There currently are a variety of options to travel by night bus or night train from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Basel (Switzerland), taking between approximately 9 and 12 hours: Namely the 002AZ, the IC 60403 and the NJ 403. These lines are operated by Twiliner, DB and ÖBB.
Twiliner is a bus company that redefines overnight travel by bus in Europe. The buses feature special seats that can be transformed into beds at the touch of a button. The vehicles are equipped with spacious toilets, changing rooms and a snack bar and run on HVO diesel for reduced emissions.
Twiliner's patent-pending seats can be fully reclined into a bed at the touch of a button. According to the company, they are the first of their kind in Europe. The seats feature a safety system that enables travel in different positions.
The buses offer free Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat. In the lower deck there is a toilet, changing room and snack bar with various drinks and snacks. Each seat has its own storage, a work table, USB ports and reading light. Water, coffee and internet are provided at no extra cost.
Per person, Twiliner includes one suitcase (maximum 23 kg) and one carry-on item (maximum 5 kg). These are transported in the luggage compartment. At the seat itself there is only space for small bags or backpacks. Additional luggage incurs charges.
The company has developed a safety system for the sleeping position where seat belts and sleeping bags are mandatory. Twiliner cooperates with bus companies whose drivers are certified and trained for night routes. Two drivers are deployed on each journey who alternate.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) exited the actual night train business in 2016. However, it operates around a dozen Intercity and Eurocity trains that run exclusively at night.
In these night trains, there are only first and second class seats. The lights stay on all the time and there is no way to recline the seats.
The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) operate the Nightjet and Euronight trains (the latter together with other national railway agencies).
ÖBB night trains typically feature three types of carriages: seats, couchettes, and sleepers.
Seats are for the bravest, while couchettes and sleepers provide a more comfortable journey. In the couchettes, you can find simple and rather narrow berths, while the sleepers are equipped with proper beds and sometimes even a private bathroom. Couchettes accommodate up to six people, while sleepers are private compartments for one to three people.
They may include a private bathroom or shower, or sometimes just a sink.
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