The increase in airline ticket prices, especially for last-minute purchases, has led more Brazilians to choose road transportation as a more affordable and economical alternative. With the approach of the Carnival holiday, DeÔnibus, one of the largest bus ticket marketplaces in the country, is already noticing a significant increase in demand and has observed a 30% rise in sales compared to the same period in 2024. "Road transportation has been the best option for those who want to travel economically and comfortably. Our expectation is to serve a record number of passengers during this period. We believe there will be an increase of around 70% in sales compared to Carnival 2024," says Luana Filomeno, Head of Marketing and Communication at DeÔnibus.
In an effort to attract even more passengers and encourage advance purchases for Carnival, DeÔnibus launched a promotional campaign with discounts for existing marketplace customers on round-trip purchases. Purchases made through the website guarantee a 10% discount on the return ticket, while purchases through the app offer a 15% discount under the same condition. The strategy aims to build customer loyalty and encourage early purchases, providing more comfort to travelers, ensuring better prices and better-located seats.
The road transportation sector continues to grow strongly in Brazil, and according to Luana Filomeno, the startup projects a significant expansion in 2025."In the pre-Carnival period this year, compared to the same period in 2024, we have already recorded a 30% increase in sales and a 40% increase in revenue, as well as a 15% increase in the average ticket," adds Filomeno.With this initial boost, DeÔnibus strengthens its expectation of achieving exponential growth throughout the year, aiming to expand its market share and further consolidate its brand in the sector.
The increase in average ticket size is a highly relevant aspect for the startup, which already shows a 15% growth in the preview of Carnival 2025 compared to the same period last year. This increase reflects the higher demand for more comfortable seats, such as semi-bed, bed, and bed-cama models."The Brazilian tourist is prioritizing quality and comfort when traveling. We have observed an increase in the choice of premium categories, showing that passengers value a good onboard experience. The data reflects not only the recovery of domestic tourism but also the strengthening of the culture of road trips as a practical and economical option for passengers across Brazil. Among the most sought-after destinations for the February holiday are the following states: Rio de Janeiro (RJ), São Paulo (SP), and Florianópolis (SC), highlighting the strong demand for major centers and tourist cities," adds the Head of Marketing and Communication at DeÔnibus.
