23/01/2026

FRIDAY | JAN 23, 2026

21

LYFE

A MONG the busiest bus routes of 2025, several stood out as favourites for Malaysian travellers. Topping the list were journeys between Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, followed closely by Kuala Lumpur to Johor, as well as popular routes to Kuantan and Penang, according to online bus ticketing platform RedBus. Compared with 2024, these routes experienced strong growth, with bookings increasing by 20%. These patterns revealed not only where Malaysians are travelling most frequently but also the enduring importance of connecting key regional hubs across the country. With a 15% growth in bookings last year, the platform highlighted the continuing importance of bus travel in domestic mobility and setting the stage for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026), where cultural exploration and expanded connectivity will take centre stage. calendar remains a major driver of travel and 2025 revealed sharper shifts in movement patterns. During each festive period, bookings rose by about 10% compared with baseline months, with Hari Raya seeing a 12% year-on-year increase and Chinese New Year recording a 20.7% jump. With both festivals falling close together this year, demand is expected to remain elevated across an extended peak travel window. Looking back at the previous festive season, an alarming 41% of travellers faced challenges securing tickets due to insufficient supply in the market, despite additional buses and route increments being deployed. With peak travel expected Seasonal travel surges Malaysia’s festive

Passengers are increasingly booking at short notice, reflecting a bus travel landscape that adapts to the

fast-paced rhythm of modern life. – 123RFPIC

Malaysians’ travel habits foreshadow trends in 2026

o From festive getaways to emerging corridors, locals travelling more purposefully

and cross-border destinations as travel demand builds towards VMY 2026.

repeat bookings likely driven by work, education and the city’s appeal as a convenient short-distance travel destination. 0 Thursdays were the busiest travel day in 2025. 0 The “sleepiest” routes, Kuala Lumpur–Johor Bahru and Malacca–Kuala Lumpur, had the most midnight bookings. 0 Terminal Bersepadu Selatan was Malaysia’s busiest boarding terminal. Think of it as the country’s unofficial “departure lounge of dreams.” 0 The Sunday after payday (post 26th) was the most popular travel day. Malaysians clearly believe money is best spent on movement, not just makan . 0 Tuesdays were the quietest travel day of the week. Even buses need a nap! 0 December stole the spotlight as Malaysia’s busiest travel month, while March quietly dozed at the bottom of the chart. From hometown returns to quick inter-state getaways, Malaysians’ travel habits in 2025 reflect a shift towards more frequent and purposeful journeys. With convenience, flexibility and affordability taking priority, bus travel remains a practical choice for connecting interstate and regional destinations. “The consistent growth in bus journeys we observed in 2025 reflects the increasing role of bus travel in Malaysia’s mobility landscape, showing more people are choosing this mode of transport, offering a practical and comfortable alternative to private vehicles. “As VMY 2026 unfolds, we are excited to see travellers exploring new destinations beyond the major cities,” said RedBus chief business officer Krishnan Ramaswami.

Frequent

solo

trips

and

last-minute bookings In 2025, solo travel dominated Malaysian bus journeys, accounting for 82% of all tickets compared with just 12% for group trips. Many of these trips were linked to work, education or returning home, highlighting how frequent hometown journeys continue to shape travel demand. Passengers are increasingly booking at short notice, reflecting a bus travel landscape that adapts to the fast-paced rhythm of modern life – from quick inter state getaways to regular balik kampung trips and underscores the growing need for flexible, convenient travel options. Experience-driven travel on the rise Purposeful and experience-driven travel is emerging as a key trend for VMY 2026. Increasingly, Malaysians are seeking journeys that go beyond simply reaching a destination, looking instead for experiences that enrich and inspire – from immersing themselves in local culture to discovering the country’s diverse culinary offerings. Initiatives such as the ongoing RedBus’s Food Map are helping travellers plan their trips around must-visit eateries and hidden gems, turning every journey into an opportunity to explore, taste and connect with Malaysia in a more meaningful way. Not all journeys are about the destinations, 2025 offered plenty of travel curiosities: 0 Kuala Lumpur–Malacca: The most “loyal” route, with high

The year-end holiday season also carved out its own identity, accounting for 22% of total tickets sold in the October-December quarter. These surges illustrate how cultural celebrations – from balik kampung journeys to festive getaways, continue to shape travel demand, turning bus terminals into round-the-clock hubs and requiring agile scheduling, expanded routes and seamless booking experiences. Emerging & improved routes Beyond the established corridors, 2025 also saw a notable rise in bus journeys on routes that recorded the highest growth compared with 2024. Among the fastest-growing were Bentong–Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lipis–Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru–Singapore, reflecting shifting travel patterns and emerging demand across inter-state and cross-border connections. The year also saw RedBus introducing several first-time routes, including journeys such as Kuala Besut–Johor Bahru and Sandakan–Tawau, which quickly gained traction among travellers. Meanwhile, the Pasir Mas– UniSZA route recorded significant growth, meeting a consistent travel need for the large student population commuting between Kelantan and Terengganu, for whom buses remain a primary mode of transport. As these routes continue to gain traction, travellers can expect more frequent services and improved connectivity, making it easier to access secondary cities

again, booking early for a bus ride can help travellers secure their preferred travel dates with greater ease.

From city streets to regional highways, 2025 marked a year of evolving travel patterns across Malaysia.