History of the BlaBlaCar Bus company
BlaBlaCar Bus is a European coach service provider, formerly known as BlaBlaBus, Ouibus, and iDBUS. It is recognized for its extensive route network, serving various cities across Europe. The company’s journey began in 2012 when it was founded by SNCF, the French national railway company. Over the years, it has evolved, changed ownership, and expanded its services, becoming a prominent player in the European long-distance bus market.
Formation of iDBUS (2012-2015):
- iDBUS was officially launched on 23 July 2012, initially offering services connecting major European cities such as Amsterdam, London, and Brussels. The primary hub for iDBUS operations was located in Paris at Bercy.
- Recognizing the demand for domestic travel, iDBUS inaugurated a route between Paris and Lille on 29 August 2012.
- To further expand its network, a second hub was established in Lyon-Perrache on 17 December 2012, enabling iDBUS to introduce new destinations, including Milan and Turin.
- In May 2013, iDBUS extended its reach with routes connecting Marseille to Nice and Genoa to Milan.
- On 28 April 2014, iDBUS introduced a service connecting Brussels to Amsterdam, London, and Charles de Gaulle Airport.
- iDBUS ventured into Germany on 1 December 2014, offering a route from Paris to Brussels, Aachen, and Cologne.
- The Benelux region saw an expansion of iDBUS services on 15 June 2015, with Rotterdam and Antwerp joining the network. Simultaneously, a route between London and Lyon was introduced.
- On 3 September 2015, iDBUS underwent a rebranding and adopted the name «Ouibus».
Partnerships and Growth (2015-2018):
- In February 2018, Ouibus initiated a partnership with ALSA and National Express, strengthening its presence in the European bus transportation sector.
BlaBlaCar Acquisition and Expansion into Germany (2020):
- In 2020, BlaBlaCar acquired Ouibus, marking a significant shift in the company’s ownership and direction.
- This acquisition also facilitated BlaBlaCar Bus’s entry into the German market, offering competition to Flixbus, which had dominated the German long-distance bus market through a series of consolidations, mergers, and acquisitions.
BlaBlaCar Bus Overview:
- BlaBlaCar Bus operates as an innovative travel network connecting travelers across 22 different European markets.
- The company employs specialized technology to optimize seat utilization on buses, making travel more cost-effective and convenient for passengers seeking economical and hassle-free transportation options.
BlaBlaCar Bus in France & Europe:
- While BlaBlaCar Bus is well-known for its services in France, it also extends its offerings to several other European markets.
- Travelers can find routes to and from prominent French cities like Paris and major European hubs like Amsterdam, all at affordable prices.
Name Changes:
- Over the years, the company has undergone name changes, evolving from BlaBlaBus to Ouibus and eventually adopting the name BlaBlaCar Bus.
- Despite these changes, the company’s commitment to providing high-quality service has remained consistent.
Bus Stations and Destinations:
- BlaBlaCar Bus serves an array of exciting European cities, including Milan, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Barcelona.
- With its presence in Germany, Italy, Spain, and even Canada, BlaBlaCar Bus offers travelers the convenience, comfort, and style to explore Europe efficiently.
Introduction: BlaBlaCar Bus, a subsidiary of BlaBlaCar, Europe’s largest carpooling company, has established itself as a prominent player in the European long-distance bus market. With a mission to provide comfortable, affordable, and flexible bus travel, BlaBlaCar Bus offers travelers a clear and convenient choice for exploring Central Europe.
Comfort and Amenities: BlaBlaCar Bus prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience, ensuring that your journey is enjoyable from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect on board:
- Ample Legroom and Adjustable Seating: Say goodbye to cramped spaces. BlaBlaCar buses provide plenty of legroom and adjustable seats to enhance your comfort during the journey.
- Charging Sockets and USB Ports: Stay connected throughout your trip with charging sockets and USB ports, allowing you to keep your devices powered up.
- Toilets: Long journeys are no problem with on-board toilets available for passenger convenience.
- Personal Air Conditioning: Enjoy a comfortable temperature with personal air conditioning systems.
- Environmentally Friendly: BlaBlaCar Bus is committed to environmental responsibility, offering an eco-friendly way to travel across Europe.
Destinations and Experiences: Traveling with BlaBlaCar Bus not only gets you to your destination but also opens up a world of possibilities at your chosen location. Explore iconic landmarks, immerse yourself in local culture, and create memorable experiences. Here are some examples:
- Paris: Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower.
- London: Explore the historic Tower of London.
- Munich: Immerse yourself in the culture of Marienplatz.
- Amsterdam: Discover the treasures of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.
BlaBlaCar Bus makes these incredible journeys easy, convenient, and affordable, allowing you to explore various European destinations without breaking the bank.
