From Budapest to Paris, this 21-hour Flixbus ride becomes more than just a trip. It’s a story about sustainability, independence, and learning to embrace the stillness in a world that’s always rushing.
Why would you choose this fate?
From the title only, maybe you think I’m crazy. To be honest, you’re not too far off. But my craziness doesn’t lie in my liking for Flixbus. I’ll explain why.
I’m Gréti, a student in translation and interpreting from Budapest. I decided to embark on my longest journey ever and take a Flixbus to my Erasmus destination: Paris. I fell in love with the concept of cheap and green travel during my first Erasmus exchange in Strasbourg three years ago, and ever since I basically only travel by bus, even if it means spending 21 hours on it.
This first experience of living abroad broadened my perspective on life and made me realise that I had free will: I am an adult and I can go abroad, experience new cultures, see new cities and landscapes. However, this freedom to travel also means using different methods of transportation, which produce greenhouse gases. Nature and the protection of our environment have always played a big part in my life. I want to do everything in my power to reduce my carbon footprint and protect the environment. Also, I have the superpower of being able to fall asleep anywhere, no matter the conditions around me. A random chair in the university library? No problem. Bus seat? Still fine. Combine that with a good playlist and a tendency to get lost in my own thoughts, and suddenly, a 21-hour bus ride doesn’t seem so dramatic.
How to reach inner peace (Flixbus edition)
Embarking on yet another long journey far from home is an exciting thing. I counted down the days until my departure, imagining what I would pack into my suitcase and how I would decorate my dorm room. And, of course, I kept overthinking everything.
The only thing I didn’t have to stress about was not being able to fit my stuff into my suitcases. The good thing about Flixbus is that, unlike low-cost airlines, they don’t charge you a small fortune for a second suitcase. This way, I could bring my own kitchenware and bedsheets to Paris. I didn’t need to buy anything new. Sustainability, am I right?
I left Budapest on the 11th of January. Miraculously, my bus was on time – a rare and pleasant surprise. With Flixbus, you never quite know what to expect. It’s completely unpredictable. Perhaps it’s part of its charm – it teaches you about life and patience. If you learn to expect the unexpected and you’re not bothered by it, you basically reach inner peace.
I had a window seat. As the bus rolled out of the lovely Kelenföld bus station, I watched the snowy landscape drift by. I love observing the scenery, listening to music, and imagining myself in a music video. I had plenty of time for music and my own thoughts.
Somewhere in Austria I read my book, and I attempted to start writing my master’s thesis. (I failed miserably.) The journey took us through Hungary, Austria, Germany, and France, with stops in Vienna, Munich, Augsburg, Ulm, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Kehl, Strasbourg, and Reims. At first, my back hurt, but somewhere between Munich and Augsburg, I found a comfortable position. I was very grateful for this discovery, because later, I managed to get a good night’s sleep.
Staying on the bus for such a long time is not as horrible as you would imagine. At some point, you also start to notice the small details you would normally miss. The quiet conversations of strangers, the rhythm of the road, the way the light changes as you cross borders. There is something almost meditative about it. You are moving forward, yet you are suspended in time. It’s just you, your thoughts, your Spotify playlist, and the road ahead.
Of course, not everything is perfect. You have to get up to stretch your legs, you have to tell your parents from time to time that you are, in fact, still alive. You survived Austria and Germany, only one country to go. Someone’s phone might ring at 3 a.m., or the person in front of you might decide to fully recline their seat without warning. But these little inconveniences become part of the experience. They remind you that you are sharing this journey with others, each of them going somewhere, for their own reasons.
Bienvenue à Paris
As we crossed into France, I felt a quiet excitement building inside me. Paris was getting closer with every kilometre, and with it, a new chapter of my life. When we finally arrived, tired but somehow refreshed, I stepped off the bus ready for the semester to begin.
However, Paris Bercy bus station is not for the weak. I recommend leaving it as quickly as possible.
My next challenge was figuring out how to get to my university and accommodation by bus. We’ve all seen the memes about French people being rude and everything, but I would like to challenge this idea: the bus drivers here are absolute sweethearts. The ones I’ve encountered since my stay here began were all incredibly kind. This time, I was travelling with two large suitcases and no bus ticket. I must have looked and acted like the most annoying tourist ever, and yet the bus driver kindly and patiently explained which apps to download and how to buy a ticket.
When I finally arrived at my dormitory and had everything sorted out, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. I made it!
Why I would do it again
In the end, choosing slow and green travel is about much more than simply getting from one place to another. It is a conscious decision to travel in a way that respects both the environment and ourselves. By slowing down, we reduce our impact on the planet, but we also gain something in return: time to reflect, to observe, and to truly experience the journey. We connect more deeply with the places we pass through and the people we meet, and we learn to appreciate distance rather than erase it.
This is exactly what I love about slow travel. I like actually experiencing the distance. Even if 21 hours seems crazy, I will do it again on the way back to Budapest.
Slow travel teaches patience, mindfulness, and responsibility – qualities that extend far beyond the journey itself. It may not be the fastest or the most convenient option, but it is undoubtedly the most meaningful. It allows you to embrace the Erasmus experience even before it truly begins. Our planet is running out of time, but we can still make better choices. Taking the bus instead of flying may require more time, but it is a small step toward a more sustainable future.
Travel slowly – and let your journey begin with a moment of self-discovery.
