We began working on the project in September 2010. Both of us had worked as software engineers at Microsoft and were experienced travelers who understood the pain of planning multi-modal trips.

The Data Challenge

We spent four or five months buying and sourcing data before we had anything to show. By May 2011, we had a prototype up and running - though I admit it was really ugly at first.

Growth Through SEO

Traffic has grown steadily over the years. The site now gets between 600,000 and 650,000 users every day. Revenue has doubled year-on-year since 2015.

It's Not Very Sexy

Our growth story isn't very sexy - it's SEO, not social media, that has fueled gradual but steady growth. When someone searches "how to get from Paris to Amsterdam," we show up with every possible option.

The Rod Cuthbert Connection

In 2012, Rod Cuthbert, founder of Viator, became our CEO and helped us raise our angel round. With Rod and I interfacing with investors, Bernie could focus on the product.

The Exit

In 2019, we sold Rome2Rio to UK-based booking platform Omio. The founders walked away with approximately $40 million.

• Started: September 2010
• Daily users: 600,000-650,000
• Exit: 2019 (~$40M to Omio)
• Coverage: Every country in the world
• Transport modes: Plane, train, bus, ferry, car