Foundation

Wanderu was founded in February 2012 by Igor Bratnikov and Polina Raygorodskaya^[1] while they were part of GreenXC, an organization intended to raise awareness for national parks and forests throughout the United States.^[2] The pair met while they were teenagers at a Russian-language after-school program.^[1] They conceived of the idea after a ride share cancelled on them and they had a difficult time finding a bus.^[3] Craig Lentzsch, former CEO of Greyhound, became an advisor to the company.^[4]

The company gained 20,000 user sign-ups while in beta.^[5] On August 12, 2013, Wanderu.com officially launched to the public, covering bus, train travel, and ferries within the Northeastern United States.^[4][1]

Growth in North America

In August 2013, the company raised $2.45 million in a funding round led by Alta Ventures.^[6] Investors included Jeff Clarke, chairman of Orbitz.^[6][1] At the time, the company had partnerships with companies such as BoltBus, Go Buses, Concord Coach Lines, and Trailways of New York.^[5]

In May 2014, Wanderu announced a partnership with Greyhound. As a result, Wanderu acquired nationwide coverage.^[7]

In November 2014, the company raised $5.6 million in series A funding.^{[4][8][9][10]}

In February 2015, Wanderu released a smartphone application for iOS devices, followed by the release an Android version in March 2015.^[8][11]

In April 2015, Wanderu signed a partnership with Amtrak. As a result, Wanderu’s coverage increased to over 90% of the U.S. reachable by ground.^[12]

Wanderu partnered with bus companies Grupo Senda and Tufesa in November 2015 to offer trips to multiple destinations across Mexico, as well as options for cross-border travel between Mexico and the United States.^[13]

In February 2016, Wanderu announced a partnership with VIA Rail, an intercity passenger rail service in Canada.^[14]

Expansion to Europe

In January 2017, Wanderu expanded into Europe, launching service to more than 1,000 destinations across more than 20 countries, including Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, among other places.^[15][16]

In Europe, Wanderu partnered over 160 bus and train travel providers, including Flixbus, OUIBUS, and National Express.^[15][16]

In October 2019, through a partnership with Kayak.com, Wanderu added flights alongside bus and train travel options, allowing users to find and compare bus, train and plane trips to North America and European destinations.^[17] The company also partnered with flight-data provider Skyscanner.^[1]