Russians are switching to intercity buses in large numbers due to airport closures
During the three summer months of 2026, the number of intercity bus trips in Russia increased significantly amid regular airport closures due to drone attacks and fuel shortages for private vehicles.
According to estimates by “Tutu” and “RZD — Digital Passenger Solutions,” the number of such trips rose by 24.4% compared to the same period in 2025, reports “Kommersant.” The share of bus travel in overall summer demand increased by 4.8 percentage points due to a decline in the share of air and rail travel. Analysts did not disclose the absolute figures.
Other companies are also reporting growth in demand for intercity buses. The “Check Index” service from “Platforma OFD” recorded a 20% year-over-year increase in demand for this mode of transportation. According to OneTwoTrip’s business estimates, demand for bus transportation among corporate clients has also grown—by 11% over the past year.
A noticeable increase in demand was observed not only in the southern regions of Russia, where airports were frequently closed, train service was reduced, and gasoline shortages occurred due to drone attacks. Growth was also recorded in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, Karelia, Tatarstan, Moscow, and the Moscow Region.
Alexander Bragin, head of the Association of Travel Aggregators, attributed the rise in demand for buses to airport service restrictions and a shortage of available seats on trains.
Accident statistics may also indicate an increase in the number of bus trips. According to the Traffic Police, 4,900 traffic accidents involving buses occurred between January and August 2026, an increase of 8.3% compared to the same period last year.
“Tutu” also noted that Russians have begun to choose buses more often for short trips. Demand for routes lasting up to eight hours has grown by 31–32% over the past year, and for trips lasting more than 16 hours—by 16%.
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