Swiss startup Twiliner plans to roll out its first fleet of double-decker overnight buses by the end of this year, positioning them as a sustainable and comfortable alternative to both airplanes and trains. The first routes will link Swiss cities with Barcelona and Amsterdam, with long-term plans to expand the network to all European capitals.

Unlike conventional long-distance coaches, Twiliner buses will not feature narrow rows of seats. Instead, each seat will serve as a compact workstation equipped with a table, power outlet, and reading light. At bedtime, passengers will be able to transform their seat into a fully flat two-meter-long bed with the push of a button. Each bus will accommodate just 21 passengers and will also include wardrobes for coats, toilets, and a snack bar.

Ticket prices start at €170 depending on demand and include both hand luggage and checked baggage. Children under five years old can travel free of charge.

Overnight buses with reclining or bed-style seating have long been popular in countries such as Brazil and the United States, but Twiliner’s launch marks the first such service in Europe.

The company emphasizes that it is not targeting the budget travel segment, but rather offering an environmentally friendly alternative to air travel. While night trains already serve that role on some routes, their coverage remains limited. According to Twiliner, the buses will produce 91% less CO₂ than airplanes, thanks in part to their engines, which are designed to run primarily on synthetic gas, but can also operate on electro-diesel or biodiesel from renewable sources.

Looking ahead, Twiliner aims to carry one million passengers annually by 2030—travellers who might otherwise have flown. Achieving that goal could save more than 100,000 tons of CO₂ emissions each year.