Strength in unity: Lux Express and OnniBus create an international bus network

A significant advancement is underway in integrating long-distance travel between the Baltic region and Scandinavia: Estonian Lux Express, Finnish OnniBus, and ferry company Tallink Silja are collaborating to launch travel chains that allow passengers to travel from multiple Finnish cities to Riga, Warsaw, Kaunas, or even Panevėžys with just one ticket. The new express bus service, operating under the name Lux Express by OnniBus starting June 19, aims not only to simplify travel for passengers but also to present a substantial challenge to market leader FlixBus.

This newly announced development fits seamlessly into the joint project the two bus service providers recently initiated in the Finnish market. From June 19, Lux Express’s premium service will be available on the Helsinki–Turku and Helsinki–Jyväskylä routes, branded as “Lux Express by OnniBus.” By August, the network will expand to include two more cities, Tampere and Kotka. All routes will operate as non-stop express services, bringing the high level of onboard comfort known from the Baltic region to Finland.

The domestic launch is just the beginning. The newly introduced international travel chains represent the next strategic phase of collaboration between OnniBus and Lux Express. The aim is to create a coordinated Northern-Baltic mobility network that transcends not only national borders but also modes of transport—combining bus, ferry, and premium onboard experiences in one package.

Passengers can now book their entire journey with a single ticket through the OnniBus website or mobile app—whether it’s a city tour to Riga starting from Kuopio or a trip to Kaunas commencing in Tampere. In Finland, the journey begins with an OnniBus service arriving at Helsinki’s Kamppi bus station, from where the company’s own “satamabussi” shuttle takes passengers to the Tallink Länsiterminaali 2 terminal. The journey continues by ferry to Tallinn, where Lux Express’s premium buses are ready to take passengers further to Latvia, Lithuania, or Poland.

The entire travel chain can be booked on a single platform, up to 72 hours before departure—ensuring seamless and convenient international travel.

The timing of this joint service is strategic, as a recent survey from the Matka travel fair indicates that a third of Finns have already booked their overseas holiday for this year, with another 13% considering last-minute trips. While Southern Europe still dominates, nearby destinations like Riga and Tallinn are gaining popularity.

The choice of destinations aims for diversity. Riga is recommended for its cultural offerings and nearby beaches, Kaunas and Panevėžys provide insights into Lithuanian urban life, while Warsaw’s blend of historical and modern districts makes it a perfect destination for an extended weekend.