Munich/Fidenza, March 17^th, 2026 – A growing number of people are embracing more sustainable travel in Europe. This is evidenced in the last Long-Haul Travel Barometer published by the European Travel Commission and Eurail, according to which slow travel is expected to grow its share in the continent from 22% in 2025 to 26% in 2026.[1]

The travel-tech company Flix and Via Francigena — the oldest pilgrimage route in Europe, stretching across 600 locations in five countries — are poised to support this trend together with a special deal.

Hikers to get dedicated fares on coach rides and cut the overall carbon footprint of their journey

Hikers that walk the Via Francigena can get 10% off the FlixBus service to reach the starting point of their selected itinerary, move between locations or return home at the end of the journey.

To get the discount, they must simply connect to the dedicated section on the Via Francigena website and provide their Credential, the official document that accompanies hikers along their path.

With 40 intersections between the international FlixBus network and the Via Francigena in France, Switzerland, and Italy — including cities like Reims, Lausanne and Rome, but also towns like Langres, Martigny, and Polignano a Mare — Flix and the Via Francigena aim to give travelers from all over the continent easier access to the landscapes and cultural heritage of this ancient itinerary.

«Slow travel is gaining momentum across Europe, and access is key,» said André Schwämmlein, CEO and Co-Founder of Flix. «By connecting the Via Francigena to our international network, we are making it easier for hikers to start their journey without relying on a private car.»

In addition, the FlixBus service can help hikers reduce their individual carbon footprint on the way to the trail by at least five times compared to personal cars, performing nearly as well as intercity trains.[2]

Especially where rail is not available — as in the case of Candela, South Italy — coaches can play a role in decreasing the journey’s overall environmental impact.

«The Via Francigena continues to grow not only in numbers but also in its international dimension,» said Francesco Ferrari, President of EAVF, European Association of Via Francigena Ways. «According to EAVF data, 53% of walkers now come from abroad, confirming the route’s increasing global appeal. More and more young people from different countries all over the world are choosing the Francigena as a cultural journey through Italy and Europe. At the same time, the distribution of departures across the shoulder seasons highlights its role in promoting a more balanced and sustainable tourism model.»

Slow travel as a catalyst for socially aware travel and a booster for local economies

With a 3,000 km itinerary stretching across 600 locations in five countries – the UK, France, Switzerland, Italy, and the Vatican City – the Via Francigena is a unique opportunity for travelers to explore Europe at a slow pace. As many locations crossed by the itinerary are outside well-trodden travel paths, hikers can enjoy more authentic experiences, far from the overcrowded hotspots of global tourism.

Beyond that, slow travel has been regarded as a booster for local wealth in marginal areas, creating up to more than 51% economic benefits and nearly twice as many jobs compared to mass tourism.[3]

The inclusion and empowerment of rural communities resonate with Flix’s commitment to connecting sparsely populated areas. Of the stops connected by the Flix network, around one third are in towns with less than 20,000 inhabitants, often remote and either poorly or not connected by trains, where coaches often represent the only collective alternative to the private car.

The initiative also reflects broader European discussions on distributing tourism flows more evenly across regions, which are taking place within the framework of the upcoming EU Tourism Strategy, expected in Q2 2026. By connecting both major cities and lesser-known destinations, the partnership supports travel to areas that are often difficult to reach by rail.

[1] European Travel Commission and Eurail, Long-Haul Travel Barometer 1/2026

[2] For a comparison of emission factors for different modes of transport, see Flix’s Avoided Emission Methodology Document 2024, pp. 8-9.

[3] UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization)

About Flix

Flix intends to transform the collective transport sector by offering sustainable and affordable long-distance bus- and train travel solutions in more than 40 countries across five continents through its brands FlixBus, FlixTrain, Kamil Koç, and Greyhound. With its asset-light business model and innovative technology platform, Flix, launched in 2013, swiftly established a market-leading position for long-distance bus travel in Europe, North America and Türkiye and is expanding further into South America and Asia-Pacific region.

Driven by increased awareness for sustainable travel, Flix publicly committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as a framework for scientific decarbonization. In April 2024, the SBTi validated Flix’s near-term targets for emissions reduction, thus acknowledging that its strategy is in line with global climate goals.

While Flix manages the commercial side of the business such as network planning, pricing, operations control, marketing and sales, quality management and continuous product development with a data-driven approach, trusted Flix partners conduct the daily operations. The innovative combination of Flix’s technology and sales platform with traditional passenger travel has turned a European start-up into a leading and globally expanding travel tech company.

For more information, please visit www.corporate.flix.com

About EAVF

The European Association of the Via Francigena Ways (EAVF) is a non-profit network established in 2001 to coordinate and promote the Via Francigena across Europe. It brings together local authorities and stakeholders along the historic route from Canterbury to Rome and further south. The association works to protect the cultural heritage of the route while promoting sustainable tourism and walking experiences. AEVF collaborates with regional, national and European institutions to support the development of the itinerary. It is the official network responsible for the management and promotion of the Via Francigena, a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.