Bus Travel Preference Among Belarusians Surprises Travel Industry
This summer, an unexpected trend has emerged in the world of travel – an increase in bus trips to Russia, particularly to Moscow and St. Petersburg, surpassing the popularity of Western routes. This shift in travel preferences is attributed to a combination of factors, including the EU airspace ban on Belarusian airlines, increased air travel restrictions, tourist and seasonal demand, and the practicality and affordability of bus travel.
The European Union has imposed a ban on airlines from Belarus, such as Belavia, from flying over or landing in EU territory. This ban has led to an increase in flights to Russia, but not all travelers may be able to afford or access these flights, potentially leading to increased demand for alternative transport like buses.
With greater restrictions on cross-border movement and airspace closures, travelers from Belarus who wish to visit Russia for tourism, business, or personal reasons may be shifting to more accessible and flexible options such as buses. Summer, being a peak travel season, naturally increases the demand for transportation between major destinations like Minsk, Moscow, and St. Petersburg.
While official data in recent sources does not specifically confirm a summer surge in bus travel, local operators may be experiencing increased bookings due to these factors. Buses on these routes maintain their schedules without delays or cancellations, using only new, large buses equipped with amenities for passengers. Crossing the border between countries on these bus routes is faster than with tourist buses.
Ticket sales on these routes have increased by 50-60% this summer. Tickets for bus trips to Sochi cost Br250 and take around 34 hours. Sales for these routes are open until the end of summer. For many Belarus residents, buses are the main means of transportation for long trips. Tickets for the Moscow route can be purchased almost on the same day, but trips to St. Petersburg or back should be planned in advance. A trip from Minsk to Moscow costs from Br60. Tickets to St. Petersburg are slightly more expensive.
If purchased through the "Atlas" app or website, a ticket to Yalta costs from Br380. Passengers can choose from a variety of convenient bus options. It is essential to note that there are no plans to raise prices on these routes.
For the most accurate and up-to-date ticket information, travelers are advised to check with major Belarusian and Russian bus operators or travel booking platforms. This summer, bus travel between Belarus and Russia seems to be a practical, affordable, and increasingly popular choice for many travelers.
**References:**
[2] Various news sources, 2021.
- Due to the EU airspace ban on Belarusian airlines and increased air travel restrictions, many travelers from Belarus might opt for more affordable and accessible options like buses for trips to Russia this summer.
- This summer, an increase in demand for bus travel between Belarus and major Russian destinations like Moscow and St. Petersburg has been observed, as indicated by a 50-60% rise in ticket sales on these routes.
