Surge in Cross-Border Bus Travel: redBus Reports Over 180,000 Seats Booked by Singapore Travellers in 2024

Singapore Sees 20% Growth in Users Opting for Affordable and More Sustainable Travel

SINGAPORE, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The appetite for cross-border travel is on the rise as Singaporeans increasingly turn to buses as their preferred mode of transport. redBus, the world's largest bus ticketing platform, has revealed key insights into this trend, reporting that over 180,000 bus seats were booked by Singapore-based travellers in 2024. This marks a significant uptick in demand for cost-effective, more sustainable travel options.

redBus reports over 180,000 seats booked by Singapore travellers in 2024 to Malaysia and Thailand

The platform also reported a 20% increase in new users from Singapore, with millennials and Gen Z travellers driving much of this growth. These younger travellers are seeking affordable, convenient, and environmentally-friendly alternatives for regional getaways. More than 1,24,000 tickets were booked with Singapore as the destination, from other counties.

«Singaporeans are increasingly embracing buses as their preferred mode of cross-border travel, not just for affordability but also for the convenience and sustainability they offer,» said Krishnan Ramaswami, Chief Business Officer of redBus.«Our data highlights a growing demand for seamless travel experiences, particularly among younger generations, who value the ability to plan entire trips-transportation and activities included-through a single, reliable platform. This shift underscores the evolving priorities of modern travellers, where practicality meets adventure.'

Singapore's Cross-Border Travel Preferences: A Snapshot

• Dominance of Malaysia Routes

  Almost 70% of all bus bookings from Singapore in 2024 were for trips to Malaysia, underscoring strong demand for cross-border travel. Popular destinations included Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Malacca, Genting Highlands, and Seremban. Johor Bahru (JB) alone accounted for over 45% of the total trips. SG to JB buses remain among the most popular and convenient choices, reflecting the appeal of Johor Bahru as a close and affordable getaway.

• Youth-Driven Trends

  Nearly40% of redBus users in Singapore are aged between 21 and 30,