BUS2BUS 2026, which took place on 15 and 16 April at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, was a resounding success. It featured 156 exhibitors from 25 countries, 3,800 attendees (including 3,200 trade visitors), 60 buses in live operation and over 100 sessions with more than 120 speakers across four stages. BUS2BUS 2026 offered a comprehensive overview of the market, technologies, and applications.

As well as trade visitors, participants included exhibitor teams, speakers, and representatives from the media and politics. Due to increased demand, an additional hall was occupied. By doing so, BUS2BUS underscored its growing importance as a central platform for the industry, providing clear impetus for investment and strategic decisions.

BUS2BUS is expanding its concept strategically. By establishing its own BUS2BUS Zone at InnoTrans Asia in Singapore from 7 to 9 September 2027, it is introducing its themes and network to international growth markets. At the same time, it is responding to the industry’s growing momentum by expanding its format in Berlin. Starting in 2028, BUS2BUS will be extended from two to three days.

According to Dirk Hoffmann, the Managing Director of Messe Berlin, this is the next logical step: “The bus industry is facing fundamental changes – technologically, structurally and in terms of competition. BUS2BUS creates the space where orientation emerges and the future is shaped”.

BUS2BUS brings together business, politics and industry, together with its strategic partner, the Federal Association of German Bus Companies (bdo). Christiane Leonard, the bdo's CEO, emphasises the event's growing relevance: 'BUS2BUS 2026 was more politically charged than ever. In addition to key future topics such as autonomous driving and the electrification of bus fleets, rising energy prices are one of the industry's most pressing challenges. This makes direct dialogue with policymakers all the more important. The visit by Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, as well as the presence of the Bundestag Transport Committee and the Parliamentary Group on Bus Transport, sends a clear signal about the growing importance of the bus industry”.

Preliminary results from the event surveys show that this concept was very well received by both trade visitors and exhibitors, with over 90% of respondents from both groups providing positive feedback.

Furthermore, the mood among trade visitors is overwhelmingly positive: nine out of ten trade visitors surveyed were (very) satisfied with the event overall, as well as with its role as a platform for innovation and new business. The main reasons for attending – 'seeing new buses' and 'networking' – were equally well met. BUS2BUS 2026 was also a success from a business perspective: around 90% of respondents rated the business results positively. Similarly, just as many would recommend the event to others in the industry and would visit again in the future.

Preliminary results from the exhibitor survey also indicate high satisfaction levels among participants: nine out of ten exhibitors surveyed had a very good overall impression of BUS2BUS. Similarly, just as many rate BUS2BUS's approach to showcasing the full spectrum of innovations in the bus industry positively. Both the “public transport” and “mobility providers” target groups were reached to a high degree, and the quality of the trade visitors was also highlighted very positively.

Save the Date

BUS2BUS Zone at InnoTrans Asia in Singapore, September 7–9, 2027.
BUS2BUS, April 4–6, 2028, Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

Benjamin Masuch, Head of Marketing at H. Costenoble

“The diversity of the trade show convinced us – not only is public transportation represented, but so many different international manufacturers as well. As a supplier of lubricants and specialty chemical-technical products, our main focus is on making contacts and networking. The combination of exhibition booths and the supporting program is very exciting.”

Christian Tschida, Managing Director of SW Bus

“We’ve had productive discussions with serious clients and expect that the very first day will result in several deals. The response to our new VIP shuttle – which we can fully customize at our facility in Prague – has been very positive. It stands out not only for its quality but also for its competitive price. In my opinion, the trend in bus travel will be toward more luxury.”

Ignas Pranskevičius, CEO of Atlas Auto

“As a bus manufacturer from Lithuania, the German market is very important to us. The BUS2BUS concept appeals to us because, over two intensive days, our salespeople have the opportunity to meet with their customers in a highly focused manner and gain an even better understanding of their needs.”

Martin Dorsch, Sales and Marketing Expert for e-Mobility at Jebsen & Jessen

“What matters most to us is that we find a specific target audience here in the private sector of the bus industry. The quality of the visitors is high, and there’s a lot going on. The focus is on networking, maintaining and expanding contacts, and holding initial meetings. At BUS2Bus, we take the first steps – without them, nothing happens.”

Türk Wandt, Managing Director of sw neomobil, Rosero sales partner

“We were surprised by how many customers were there. We had a lot of productive and in-depth conversations. As a Rosero sales partner, electric mobility was a key topic. From our perspective, the trade show could certainly be even bigger.”

David Placzek, Business Development & Go-to-Market Lead at Evamo Pump Technology Solutions PS

“As a Berlin-based company, we’re thrilled to be showcasing our work here at BUS2BUS. As a supplier, bus manufacturers are our customers. What’s particularly interesting to us is that not only German but also international manufacturers are represented here.”

Halit Özgur Altinsoy, International Sales Director at Karsan

“We are delighted to be exhibiting at BUS2BUS again following our participation in 2022. During the event, we gave visitors the opportunity to experience our cutting-edge technology firsthand through a live demonstration of our autonomous Karsan e-ATAK vehicle in the outdoor area.”

Gijs ter Horst, Chief Commercial Officer at Ximedes

“This is our first time at BUS2Bus, and we’ve met exactly the right people here. It was really busy. Many bus companies were interested in our software solutions for ticket validators and fleet management.”

Janja Lepenik, Marketing TAM

“We’re showcasing our electric buses. They can be customized to meet the customer’s specific needs, and that’s been very well received by visitors to the trade show. We’ve been able to make many new connections, both with potential customers and with suppliers. We’re particularly excited that bus drivers are here as well. Their feedback based on real-world experience is very important to us in helping us identify areas for improvement.”

Chris Edwards-Thorne, Marketing Manager, Global Transport, Altro Limited

“For us as a UK-based company, BUS2BUS is a very interesting opportunity to raise awareness of our brand in Germany. Together with our partners at Neomind – with whom we also won the Fresh Travel Award – I gave a presentation and was impressed by the insightful questions from the audience. Overall, I find the people here to be very open-minded and interested in progress.”

Alex Neunert, Head of Sales Public Transportation & Rolling Stock at VEM

“We had discussions with many existing customers, as well as with partners and competitors. Unlike other trade shows, BUS2BUS is very compact and easy to navigate. This means you can quickly reach customers without having to walk long distances.”

About BUS2BUS
BUS2BUSis a trade fair dedicated to mobility. As a business platform and trendsetter for the bus and supplier industry in Germany and Europe, it focuses on future technologies and sustainable solutions. With a combination of a trade fair, stage programme, workshops, networking events and digital offerings, BUS2BUS covers the entire spectrum of the bus industry and drives the market forward.

About Messe Berlin
Berlin has been a trade fair destination for 200 years, and has been one of the most important such hubs for many decades. Messe Berlin – the state’s own trade fair company – conceives, markets and organizes hundreds of live events every year. It strives to be an outstanding host for visitors at all events, generate optimal business stimuli, and provide fair conditions for everyone. This concept is reflected in the company slogan: Messe Berlin – Hosting the World.