Traveling by Bus: The Sleeper Bus That's Redefining the European Journey
Stretching out on a plush mattress, wrapped in a quilted blanket and cradled by a pillow beneath my head, I feel my travel-weary spine start to straighten. As bedtime routines go, this one involves a unique twist – securing my lower legs in a mesh bag and clipping it into seatbelt-style buckles on either side. This is the new luxury sleeper bus that Twiliner has launched between Amsterdam and Zurich.
Twiliner's fleet of futuristic buses aims to challenge traditional overnight flights as a more sustainable alternative. Running three times a week, the service promises to produce less than 10% of CO2 emissions compared to a comparable flight. The company claims its buses are as eco-friendly as sleeper trains per passenger kilometer when running on hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel.
While the generous luggage allowance and efficiency of being able to travel while asleep are definite pluses, the comfort factor is likely to be the biggest selling point for this service. Boarding at Amsterdam's outdoor bus station in Sloterdijk was a bit of an adventure, but spotting the distinctive violet hue of the Twiliner's exterior led me to the right place.
Inside, I found three seats, a spacious toilet, a changing room, and self-service shelves selling eye masks, toothbrushes, and snacks. The upper deck offered lofty views and USB ports, making it easy to stay connected during my journey. As we left Amsterdam, the lights of high-rise windows flickered around me like colonies of glow worms.
A no-children-under-five policy and strict guidelines on food, drink, and noise ensured a calm traveling experience. By 10 pm, I was fast asleep, only waking up at 5:30 am due to a teething issue that Twiliner is ironing out. As I rolled into Zurich on the next morning, the city was streaked with silver and gold as it began to stir.
The magic of falling asleep in one country and waking up in another was palpable. Speaking with Adrien, a student from St Gallen university, he said that while the journey wasn't quicker or cheaper, it offered an alternative option that was worth trying. "I slept," he added, "and I feel rested."
Twiliner tickets between Amsterdam and Zurich start at €150 (approximately £141), making it more affordable than some overnight train options. Comparing this to Eurostar tickets from London to Amsterdam, which range from £39 in standard class to £229 for Premier with fast-track check-in and lounge access, Twiliner offers a compelling alternative. Booking a room at Hotel Helvetia in Zurich costs €169 (approximately £160) per night, including breakfast.
As the European travel landscape continues to evolve, innovative services like Twiliner's sleeper bus are redefining the way we experience our journeys. Whether you're looking for sustainability, comfort, or simply a unique adventure, this luxury sleeper bus is worth considering for your next trip.
Stretching out on a plush mattress, wrapped in a quilted blanket and cradled by a pillow beneath my head, I feel my travel-weary spine start to straighten. As bedtime routines go, this one involves a unique twist – securing my lower legs in a mesh bag and clipping it into seatbelt-style buckles on either side. This is the new luxury sleeper bus that Twiliner has launched between Amsterdam and Zurich.
Twiliner's fleet of futuristic buses aims to challenge traditional overnight flights as a more sustainable alternative. Running three times a week, the service promises to produce less than 10% of CO2 emissions compared to a comparable flight. The company claims its buses are as eco-friendly as sleeper trains per passenger kilometer when running on hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel.
While the generous luggage allowance and efficiency of being able to travel while asleep are definite pluses, the comfort factor is likely to be the biggest selling point for this service. Boarding at Amsterdam's outdoor bus station in Sloterdijk was a bit of an adventure, but spotting the distinctive violet hue of the Twiliner's exterior led me to the right place.
Inside, I found three seats, a spacious toilet, a changing room, and self-service shelves selling eye masks, toothbrushes, and snacks. The upper deck offered lofty views and USB ports, making it easy to stay connected during my journey. As we left Amsterdam, the lights of high-rise windows flickered around me like colonies of glow worms.
A no-children-under-five policy and strict guidelines on food, drink, and noise ensured a calm traveling experience. By 10 pm, I was fast asleep, only waking up at 5:30 am due to a teething issue that Twiliner is ironing out. As I rolled into Zurich on the next morning, the city was streaked with silver and gold as it began to stir.
The magic of falling asleep in one country and waking up in another was palpable. Speaking with Adrien, a student from St Gallen university, he said that while the journey wasn't quicker or cheaper, it offered an alternative option that was worth trying. "I slept," he added, "and I feel rested."
Twiliner tickets between Amsterdam and Zurich start at €150 (approximately £141), making it more affordable than some overnight train options. Comparing this to Eurostar tickets from London to Amsterdam, which range from £39 in standard class to £229 for Premier with fast-track check-in and lounge access, Twiliner offers a compelling alternative. Booking a room at Hotel Helvetia in Zurich costs €169 (approximately £160) per night, including breakfast.
As the European travel landscape continues to evolve, innovative services like Twiliner's sleeper bus are redefining the way we experience our journeys. Whether you're looking for sustainability, comfort, or simply a unique adventure, this luxury sleeper bus is worth considering for your next trip.