From mid-November, Swiss company Twiliner will operate luxury sleeper buses between Zurich and Amsterdam, via Brussels, and between Zurich and Barcelona. According to the company, its concept is unique in Europe, with seats that can be converted into real beds. Twiliner is targeting travellers who are looking for a green alternative to flying or who have a fear of flying, reports VRT NWS.
Twiliner will start operations with two routes: Zurich-Basel-Luxembourg-Brussels-Rotterdam-Amsterdam and Zurich-Girona-Barcelona. Twiliner’s double-decker buses will be able to carry 21 passengers: 18 on the upper deck and three on the lower deck. Downstairs, there is also a toilet and a space where passengers can change their clothes.
Passengers should arrive at their destination well rested, thanks to seats that can be converted into comfortable beds. According to Luca Bortolani, CEO of Twiliner, this is a new concept in Europe. “You can find them in Asia and South America, but those buses do not comply with European safety regulations,” he told VRT NWS. “We have now developed a system that does comply with the rules.”
The concept does come with a substantial price tag. A single ticket from Brussels to Zurich would cost around 200 euros, although you would pay less if you book in advance. “We are offering a unique product,” says Bortolani. “The number of passengers is limited, but we do need two drivers per route.”
Twiliner says its luxury sleeper bus is aimed at travellers who are looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to flying or who are afraid of flying. “They could also choose the train, but the train is also expensive and night trains are often overbooked,” says Bortolani.
During the first few months, the buses would run several times a week, depending on ticket demand. According to Bortolani, the aim is to run daily services from next year.
For the route between Switzerland and the Benelux, the company is working with the Limburg-based company Staf Cars, from Lommel.
Illustration © PHOTO Twiliner
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