Overnight FlixBus With Kids

During our family trip around the world, we have continued to recite our family mantra: “Be flexible.”  Because the rules of travel during COVID-19 change so fast, we are planning one week at a time.  Our search for a great travel route out of Lisbon led us to FlixBus.  Jon was a bit hesitant to book an overnight bus with kids, as we have never tried it.  However, the price was great, and the route took us to Malaga, our preferred next destination.  As an added bonus,  overnight transportation saves the cost of a night of lodging.  We got to enjoy the entire departure day touring Lisbon because the bus left much later than a flight.  Additionally, we still got the next full day in Malaga!  See our other posts on visiting Malaga with kids and money saving tips in Malaga.

Here is our quick review for anyone considering taking an overnight FlixBus with kids.

• Cost: We were fairly flexible regarding departure day and time and used the FlixBus app to find a great price.  Our trip via bus saved us more than $200 compared to flying from Lisbon to Malaga.
• Departure: This part was confusing for a few reasons.  Our actual ticket listed 4 possible bus terminal departure lanes, with no update in the FlixBus app.  The Lisbon bus terminal is quite large, did not have a working screen for information, and we don’t speak Portuguese.  Lastly, our physical bus was not a big green FlixBus like we expected, but a partner bus.  Unlike the bus in the photo below, ours was plain white.  It was a very simple process to load our bags and scan our ticket QR code.

• The bus: It was not an actual FlixBus, but was very nice.  The seats had charging ports, reading lights, and air-con valves.  The bus was enabled with Wi-Fi and the FlixBus entertainment options. 
• The ride: There were several empty seats, allowing our family extra room, making the journey even easier.  We stopped several times on the 9 hour drive, allowing passengers the option for fresh air and a bathroom.  The bus did have a bathroom, but it’s best for everyone to simply get out at the stops.
• The kids: Both kids slept for most of the trip: melatonin helped.  It definitely helped to have an extra seat of space, but they did great remembering the family mantra to be flexible, literally!  The gentle noise of the bus was similar to the noise machine we use at night.  Bring water, snacks, and breakfast with you on the bus.
• The parents: Jon is a little over 6 feet tall, so leg-room can be an issue.  If someone had been sitting in front of him and fully reclined the seat, it would have been tight, but doable.  The seats are definitely comfortable enough for a 9 hour trip, and we both slept a few hours total.
• Added benefits: In addition to everything above, traveling by bus allows you to skip airport security and airline baggage rules.  Also, because of the EU cooperation, crossing into a new country was seamless.

Overall our first experience using FlixBus with kids was amazing.  True, part of this was due to the extra space being available.  However, even with a full(er) bus, the upside remains strong enough for FlixBus to become a part of our transportation arsenal.  If the thought of an overnight bus trip gives you the same hesitation, we recommend to just do it!  Between all of the benefits listed above, it is worth trying for yourself.

In fact, before leaving Spain we already booked our next FlixBus route in France!  Follow along as we continue our trip around the world!

If you have questions or tips for traveling with kids, let us know!