Bus Types and Amenities: BlaBlaBus buses feature a distinctive design with their bright pink and white exterior, complemented by blue accents. In addition to their eye-catching appearance, these buses are environmentally friendly, offering a sustainable mode of travel. On your BlaBlaCar Bus journey, you can expect:
- Personal Air Conditioning
- Extra Legroom and Adjustable Seating
- Charging Sockets and USB Ports
- On-board Toilets
- Free WiFi on Select Routes
- Friendly Drivers (Captains) Ready to Assist
Ticketing Information: Booking a BlaBlaCar Bus ticket has a number of advantages:
- Exchangeability: BlaBlaCar Bus tickets are fully exchangeable, allowing changes up to 30 minutes before departure.
- Refunds: Refunds are provided in the form of a voucher for future BlaBlaCar Bus travel.
- Direct Routes: Many BlaBlaCar Bus trips offer direct routes between major cities, ensuring a swift journey.
Book Smarter: Key benefits include:
- Flexible Comparisons: Compare BlaBlaBus tickets and schedules with other popular transportation options.
- Security and Privacy: Your payments are secure, and your privacy is a priority.
- On-the-Go Booking: Easily book your tickets and stay excited about your trip.
- Multilingual Support: Customer service team can assist you in your language, no matter where you are.
Ticket Types: BlaBlaBus primarily offers a standard ticket type, with varying prices based on distance and booking time. However, keep an eye out for promotions and discounts, as they may be available on different days and times. Note that discounted tickets typically have restrictions on exchanges and refunds.
BlaBlaBus Promo Tickets:
- Non-exchangeable or refundable
- Passengers must travel on the specified bus mentioned on the ticket
- Seat allocation occurs one hour before departure
BlaBlaCar Bus Standard Tickets:
- Prices vary by distance and booking time
- Exchangeable or refundable up to 30 minutes before departure
- Refunds issued as vouchers, valid for four months
- Price differences reimbursed for exchanges to more expensive tickets
- Differences refunded for exchanges to cheaper tickets
- Seat allocation occurs one hour before departure
BlaBlaCar Bus continues to offer travelers an affordable, comfortable, and flexible way to explore Europe, ensuring memorable journeys to exciting destinations. Book your BlaBlaCar Bus ticket today and embark on your next adventure with confidence!
Blablacar Bus FAQs
- Where can I buy a BlaBlaCar bus ticket?
- The most convenient way to purchase BlaBlaCar Bus tickets is to book them using the search form at the top of this page. Mobile tickets make it easy to access the booking.
- Do I need to print my BlaBlaCar bus ticket?
- No, you do not need to print out your ticket. By booking tickets on this page, you get mobile tickets for BlaBlaCar Bus. However, it is recommended to have a printed copy as a backup in case you have problems with your mobile ticket.
- Do I need to bring my ID on board the BlaBlaCar bus?
- Yes, some form of government-issued identification is required to verify your identity when presenting your ticket. Passports are generally accepted as valid identification.
- How early should I arrive at the bus station before departure?
- While the bus company suggests a minimum of 15 minutes before departure, it’s advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance. This allows for any potential ticket or itinerary adjustments.
- What amenities are available for passengers with reduced mobility?
- BlaBlaCar buses are equipped to accommodate passengers with limited mobility or those traveling in wheelchairs. When booking, please inform the bus company of your mobility requirements to ensure appropriate seating.
- How much luggage can I bring onboard the BlaBlaCar bus?
- BlaBlaCar guarantees space for one piece of luggage in the bus’s hold. Additional luggage space can be purchased for a fee. You can also bring two pieces of hand luggage, which must fit above or below your seat.
- Can I bring my bike on board a BlaBlaCar bus?
- Standard bicycles are not allowed on the bus. However, you can bring a foldable bicycle, which will be stowed in the luggage hold. Extra space in the hold can be purchased for your bicycle for an additional fee.
- What items are not allowed on board a BlaBlaCar bus?
- Common-sense rules apply when deciding what items are prohibited. Items such as drugs, weapons, or flammable liquids are strictly prohibited. For clarification, it’s advisable to check with the bus company in advance or speak to a station’s customer service representative before boarding.
- What should I do if my luggage gets lost?
- In the unfortunate event of lost luggage, contact BlaBlaCar Bus, and they will make every effort to locate and return your belongings.
- Can I exchange or refund my BlaBlaCar bus ticket?
- Yes, you can exchange or refund your ticket up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- Can children under 18 years old travel on their own?
- Children up to 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children between 16 and 18 years old can travel alone with parental authorization.
- Do children receive a discount?
- Yes, children up to two years old receive a 50% discount on their tickets. Children between 2 and 11 years old receive a 25% discount.
- Can I bring my pet on board?
- Pets are not allowed on board BlaBlaCar buses. However, guide dogs are permitted for passengers with visual impairments.
- What amenities are available on board BlaBlaCar bus?
- BlaBlaCar buses offer a range of amenities, including adjustable seating with generous legroom, charging sockets for electronic devices, personal air conditioning systems, onboard toilets, and, on select routes, free Wi-Fi for passengers’ convenience.
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