Sleeper buses push even the most seasoned travellers to the limit: stifling heat, cramped seats and only a few snacks and your phone to get you through.
But now, a bougie service is set to add some glamour to European road journeys.
Swiss company, Twiliner, aims to ‘reinvent’ long-distance travel with swanky buses that look a lot like first-class plane cabins.
Their latest offering? A new route that connects six European cities.
Starting in Zurich, the bus stops at:
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The journey, which takes 12 hours and 15 minutes all in, ends in Amsterdam.
It’s the first time all six cities will be connected in a single overland route.
As it stands, you can get from Zurich to Amsterdam overnight, without flying, by hopping aboard the ÖBB Nightjet — a train that takes 12 hours and 10 minutes.
However, while the train might be fractionally quicker, you’ll be paying £145 one way for a bed, in a cabin shared with up to three people, or £86 to share with up to six people.
The Twiliner, on the other hand, is all about the elevated experience.
Slow travel: Latest European rail news
Each bus has space for 21 travellers, with seats that recline into proper beds, plus duvets and pillows.
There are even private changing areas so you can get cosy in your PJs before you drift off.
Each seat also has electric outlets, a reading light, oh and there’s complimentary WiFi and toilets on board.
There’s a snack bar for food and drinks. Plus, water and coffee are free.
The check-in experience is stress-free.
Unlike catching a flight, you only need to turn up 15 minutes before departure. You also get a generous baggage allowance – one 23kg bag and another 5kg carry-on – both of which are free.
The new Twiliner route launches on November 13, with one-way tickets starting at 150 Swiss Francs. That’s around £137. A second route from Zurich to Barcelona will also be operating.
Heading to Zurich? Stay in one of Europe’s grandest hotels
Metro’s Alice Murphy was invited to stay to spend a night at the Dolder Grand. Europe’s well-heeled elites have lived the high life here since 1899, deep in the forest on the Adlisberg mountain. Here’s what she had to say about it.
‘Affectionately known as the grand dame of Zurich, this place rolls out the red carpet for its A-list guests. I mean this literally: a red carpet leads to the hotel’s front entrance. Elton John has laid his head here, as has King Charles III, back when he was still a bachelor prince.
The Lionesses stayed at the Dolder as they defended their title at the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euros.
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