Terry KS redBus recorded a 15% year-on-year growth in bookings in 2025, highlighting the growing role of bus travel in Malaysia’s domestic mobility. Travel patterns show rising demand for regional, festive, and experience-driven journeys as the country prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
MALAYSIA, 16 JANUARY 2026 – Malaysia’s travel landscape continued to evolve in 2025, with bus travel emerging as a key driver of domestic mobility, according to new data from redBus. The online bus ticketing platform recorded a 15% increase in bookings for the year, reflecting growing preference for buses as a practical, flexible, and comfortable alternative to private vehicles.
redBus said the sustained growth underscores the importance of intercity and regional connectivity as Malaysians increasingly travel for work, education, leisure, and hometown visits. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, travel demand is expected to expand further beyond major cities into secondary towns and cultural destinations.
Among the most popular routes in 2025 were Kuala Lumpur–Melaka, Kuala Lumpur–Johor, and services to Penang and Kuantan. These high-traffic corridors saw bookings rise by 20% compared to 2024, reinforcing the enduring importance of linking major urban and regional hubs across the country.
Festive seasons continued to shape travel demand, with bookings increasing by about 10% during major celebrations. Hari Raya recorded a 12% year-on-year increase, while Chinese New Year saw a sharper 20.7% jump. With both festive periods occurring close together, demand remained elevated across an extended peak travel window. The year-end holiday season was also significant, accounting for 22% of total tickets sold between October and December.
Beyond established corridors, emerging routes showed strong growth, including Bentong–Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lipis–Kuala Lumpur, and Johor Bahru–Singapore, pointing to shifting inter-state and cross-border travel patterns. Newly introduced routes such as Kuala Besut–Johor Bahru and Sandakan–Tawau gained traction quickly, while the Pasir Mas–UniSZA route saw sustained demand driven by student commuters.
Solo travel dominated bus journeys in 2025, accounting for 82% of all tickets sold, compared with 12% for group travel. Many passengers booked at short notice, reflecting a fast-paced travel culture that prioritises flexibility for frequent trips, short getaways, and balik kampung journeys.
Experience-driven travel also gained momentum, with travellers increasingly seeking cultural, culinary, and local discovery experiences rather than simply reaching destinations. Initiatives such as redBus’ Food Map supported this trend by helping travellers plan journeys around food destinations and local highlights.
Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, redBus said it is expanding services and using travel insights to anticipate demand, improve connectivity, and support inclusive tourism growth. By broadening access to regional destinations and enhancing booking convenience, the platform aims to help both Malaysians and international visitors explore the country more seamlessly.