontaneity takes the wheel

Think your holiday needs months of planning? Think again. Our analysis revealed that nearly 40% of coach trips are booked within two days of departure. These short lead times are also being fuelled by flexible schedules, affordable options and a growing desire to “just go”. Whether it’s a sudden urge to relax at the seaside or attend a festival on a whim, spur-of-the-moment escapes are here to stay.

2. The browser era is ending - mobile becomes the norm

Remember when your “big holiday” had to be booked on a laptop? It was unthinkable to book a trip on your mobile 😱 Today, mobile bookings account for around 40% of sales, compared to 53% for desktop. And the share is rising fast.

As travellers grow more comfortable booking through apps and digital wallets, mobile will soon dominate everything from travel ticket sales and route discovery to attraction bookings and customer service.

3. January becomes the “Black Friday” of bus travel

If you love a good bargain, January is prime time for many shoppers. It’s also already the busiest month for bus bookings, with savvy travellers snapping up winter escapes and early-bird deals for the coming year.

While flash sales and loyalty rewards are more prevalent in the new year, our data found that June and July were also hot booking months for travel. So don’t worry, those last-minute sunshine trips aren’t going anywhere ☀️

4. Bus travel continues its resurgence

Our analysis found that UK bus use rose 12% in passenger trips and 13% in time spent travelling by bus. With more people prioritising sustainable transport and value for money, combined with environmental awareness and fuel costs nudging travellers away from cars and planes, bus and coach travel is on a roll 🚍

5. Comfort gets an upgrade

Bus and coach vehicle registrations jumped 70% in 2024 - the biggest increase in 16 years. This means that, in 2026, travellers will experience this new premium-feel impact.

Think new vehicles with wi-fi and charging points and cleaner, more comfortable transport 💚 Coach travel will be less about getting from A to B, and more about enjoying the ride.

6. Nostalgia drives domestic escapes

Searches for “retro staycations” have surged by more than 160% year-on-year. From parents taking their kids to relive their childhood holidays to couples comparing notes from historical solo getaways, the charm of days gone by is thriving.

The growing nostalgia trend is fuelling interest in everything from vintage piers and arcade games to heritage museums and old-school seaside resorts - complete with beach huts, of course.

7. Deal-driven travel dominates search behaviour

With the cost of living still squeezing budgets, value-conscious travellers are consistently hunting for discounts and promotions 💷 This is backed up by searches for terms like “last-minute” and “deals” rising steadily.

We expect to see travellers chase flexibility and instant gratification over long-range bargain hunting, as well as affordable package deals for convenience.

8. The flight-free mindset gains traction

There has been a growing curiosity in eco travel, with searches for “flightfree” and “green holidays” terms surging. As climate concerns deepen, more travellers are opting for ground transport to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on adventure 🌳 Low carbon alternatives like coaches will become the transport heroes of 2026.

Emerging Routes for 2026

Our booking data reveals several intercity corridors where demand is set to increase, with emerging routes connecting major cities and popular leisure destinations. Here’s where you can expect to see more passengers next year.

Leicester to London

Leicester-based travellers are being drawn to London’s treasure trove of attractions, experiences, and events. And with affordable bus connections from Leicester to London, alongside frequent departures, day trips are within touching distance.

Edinburgh to Glasgow

In 2025, Glasgow celebrated its 850th anniversary with a year-long programme of events, resulting in ongoing interest for visitors to the city. Now things have settled, it’s the perfect time to explore everything Glasgow has to offer, from festivals and museums to distillery experiences and time in nature 🍃

Travellers are increasingly choosing to travel from Edinburghto Glasgow by bus, thanks to frequent flexible departure times and budget-friendly fares. For under 22s and over 60s living in Scotland, travel by coach is completely free with their Young Scot or bus pass!

Trending UK Destinations for 2026

Ok, so we know why you’re travelling, how you’ll book it, and how you’ll get there. But where are you going? Our 2026 destination predictions combine forecasted search interest with FlixBus booking data to identify the towns and cities set to capture the attention of travellers in the year ahead.

1. Weston-super-Mare

Once a Victorian seaside resort, this Somerset town is making a comeback thanks to a renewed love for quintessential British beach breaks 🏖️ Search interest has surged as Weston-super-Mare continues to reinvent itself with refreshed promenades, restored attractions, and plenty of reasons to just hang out.

Weston’s appeal hits the sweet spot between nostalgia and novelty. Travellers are craving the simple pleasure of a day by the sea, with bookings for Weston rising as people seek out wide sands and retro charms.

Top experiences:

Seaside & nostalgia - Walk along the expansive beach, ride the amusements, and explore the town’s Victorian heritage at Weston Museum. The Helicopter Museum is worth a visit for aviation buffs, while theatre-lovers can catch a show at the Playhouse or Winter Gardens 🎭
Culture & entertainment - Beyond the beach, Weston hosts pop-up markets, street art, and year-round festivals. Plus, its cinema and live-music venues cater to families, couples, and solo travellers alike, making it a great all-rounder.
Eat & drink - Amongst the blossoming food scene, you’ll find independent cafes and restaurants serving locally sourced and homemade meals alongside national chains, and of course, fish and chip shops.

2. Bridgend

Bridgend in South Wales is a playground for every kind of adventurer. Surf-ready beaches, green valleys, and an abundance of eateries have converged to push the region up our trending charts.

