Europe’s overnight travel is set to get a major – and stylish – upgrade with the arrival of Twiliner. Launching in November 2025, this Swiss-operated network introduces premium sleeper buses designed to close what Twiliner calls the “comfort gap in long-distance travel.” A clear choice for eco-conscious travellers, these buses offer a tranquil, hotel-like experience that promises to rival short-haul flights.
A Journey with Comfort and Class
Twiliner’s interior design leans heavily into luxury. Each coach accommodates just 21 seats – 18 on the upper deck and 3 below – all modeled after business-class airline seating. These aren’t your typical bus seats: with the press of a button, they fully recline into beds, allowing passengers to transition from sit to sleep effortlessly.
Expect to find amenities such as pillows, blankets, individual tables, reading lights, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and personal storage compartments. On the lower deck, passengers gain access to a spacious bathroom and changing room – no showers, but plenty of comfort – and a snack bar for light refreshments.
Luggage is also handled thoughtfully: each passenger may bring one checked suitcase (up to 23 kg, 80 × 50 × 35 cm) and one carry-on (up to 5 kg, 50 × 30 × 20 cm). Additional gear like bicycles or surfboards can be accommodated if booked in advance. Twiliner’s attention to detail creates a journey that blends convenience with a sense of indulgence.
Connectivity, Sustainability, and Expansion Plans
Twiliner isn’t just about comfort – it’s also green. The buses run on HVO diesel, a renewable fuel derived from waste fats and vegetable oils, allowing journeys to emit up to 85% less CO₂e than flights. Twiliner markets its overnight service as both sustainable and city-centre convenient, saving time, transfers, and hotel costs by letting travellers board in the city and wake up refreshed at their destination.
Two routes will debut: Zurich to Amsterdam (via Basel, Luxembourg, Brussels, and Rotterdam) and Zurich to Barcelona (via Bern and Girona). Initially operating several times per week, Twiliner aims to increase frequency soon. Their vision is bold – connecting the 25 most visited European cities by 2028, and expanding the network to 30 destinations within three years.
The service is geared toward mature, quiet travellers; children under five are not permitted, and older kids must respect a rest-friendly environment. At prices starting around €180 one-way (or CHF 150–200 return), Twiliner aims to offer a premium experience at economy pricing.
This venture arrives at a time when Europe’s travel landscape seeks sustainable, comfortable alternatives to flying. With sleeper trains already gaining popularity, Twiliner stands out for blending high-end comfort with low environmental impact. Travelers and industry observers alike will be watching to see how this innovative approach shapes the future of overnight travel.
