Premium night buses as a new alternative for European travel: Swiss Twiliner enters the market
Swiss mobility startup Twiliner It began its operational activities and introduced a new premium night travel segment in Europe. The first two routes connect Zurich s Brussels i Amsterdam, Zurich Barcelona. This is the first European bus operator to offer seats that transform into fully flat beds at the push of a button.
The concept combines the comfort of business class on aeroplanes with the flexibility of bus transport, focusing on overnight journeys and arriving at the destination's centre in the early morning hours.
Overnight journey without a hotel
The lines run three times a week in both directions. Passengers travel overnight and arrive directly in the city centre in the morning, saving time and avoiding the cost of hotel accommodation.
Ticket prices start from around 150 Swiss francs, with dynamic pricing based on comparable rail fares. The service is aimed at both business and leisure travellers looking for an efficient, comfortable, and more sustainable solution for medium and long-haul European routes.
Premium equipment and high safety standards
Every Twiliner bus is configured exclusively for the premium segment. There are only 21 seats in the vehicle, ensuring a level of comfort comparable to business class.
Standard equipment includes:
- Two drivers per ride for maximum safety.
- spacious toilet
- Wardrobe for storing clothes
- snack bar with drinks and light meals
- Premium duvets and pillows from Swiss supplier Skin Euphoria
A patented seating system has been developed in collaboration with Lantal Group i Airline Services Interiors, with additional road traffic safety testing.
Response to the gap in the night travel market
Twiliner aims to fill the space between the limited network of night trains, the often lower standard of comfort of classic bus lines, and intensive short-haul air travel. The combination of overnight travel, high comfort, and arrival in the centre of the destination positions this service as a relevant alternative to existing forms of transport.
The long-term strategy includes the development of a pan-European network of premium night buses, with potential future destinations such as Rome, Cannes, and San Sebastian. In addition to regular routes, Twiliner also offers charter services for sports clubs, corporate events, and tour operators.
Partnerships and Financial Structure
The operating partner and main investor is Emile Weber, while the third bus is operated by Belgian Staf Cars. The vehicles are manufactured by Spanish Ayats, and fleet maintenance carries Eurobus Group.
The project's development is supported by funds from the Migros Pioneer Fund, the Innosuisse programme, and the City of Zurich's climate programme. By autumn 2025, CHF 1.8 million had been raised from over 160 private and institutional investors, enabling the launch of the first lines and the validation of the business model.
What does this mean for tourism professionals?
Twiliner demonstrates that night bus services can be competitive with trains and air travel. in the premium segment. For destinations, travel agencies and tour operators, this opens up new possibilities for combining transport, accommodation and more sustainable itineraries.
If the market reacts positively, premium night buses could become an important part of Europe's transport and tourism offering – particularly on routes where trains are limited and air travel is increasingly expensive.