Travellers want destinations where they can be both active and indulgent, within budget, obviously. Bridgend delivers with world-class waves, wild spaces, and a culinary scene that’s cleaning up in national awards 🏆 Searches for “Wales staycations” are up 129% too, with our booking data showing a surge in weekend breaks to this corner of the country.

Top experiences:

Surf & coastline - Learn to surf at Rest Bay, where rental kit and lessons make it beginner-friendly for any age 🏄 The lively Porthcawl promenade blends an abundance of cafes and bars, while the Blue Flag beach at Trecco Bay promises clean water and golden sand.
Nature & adventure - Hike or bike through Kenfig and Merthyr Mawr reserves, with the latter boasting Europe’s highest sand dune, or explore restored wetlands at Parc Slip. For adrenaline seekers, zip lines, paintballing, and assault courses await at Adventures Wales.
Eat & drink - Bridgend punches above its weight when it comes to dining. Fine dining restaurants like Cosy Corner Lounge and Steak and Stamp have taken top honours in recent years. For a more casual option, Isabella’s Brasserie is an excellent choice 🍽️

3. Kingston upon Hull

Hull sits proudly on the north bank of the Humber estuary, straddling both banks of the River Hull. It’s historically been an important port and commercial centre, but the maritime city has recently transformed itself into a cultural and culinary hotspot.

Search interest in Hull is climbing as visitors discover its free museums, waterfront art scene, and eclectic dining options. The legacy of its UK City of Culture title has also spurred new galleries, festivals, and public artworks, while regenerated districts like the Fruit Market add a touch of urban cool 😎

Top experiences:

Culture & heritage - Explore the Museum Quarter, home to Wilberforce House, and the Hull and East Riding Museum. Free galleries like Ferens and Humber Street Gallery are also worth a visit, showing everything from modern installations to interactive trails.
Music & markets - Stroll along Humber Street for independent shops and galleries, or catch live bands at local grassroots venues 🎸 Time your visit for annual events like the Yum! Festival of Food & Drink or check out the city’s centuries-old funfair in Autumn.
Eat & drink - Hull is a gastronomic paradise, with Princes Avenue and Newland Avenue both providing homes to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Options here range from pies and Mexican street food to chicken joints and Italian comfort food.

4. Stoke on Trent

Think the Potteries are just about ceramics? 🏺 Think again. Stoke on Trent has become a creative capital, blending industrial heritage with hands-on experiences and outdoor adventures in the Midlands. If there was a UK city experiencing a true renaissance in 2026, it’s Stoke.

Awarded World Craft City status in 2024, Stoke’s reputation as the World Capital of Ceramics has been fully cemented. The city is drawing in travellers with authentic craft experiences honed for over 300 years, alongside gardens, wildlife, and culture.

Top experiences:

Ceramics & heritage - Learn about centuries of craftsmanship at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery and Gladstone Pottery Museum, or visit working factories like the World of Wedgwood or Middleport Pottery. You can even throw your own pot at the Emma Bridgewater Factory.
Gardens & outdoors - For a nature fix, wander the Italian-inspired grounds at Trentham Estate, before meeting Barbary macaques at the UK’s only monkey forest 🐒 Or explore Central Forest Park and Park Hall Country Park via canal-side trails and cycle routes.
Eat & drink - Enjoy traditional Staffordshire oatcakes at independent cafes, dine at Trentham’s lakeside bistros, or try modern takes on local dishes in one of the city’s central restaurants. The contemporary food scene here truly complements its craft heritage, giving you plenty of energy to throw another pot!

4. Perth

Perth, once Scotland’s capital, is reclaiming the Scottish spotlight in its own right with boutique culture, riverside dining, and a seasonal calendar full of artsy energy.

Interest in Perth has been recently soaring as visitors continue to seek out its historic roots, Highland gateway vibes and indie spirit. Regeneration projects and a thriving food scene have turned it into a weekend gem, only a coach away from Edinburgh - one where you can sip single malt by the Tay, then catch contemporary theatre or open-air gigs under the same skyline 🌄

Top experiences:

Culture & heritage – Step back in time at Scone Palace, the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings, or admire masterpieces at The Fergusson Gallery and Perth Art Gallery. The city’s heritage trails weave through medieval streets and scenic riverside paths.
Outdoors & adventure – Go paddleboarding on the Tay, hike Kinnoull Hill for sweeping views, or use Perth as your launchpad for the Highlands 🚴‍♀️Nature and adventure are never far from the city centre.
Eat & drink – From artisan coffee roasters and riverside bistros to whisky tastings and farm-to-fork dining, Perth’s food scene is full of flavour. Pop into local markets for Scottish cheeses, craft spirits, and treats that remind you why Perthshire is Scotland’s larder.

Ride into 2026 with FlixBus

2026 isn’t just shaping up to be the year of the bus, it’s transforming travel into a meaningful journey - from spontaneous weekends to nostalgic staycations and flight-free adventures. The freedom to roam and flexibility to decide at the last-minute are central to the travel landscape in 2026.

At FlixBus, our green coaches connect cities and coastal hideaways with wallet-friendly fares and a light carbon footprint. Modern fleets with excellent on-board amenities and multiple pick-up points combine to create a convenient and comfortable journey, wherever you’re headed. Purchase tickets online , with your driver or on the app .

Embrace the joy of the road in 2026. Pack a bag, book on your phone, and join the growing number of travellers discovering the country by coach 🚍