Travel API

Top 5 Travel API Providers You Should Consider

The travel industry in 2025 is almost unrecognizable as compared to how it looked even five years ago. Today you can see that the customers expect real time flight ability instant hotel confirmations transparent pricing and smooth booking experiences across every device. For online travel agencies tour operators some travel agencies staying competitive means keeping up with this demand for speed accuracy and customization. This is where Travel API actually comes in the picture. They work like invisible backbone that powers almost every modern booking platform you see today.

Without them travel businesses would be stuck manually handling bookings and even chasing suppliers for availability while dealing with delays that frustrate customers. Some of the biggest trends shaping travel technology in 2025 includes real time inventory access no more stale pricing integration with global distribution system for flights rails and hotels and new distribution capability compilance which ensures that even airlines can sell customized offers directly. You can even expect AI automation where workflows like rebooking and cancellations are handled automatically. In this guide you can check out what a travel API is and why it matters for your business.

What is travel API?

If you are new to the idea of Travel API Integration you can actually think of them like bridges between your booking website or app and the data held by suppliers like airlines hotels or car rental companies. Without APIs you need to log in manually to each supplier system like ability and update your website by hand. That could mean constant delays and human errors. Instead APIs automatically fetch and update information in real time.

 For example a customer searches for a flight from New York to Dubai. Your system doesn’t hold that data itself. Instead it calls an API connected to multiple lines. Within seconds prices and seat availability are displayed. When the customer books API sends the request to the airline and confirms the seat instantly. If the traveler cancels the same API can handle refunds or rescheduling.

Benefits of travel API integration

The best part about connecting with Travel API Provider is that you don’t have to worry about any type of manual intervention. Bookings cancellations modifications happen automatically. Customers always see the live fares not yesterday’s data. There is fewer double bookings or mismatches. A complete booking can be done in seconds. Furthermore API also allows you to expand quickly into new markets. You can connect to suppliers globally from a single system.

Why it matters for global players?

As an agency Serving international customers the right API provider makes a big difference. API provides reliability systems are tested to handle millions of calls every day regional inventory essentially if you want access to local carriers or hotels. Not just flights but car rentals and rail can also be combined. In short if you are serious about competing in the modern travel space or travel API is not just an option for you it’s a really important.

Ranking criteria

There are dozens of Travel API providers out there so how did we just narrow down 5? Inventory coverage do they just support flights hotels or ancillaries? Global reach like do they cover major regions like USA or Europe? Developer tools including APIs sandboxes and quality documentation. Rising model do they offer free tires pay per use or revenue sharing? Only 5 providers consistently checked all the boxes.

Provider profiles

1. Amadeus

Amadeus is a global giant in travel distribution with connections to more than 435 airlines 1,000,000 plus hotels rail and car rental companies. It is often the first choice for large OTAs and travel platforms. At the same time it also offers self-service APIs for small developers and enterprise Travel API Integration far bigger businesses. The strengths include NDC ready with strong airline partnership and excellent uptime and reliability. It covers flights hotels cars and rail. It’s perfect for you if you’re a large OTA or a corporate platform focused on global scale.

2. Sabre

If Amadeus dominates in Europe Sabre  is the go to in North America. Headquartered in Texas Sabre has long been the backbone of many US based agencies and corporate travel systems. Is one of the best Travel API Provider offering strong coverage of flights including low cost carriers hotels often with excellent rates and ancillary services besides ancillaries like seat upgrades meals and bags. You might even love Sabre because the documentation is clear and they provide a well structured sandbox environment. This makes testing and integration less of a headache.

It has one of the best LLC coverages in North America so if your customers are price sensitive you can get an edge with Sabre. They have invested heavily in NDC capabilities so expect more customized airline content. It’s perfect if you’re a US based agency or a corporate travel portal that needs a North American focus.

3. Travelport

It is sometimes described as the integrator among GDS. Instead of relying on its own inventory. Travel port Combines multiple content sources giving agencies more flexibility. Here you can get airline inventory from its GDS hotel options including partnerships with booking.com and ancillaries and even package bookings. One of its biggest strength is flexibility. It support rest for modern developers but also XML for agencies with legacy systems. This makes it a great bridge solution if your business has older tech but wants to modernize gradually.

Strong presence in Europe and Asia so if your customer base is outside North America this might be better than fabric. It’s great for packaged bookings say you want to sell a hotel with flight and car together the universal API is built for that. Balance of supplier sources so you are not locked into a single content type. It’s perfect for you if you want supplier variety and a regional flexibility.

4. Expedia rapid API

No doubt Amadeus and Sabre are GDS giants but Expedia rapid Travel API is a different beast. It’s a hotel centric and taps into massive inventory with more than 7,00,000 plus properties globally. If your business is hotel heavy this one is the fastest way to market.  Integration is really simple and you can get a working prototype up in weeks not months.

Expedia has direct relationships with hotels so you often get better last minute availability as compared to traditional GDS feeds. Time to market is quick which is ideal for you if you’re a startup or a small agency. The API is lightweight as compared to GDS systems. Best for hotel only businesses and boutique quotas.

5. Mystifly

if you’re looking for the best Travel API Integration provider then Mystifly Is your best bet. It fills a very interesting gap in the travel industry. Instead of focusing on mainstream GDS fares they specialize in consolidated fares these are bulk purc airfares that can often be much cheaper as compared to standard GDS rates.

