India's intercity travel market is undergoing a generational shift, with younger and working-age passengers increasingly favoring shared mobility over private car ownership. According to the IntrCity SmartBus Intercity Mobility Survey 2026, which polled 13,320 respondents nationwide, 74% of travelers aged 18 to 43 are leading this trend, and 76% expect shared mobility usage to grow over the next three years.
The survey, conducted by the Indian intercity bus operator, reveals that shared mobility is becoming the primary mode of transport for many. Nearly half of respondents said they used shared mobility for all five of their most recent intercity trips. This preference is driven by a combination of safety, comfort, and convenience—factors that now outweigh cost considerations for a significant portion of the market.
Premium buses rival trains and flights
One of the most striking findings is that 70% of respondents would choose a premium shared bus over a personal car, train, or flight for journeys of 400–600 kilometers, if prices were equal. This suggests that operators like IntrCity, which focus on premium amenities and reliable service, are well-positioned to capture demand that traditionally went to Indian Railways or domestic airlines on routes such as Delhi–Jaipur, Mumbai–Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru–Hyderabad.
Technology is a critical enabler of this shift. 82% of respondents said digital tools are vital to their travel experience, with online booking, digital access, and enhanced onboard amenities cited as key factors encouraging adoption. For travel-tech vendors and GDS providers, this underscores the importance of seamless digital booking and real-time tracking features in the intercity bus segment.
Safety remains the top priority for passengers, with 43% naming it the most important factor when choosing a shared mobility service. This aligns with broader industry trends where hygiene and security have become non-negotiable, especially post-pandemic.
“The Indian intercity traveller has evolved significantly over the last few years. Today's passengers are looking beyond affordability and are placing equal importance on reliability, comfort, safety, and digital convenience,” said Manish Rathi, Co-founder and CEO of IntrCity SmartBus.
The findings have implications for the wider travel industry. As Indian travelers increasingly embrace shared mobility, tour operators and travel agents may need to adjust their offerings to include bus-based packages, particularly for short-haul routes. The trend also complements the growth of culture-driven holiday bookings among Indian travelers, who are seeking authentic experiences that often require flexible ground transport.
For airlines, the shift to premium buses on 400–600 km routes could impact domestic short-haul demand, especially on sectors where train and bus travel times are comparable. Meanwhile, hoteliers and destination marketers may see opportunities to attract road-trippers who prefer the convenience of shared mobility over self-driving.
The survey's emphasis on technology and service quality suggests that operators who invest in digital platforms and consistent service standards will gain a competitive edge. As premium rail options expand and international carriers court Indian travelers, the intercity bus sector is emerging as a formidable player in the country's mobility mix.
With shared mobility projected to grow, the onus is on operators to maintain trust through reliable service and transparent pricing. The IntrCity survey serves as a clear signal that India's young travelers are ready to embrace a more collaborative and tech-enabled approach to intercity travel.
