The Swiss start-up "Twiliner" begins regular operations. The first luxury night buses have been rolling through Europe since December 3, 2025. The new concept allows passengers to travel comfortably at night while lying down and is intended to be an ecological alternative to flying.
Routes from Zurich
They started with the routes Zurich via Basel, Luxembourg, Brussels and Rotterdam to Amsterdam (journey time: around 12 hours and 45 minutes) and Zurich via Bern and Girona to Barcelona (around 14 hours and 15 minutes). Initially, three connections per week are planned on both routes, as "Twiliner" informed the industry magazine Travelnews. Ticket prices follow a dynamic model and start at 150 Swiss francs per route.
Sleep like in a couchette car
What distinguishes "Twiliner" from existing night bus services is above all the newly developed seating concept. Passengers can travel to their desired destination while sleeping comfortably in a reclining position. At the heart of this is an innovative restraint system that protects passengers in a kind of sleeping bag in a horizontal position. The seats themselves can be adjusted in three stages at the touch of a button - upright, reclined or completely flat.
Comfort for travelers
Twiliner" thus sees itself as an alternative to night trains and short-haul flights: as comfortable as Business Class, but more climate-friendly and often more flexible. On board, all passengers receive an equipment bag with a comforter cover and pillowcase, quilt, WLAN access card and waste bag. The company does not offer a hot menu with service, but snacks and drinks are available.
Plans for the coming years
"Twiliner combines the business class comfort of flying with the sustainability of the night train," CEO Bortolani told Travelnews. "We are closing a gap for all those who want to travel through Europe in an environmentally conscious and relaxed manner." The first two lines are just the beginning.
The start-up has already announced further routes for 2027 - including to Rome, Cannes and San Sebastián.
