This fall, a new night bus network will launch in Europe, with routes connecting some of the continent’s top tourist destinations.
Managed by Swiss transport company Twiliner, the service aims to bridge the “comfort gap in long-distance travel.”
The new sleeper buses will begin operating in November 2025, with stops planned in five countries: Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain. The service will provide environmentally conscious travelers with an alternative to short-haul flights for long-distance transportation.
Zürich-based Twiliner claims that traveling by bus is as environmentally friendly as taking a train and can save 85 percent on CO2e emissions compared to flying. The company also states that the vehicles will run on HVO diesel, a renewable fuel produced from waste fats and vegetable oils.
Twiliner also promises comfort as a top priority for its bus passengers, with amenities similar to those found on sleeper trains. These seats will be the first on a bus in continental Europe to fully transform into beds. With the push of a button, passengers can rest whenever they want during their journey. The 21 seats (18 on the upper deck and 3 on the lower deck) are designed similar to business class seats on an airplane, equipped with pillows and blankets. Each seating area is equipped with a power outlet, a table, a personal reading light, and free internet access. A small storage compartment is provided for easily accessible personal belongings.
Passengers are allowed to bring one large suitcase that meets Twiliner specifications (maximum 23 kg; 80 x 50 x 35 cm) plus one carry-on (maximum 5 kg; 50 x 30 x 20 cm). Additional items such as bicycles, ski equipment, and surfboards can be brought on board, provided they have been booked in advance.
When launched in November, the company will begin with two routes: Zurich to Amsterdam, with stops in Basel, Luxembourg, Brussels, and Rotterdam; and Zurich to Barcelona with a stop in Girona. Buses operate several times a week—with the potential to increase to daily next year. Twiliner aims to have its fleet connecting 25 of Europe’s most popular tourist cities within five years.
