Starting in November 2025, the Swiss company Twiliner will launch a new service of luxury buses. These buses will connect Zurich with Amsterdam (via Brussels) and Barcelona. The company aims to attract travellers seeking an alternative to air travel by offering buses with seats that convert into flat beds.
The double-decker buses will be able to transport 21 passengers, of which 18 will be on the upper deck and three on the lower deck. The seats can convert into beds – a feature that is a first for Europe. Passengers will be able to use a snack bar, a toilet, and a changing area on the lower level of the bus. Additionally, each seat comes with personal storage, a table for work or meals, USB charging ports, and a reading light. There is also available water, coffee, and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the whole journey, free of charge.
“Night buses with beds are new in Europe,” says Luca Bortolani, CEO of Twiliner. “You can find them in Asia and South America, but those buses don’t comply with European safety regulations.” Twiliner has therefore developed a new system that not only complies with these standards but also delivers a safe, more comfortable, and more sustainable travel experience.
A one-way bus trip from Brussels to Zurich costs around €180 — a substantial sum compared to traditional bus or train fares. However, its comfort and eco-friendly credentials are expected to make it a worthwhile choice for many travellers.
Bortolani underlined that he understands their service is “not cheap,” highlighting that they are “offering a unique product.” He said that his company’s target audience is people searching for a green alternative to flying or people who are for any reason scared of flying. “They could also choose the train,” he noted, further elaborating that “the train is also expensive, and night trains are often overbooked.”
During the first months, buses will operate several times a week, with frequency determined by ticket demand. The goal is to introduce daily services starting in 2026. Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on free of charge. Storage space at the seats is limited, so passengers are advised to take only a small handbag or backpack. Those who wish to bring additional luggage can book it for an extra fee.
Twiliner is collaborating with Staf Cars, a Belgian company from Lommel, to handle logistics and transportation for its route connecting Switzerland and the Benelux region.
