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Building the partner's business case
Investments
The evolution of the price of a bus
To establish a reliable cost forecast, this analysis first determines a 2024/2025 baseline price for new, high-specification coaches from leading European manufacturers known to be used within the FlixBus network. This baseline is then retrospectively adjusted for the years 2018-2023 and projected for 2025. The price index model incorporates several key macroeconomic factors:
Investments
Type of bus
Search
Name
Years
Type of bus
Price
2018 → €310,00
Single-Deck
2018
Single-Deck
€310,00
2018 → €500,00
Double-Deck
2018
Double-Deck
€500,00
2019 → €320,00
Single-Deck
2019
Single-Deck
€320,00
2019 → €515,00
Double-Deck
2019
Double-Deck
€515,00
2020 → €315,00
Single-Deck
2020
Single-Deck
€315,00
2020 → €505,00
Double-Deck
2020
Double-Deck
€505,00
2021 → €330,00
Single-Deck
2021
Single-Deck
€330,00
2021 → €525,00
Double-Deck
2021
Double-Deck
€525,00
2022 → €360,00
Single-Deck
2022
Single-Deck
€360,00
2022 → €565,00
Double-Deck
2022
Double-Deck
€565,00
2023 → €355,00
Single-Deck
2023
Single-Deck
€355,00
2023 → €560,00
Double-Deck
2023
Double-Deck
€560,00
2024 → €350,00
Single-Deck
2024
Single-Deck
€350,00
2024 → €550,00
Double-Deck
2024
Double-Deck
€550,00
2025 → €360,00
Single-Deck
2025
Single-Deck
€360,00
2025 → €565,00
Double-Deck
2025
Double-Deck
€565,00
There are no rows in this table
View of Investments
Single-Deck Coach Analysis
For the single-deck category, prominent models suitable for long-distance, high-comfort service include the MAN Lion's Coach, the VDL Futura FHD2, and the Volvo 9700/9900 series. Analysis of current and recent market listings for new vehicles provides a strong baseline. New 2025 models of the MAN Lion's Coach are listed in a price range of €313,000 to €380,000.30 The premium Volvo 9900, which launched in 2018 with a starting price of approximately €330,000, is now expected to cost well over €400,000 when new, given that used 2020 models are still commanding prices around €250,000.32 Based on these figures and offerings from competitors like VDL, a robust baseline estimate for a new, FlixBus-compliant single-deck coach in 2024 is → €350,000.
Double-Deck Coach Analysis
The double-deck segment is dominated by premium models like the Setra S 531 DT, VDL Futura FDD2, and Neoplan Skyliner—a model frequently seen in FlixBus livery.34 The Setra S 531 DT stands as a benchmark for the category, with a new 2024 model listed for sale at a significant €649,000.35 Used models from 2018 and 2019 are priced between €300,000 and €450,000, indicating strong residual value and a high initial purchase price.36 The VDL Futura FDD2 presents a competitive alternative, with used 2017-2019 models available in the €240,000 to €270,000 range.38 Considering the premium specifications required by FlixBus, a defensible baseline estimate for a new double-deck coach in 2024 is → €550,000.
Estimated Purchase Price of a New FlixBus-Compliant Double-Deck Coach (2018-2025)
2018
€500,000
Stable market conditions, moderate growth in commercial vehicle registrations.
2019
€515,000
Strong market growth, pre-buy behavior ahead of new regulations.
2020
€505,000
Market contraction due to COVID-19 pandemic, potential for manufacturer discounts.
2021
€525,000
Post-pandemic rebound in demand coupled with initial supply chain issues.
2022
€565,000
Peak of supply chain disruptions and energy price shocks, significant price inflation.
2023
€560,000
Easing of supply constraints but persistent inflationary pressure, strong market recovery.
2024
€550,000
Market stabilization, increased competition, but high baseline costs remain.
2025
€565,000
Projected market growth and renewed inflationary pressures.
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Mandatory Customization and Branding Costs
Beyond the vehicle's sticker price, operators must budget for immediate post-purchase modifications to achieve full compliance with FlixBus's brand and service standards.
Exterior Branding (Vinyl Wrap)
The most visible requirement is the application of the distinctive bright green FlixBus livery. This is achieved via a full vinyl wrap. Market data indicates that a full, four-sided promotional wrap for a standard coach bus, including high-quality materials and professional installation, costs between €7,500 and €12,000.42 The cost can fluctuate based on the specific vehicle size and the complexity of the graphics. For financial planning, a robust budget of
€10,000 per single-deck bus and €12,000 per double-deck bus is a prudent and realistic estimate.
Interior Customization
While most new premium coaches will be delivered with many of the required amenities, operators must be prepared for additional retrofitting costs. A critical requirement is the availability of power outlets or USB ports at every seat.18 The material cost for the charging port units themselves is minimal, at approximately €2.50 per dual-port unit.45 For a 50-seat single-deck coach (requiring ~25 units) and an 80-seat double-deck coach (requiring ~40 units), the component cost is less than €200. The significant expense lies in the professional labor required for wiring and installation.
Even a brand-new vehicle ordered from factory stock may not perfectly align with FlixBus's precise specifications for seat pitch (legroom) or the exact placement of amenities. Any such deviation will necessitate immediate post-purchase modifications before the asset can begin generating revenue. This potential for "hidden" costs erodes the perceived value of a standard purchase. Therefore, a contingency budget for interior customization is essential. A conservative estimate of €3,000 per bus should be allocated to cover labor for USB port installation, potential seat adjustments, and any other minor modifications required to achieve full compliance. Specialized firms in the Netherlands and Belgium offer these vehicle interior customization services.
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