India’s Intercity Bus Sector Expands Rapidly in 2025, Serving Over 140 Million Passengers

Significant Growth in India’s Intercity Bus Industry

The intercity bus travel sector in India has experienced remarkable growth, carrying over 140 million passengers in the first half of FY26 (April to September 2025), marking a 25% year-on-year increase. This surge reflects an evolving landscape where expanding route networks, digitization of ticketing, and rising passenger comfort preferences are reshaping road travel across the country.

Expansion of Routes and Reach

Over 6.7 lakh unique routes now connect more than 11,000 towns across India, signalling greater penetration of bus services beyond major hubs to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This growth makes intercity buses a popular and affordable transport option, especially for travellers in smaller towns, which now contribute to over 60% of all bookings.

Regio	Seat Booking Share (%)	Average Occupancy (%)	Notable Insights
Maharashtra & Goa	16	79	Leading market with highest ticket prices
Tamil Nadu	15	76 (national average)	High demand for intercity bus travel
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana	13	84	Highest seat occupancy nationwide
Karnataka	11	76 (national average)	Steady passenger volumes
Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh	Lower share	63	Lower utilization rates relative to others

Changing Passenger Preferences

Comfort has become a dominant theme in intercity bus travel. Approximately 85% of journeys are made on sleeper and hybrid buses, while air-conditioned (AC) buses like deluxe coaches account for 71% of the seats sold. Passengers favouring AC and sleeper options reflect a desire for more convenience and a reliable travel experience, especially on long-haul routes.

Long-Distance Travel Trends

There is a noticeable trend towards longer journeys, with nearly 65% of trips covering distances exceeding 250 kilometers. This shift from regional to cross-state travel aligns with broader economic activities and tourism flows, making buses a vital part of India’s domestic connectivity fabric.

Digital Transformation in Bus Bookings

The widespread adoption of digital ticketing platforms, notably redBus, has propelled the industry’s growth by enhancing ease of booking and route discovery. More than 60% of bookings come from smaller towns rather than traditional metro cities, underscoring the deepening digital penetration beyond urban centers. The digitally savvy 18-36 age group forms nearly two-thirds of the passenger base, with male travellers accounting for 65% of the bookings.

Hoe dit van invloed is op taxi- en transferdiensten

With such growth in intercity bus travel, local and airport transfer services see complementary demand surges. Passengers landing at airports or arriving in city terminals increasingly require reliable taxi or transfer connections to reach smaller towns or explore destinations off the beaten path.

Platformen zoals GetTransfer.com empower users to choose from a wide range of vehicles — from economical cars to premium limousines — while viewing detailed profiles including make, model, and verified driver ratings. This level of transparency and user control stands out compared to traditional booking services and aligns perfectly with the rising expectations of travellers seeking smooth last-mile connectivity after their bus journeys.

Intercity Travel and Urban Connectivity

• First Mile and Last Mile Convenience: Intercity buses often stop outside city centres, making on-demand taxi services critical for travelers continuing their journey within a city.
• Integration With Airports: Many long-distance buses connect to airport cities, increasing the demand for seamless transfers between bus stations and airports.
• Customized Vehicle Choices: From private sedans to 7-seater SUVs, travelers can select vehicles based on group size and comfort preferences on platforms like GetTransfer.

Summary of Key Industry Highlights

The Indian intercity bus sector’s robust 25% growth in 2025 is powered by a staggering 140 million passengers over six months, an expansive network connecting 11,000+ towns, and a strong shift toward AC and sleeper coaches for comfort. Tier-2 and tier-3 cities are now the main players in bookings, carving new travel patterns supported by digital ticketing advancements.

Popular states like Maharashtra and Goa lead in bookings while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana boast the highest seat occupancy. The youth demographic dominates ticket purchases, signalling a digitally engaged, comfort-seeking traveler base. Such trends inevitably influence the demand for varied vehicle options and reliable transfer services, creating an opportunity to link intercity bus travel with flexible taxi and transfer solutions for better urban and rural accessibility.

Benefits for Travelers on GetTransfer.com

While reviews and statistics offer valuable insights, nothing quite matches firsthand experience when choosing transport. On GetTransfer, users can hire cars with drivers from verified local providers offering competitive fares, ensuring informed choices without unnecessary costs or last-minute hassles. The platform’s extensive fleet variety, transparent pricing, and clear vehicle details make it easier than ever to book transfers that suit exact travel needs and destinations.

The convenience, affordable pricing, and broad selection of cars, including private limousines and multi-seater options, empower travelers to plan their trips confidently. From airport pickups to intercity connections, GetTransfer is tailored to enhance your travel experience with clear, upfront fares and dependable driver services. Book your ride with GetTransfer.com today and enjoy seamless transfers wherever your journey takes you.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Intercity Travel and Transfers

Although the recent growth in India’s intercity bus industry may not drastically reshape global tourism, its impact domestically is profound. The surge in bus passengers from smaller towns and the shift toward longer, comfortable journeys signal an ongoing transformation in regional mobility and travel habits.

GetTransfer remains committed to staying current with these changes, providing travelers worldwide with quick, reliable access to transfers tailored to their specific needs, connecting cities, airports, and destinations effortlessly. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer.