Twiliner’s Night‑Bus Revolution: From Zurich to Barcelona
Swiss start‑up Twiliner has turned the classic overnight coach into a lie‑flat sleeper experience. The company runs a 21‑seat night‑bus between Zurich and Barcelona (and a second route to Amsterdam) where each seat folds into a flat bed at the push of a button. Passengers travel city‑centre to city‑centre, skip airport security and hotel nights, and arrive refreshed at sunrise.
Why a Night‑Bus Beats a Flight
- Travel time: roughly 13‑14 hours from Zurich to Barcelona, comparable to a night‑train schedule.
- Ticket price: CHF 150‑200, a premium over low‑cost bus operators but still below most short‑haul flights.
- Carbon savings: the service cuts CO₂ emissions by up to 85 %** compared with flying**.
These figures are confirmed by Twiliner’s own pricing and emissions data (twiliner.com) and by a recent Swiss news report that highlighted the company’s “business‑class‑style” comfort at a price “higher than Flixbus but on night‑train level” (srf.ch).
What Sets Twiliner Apart?
Each of the 21 seats is equipped with:
- A patented reclining mechanism that creates a full‑length bed.
- Integrated safety features: a two‑point belt and a “sleeping‑bag” mode that secures the passenger during the night.
- Extras such as USB ports, a small table, Wi‑Fi, a snack bar, and free coffee.
Compared with traditional long‑distance coaches that cram up to 80 passengers, Twiliner’s low‑density layout offers “more space and comfort” (watson.ch).
Future Trends: Night‑Bus as a Sustainable Mobility Hub
Zurich’s Strategic Position
A recent study commissioned by Zürich Tourismus and the City of Zurich identified the city as a potential “night‑travel hub” for Europe (srf.ch). With travel times of ten to twelve hours to much of Western Europe, a night‑bus network could replace many short‑haul flights, delivering a significant climate advantage.
Scaling the Network
Twiliner’s roadmap aims to connect “the 25 most visited cities in Europe within the next three years” (wanderlustmagazine.com). If realized, this would create a continent‑wide web of sleeper buses that complement night‑trains and offer an affordable, low‑emission alternative to air travel.
Infrastructure & Partnerships
Success hinges on city‑center terminals and collaboration with local transit operators. The SRF article notes that Zurich’s main bus terminal next to the railway station is already used by several operators, and that the city could partner with companies like Twiliner to provide the necessary infrastructure.
Did You Know?
Twiliner’s buses are supplied by Emile Weber (Luxembourg) and Stafcars (Belgium), ensuring a high standard of vehicle quality across borders.
Pro Tip
Book early to secure the best seats – the 21‑seat layout fills up quickly, especially for popular routes like Zurich‑Barcelona.
FAQ
- How many passengers can a Twiliner night‑bus carry?
- Each bus has 21 lie‑flat seats, offering more space than typical long‑distance coaches.
- What is the price range for a Zurich‑Barcelona night‑bus ticket?
- Tickets are priced between CHF 150 and CHF 200, higher than standard budget buses but lower than most flights.
- How much CO₂ does a Twiliner night‑bus save compared with a flight?
- Up to 85 % less CO₂ emissions per passenger.
- Are there safety features for sleeping on the bus?
- Yes – seats include a two‑point belt and a “sleeping‑bag” mode that secures the passenger during the night.
- Can I work on the night‑bus?
- Each seat has a small table and USB charging ports, making it possible to work or study while traveling.
Explore More
Read our in‑depth analysis of night‑train trends in Europe and discover how eco‑friendly travel modes are reshaping the continent’s mobility landscape.
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