The API also offers automated voids and reissues, besides support for NDC and branded fares so airlines can upsell in a customised. If your customers are price sensitive offering consolidator fares can win loyalty. The automation tools reduce the manual effort of handling cancellations and refunds. It’s best for consolidators and airfare-focused agencies, and competitive and cost-effective markets.

ProviderFlightsHotelsCarsAncillariesAPI FormatPricing ModelRegional StrengthNDC SupportBest For
AmadeusYesYesYesYesREST/JSON, SOAPUsage fees / enterprise contractsGlobalYesLarge OTAs, corporate
SabreYesYesYesYesREST/JSONUsage fees / revenue shareUSA, AmericasGrowingUS agencies, corporate
TravelportYesYesYesYesREST, XMLUsage feesEurope, AsiaPartialMixed supplier agencies
Expedia RapidLimitedYesNoNoREST/JSONUsage feesGlobalNoHotel-only or small OTAs
MystiflyYesLimitedNoYesREST/JSONPay-as-you-goAsia, MENA  

Read More: How to Integrate APIs and GDS in Your B2B/B2C Travel Portal

How to choose the right Travel API Provider?

  • Match your business model

If you are building a global OTA, then Amadeus is your safest bet, but you must go for Sabre if you are choosing the main market as the US. Travelport will suit you if you are mixing packages and need flexibility and Expedia Rapid will save you time if you are a hotel-only agency.

  • Evaluate your technical resources

Check do you have a big IT team then XML is not scary. Running lean? Stick to the APIs with sandboxes for faster development.

  • Looking at the pricing model

Some APIs are pay as you go others require contracts or revenue sharing. You must always ask about hidden fees like support charges and higher rates for premium uptime.

  • Check Support and SLA’s

Travel bookings don’t wait your provider should guarantee 99.9% uptime. Always check for 24/7 support if you operate across the time zones.

  • Run a pilot

Don’t commit blindly. You need to integrate in a test environment then push it hard run searches book cancel and stress test at peak covers. Just think of it like test driving a car. You will not buy a car without seeing how it handles on the road.

Key integrations and future trends

Airlines so they are shifting away from traditional GDS only models. NDC allows them to sell customized bundles. By 2025 APIs that don’t support NDC will actually feel outdated. In the past agency had to manually void tickets or process refunds. Today APIs can help you handle these automatically. Expect this to become the norm and this will save your staff hours and improve customer experience.

You can also expect AI powered recommendations. Imagine a customer booking a flight to Paris. The AI combined with API might recommend hotel options near the Eiffel Tower or a car rental at airport. This kind of customization it’s becoming a reality.

No doubt global players dominate but regional APIs are also growing fast in Asia. For example local hotel aggregators may provide better rates in Dubai or Bangkok as compared to global GDS feeds.

Furthermore you can expect APIs to include carbon footprint tracking helping travelers choose greener options for services not just mainstream yet but by 2026 it could be a selling point.

So choosing the right travel API integration can transform your business. But with so many options it helps to have expert guidance. At Traveltekpro we generally help OTAs agencies and tour operators identify the best travel API providers for the needs. Whether you want global scale or niche airfare content we will guide you step by step.

Read More: Travel APIs Compared: Amadeus vs Sabre vs Travelport vs Expedia

FAQ’S

1. What is a Travel API and why is it important for travel agencies?

A Travel API is a software interface that connects travel agencies, OTAs, and booking platforms with suppliers like airlines, hotels, and car rental companies in real time, ensuring instant availability, transparent pricing, and seamless bookings. Without APIs, agencies would face manual updates, errors, and slow confirmations, making them uncompetitive in today’s fast-paced travel market.

2. Who are the top Travel API providers in 2025?

The leading Travel API providers in 2025 are Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, Expedia Rapid API, and Mystifly, each offering unique strengths in flights, hotels, ancillaries, and regional coverage. These providers stand out for their global reach, strong reliability, and NDC-ready integrations, making them the backbone of modern OTAs and corporate booking platforms.

3. How do Travel APIs help reduce costs for travel businesses?

Travel APIs reduce costs by automating bookings, cancellations, and modifications while eliminating double bookings and mismatched rates. They also connect agencies to bulk fares, consolidator deals, and negotiated rates, enabling cheaper travel options that can be passed on to customers, which boosts competitiveness and profit margins.

4. What are the benefits of integrating NDC-enabled Travel APIs?

NDC (New Distribution Capability) APIs allow airlines to sell customized offers like bundled seats, meals, and baggage directly to agencies, bypassing traditional GDS-only content. This gives travel businesses access to richer, more personalized airline products and competitive pricing, ensuring they can keep up with evolving airline retailing trends.4. What are the benefits of integrating NDC-enabled Travel APIs?

5. How do I choose the best Travel API provider for my agency?

Choosing the right Travel API provider depends on your business model, target market, and technical resources. Global OTAs often go with Amadeus or Sabre, while regional or price-sensitive agencies may prefer Travelport or Mystifly. If your focus is hotel-heavy, Expedia Rapid is ideal. Always compare API formats, pricing models, and support before deciding.

6. What future trends are shaping Travel APIs in 2025?

The future of Travel APIs lies in AI-driven personalization, real-time automation for refunds and cancellations, greener travel options with carbon footprint tracking, and deeper supplier integrations. By 2026, APIs that don’t support NDC, AI recommendations, or eco-focused features may feel outdated, making innovation a key factor for agencies when choosing providers.

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