Once there were night trains, now there are the first night coaches. Launched by a Swiss company, Twiliner, the first line will start operating on 14 November. It will link Amsterdam to Zurich via Brussels and Luxembourg before a Zurich-Barcelona route is launched.
A new era in overnight coach travel is taking shape over the next few days. Swiss company Twiliner has announced that its first luxury night bus service will be officially launched on 14 November 2025. The inaugural route will link Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg, Basel and Zurich. The route will have minimal en-route stops and will take 12 hours and 15 minutes to complete.
Twiliner's mission is simple, but ambitious: to make long-distance bus travel as comfortable - and almost as environmentally friendly - as rail travel. All the while guaranteeing a lower carbon footprint than short-haul flights. The company claims that its service "comble the existing gap in long-distance bus services "Bringing business class style to the road.
Each double-decker coach seats just 21 passengers - 18 on the upper deck and 3 on the lower deck. The seats are totally inspired by those in business aircraft cabins. At the touch of a button, the seat is transformed into a completely flat bed. Passengers are provided with cushions, blankets, insulating partitions, reading lamps, USB ports, Wi-Fi connection and personal storage compartments.
On the lower level, passengers will find toilets and changing rooms - without showers - as well as a snack bar serving light refreshments. Each passenger can take a large suitcase (up to 23 kilos) and a piece of hand luggage, with the option of reserving extra space for a bicycle or sports equipment.
Twiline is basing its identity on a highly environmental approach. The buses will run on HVO diesel, a renewable fuel made from recycled vegetable fats and oils. According to the company, this system reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 85 % compared with air travel, while offering a carbon footprint comparable to that of rail.
Single tickets start at around €150. In addition to the Zurich-Amsterdam route, Twiliner will start accepting bookings on the Zurich-Barcelona route from mid-December. The journey will take just over 14 hours, with only two stops. Coaches will stop in Bern and Girona.
Ultimately, Twiliner aims to create a pan-European night bus network linking 25 major cities by 2028, including Paris, Berlin, Milan and Vienna.
" It's about redefining the way people travel across Europe at night "said Samuel Keller, CEO of Twiliner. " You can rest, work or simply sleep the whole way - comfortably and sustainably. "
