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 NJ 403 and the IC 60403. These lines are operated by Twiliner, ÖBB and DB.

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Twiliner

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.

What makes the Twiliner seat unique?

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.

What amenities are available on board?

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.

What are the luggage regulations?

Twiliner's luggage regulations allow each passenger one large suitcase (max. 23kg, 80 x 50 x 35cm) and one carry-on (max. 5kg, 50 x 30 x 20cm) at no extra cost in the luggage compartment. Storage space at the seat is limited, which is why only small handbags or backpacks can be taken. Additional luggage can be booked for an extra charge.

How does safety work?

For the lying position, Twiliner has a special safety system where seat belts and sleeping bags are mandatory. The company works with bus operators whose drivers are trained for nighttime long-distance routes. Two drivers per journey alternate.

ÖBB

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) operate the Nightjet and Euronight trains (the latter together with other national railway agencies).

What types of carriages are available on ÖBB trains?

ÖBB night trains typically feature four types of carriages: seats, couchettes, the compact Mini Cabin, and sleepers.

What's the difference between seats, couchettes, Mini Cabins, and sleeper cars?

Seats are for the bravest, while couchettes, Mini Cabins, and sleepers provide a more comfortable journey. In the couchettes, you can find simple and rather narrow berths. The Mini Cabin is a compact sleeping option for solo travelers – two Mini Cabins can be combined for couples. Sleepers are equipped with proper beds and sometimes even a private bathroom. Couchettes can hold up to six people. The Mini Cabin is a private space for one person – two adjacent Mini Cabins can be connected for traveling together. Sleepers are private compartments for one to three people.

What amenities do sleeper cars offer?

Sleepers sometimes include a private bathroom or even a shower, sometimes only a sink. The Mini Cabin offers a more affordable private alternative with its own compact sleeping space for one person.

DB

Does Deutsche Bahn still operate night trains?

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.

What are the travel conditions like on these trains?

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.

For the next 7 dates with connections, the cheapest offer starts at 50 EUR. Check our connection pages below for all availabilities!

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Next available offers

Wed, 18.03.2026

from 60 EUR

Thu, 19.03.2026

from 60 EUR

Fri, 20.03.2026

from 60 EUR

Sat, 21.03.2026

from 50 EUR

Sun, 22.03.2026

from 60 EUR

Mon, 23.03.2026

from 106 EUR

Tue, 24.03.2026

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