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 11 hours: Namely the 002AZ, the IC 60403 and the NJ 403. These lines are operated by Twiliner, DB and ÖBB.
Twiliner operates night buses with innovative, fully reclining seats for overnight travel. The buses run between European cities and allow passengers to sleep during the journey. The service positions itself as an environmentally friendly alternative to other means of transport.
Twiliner uses seats that can be completely transformed into beds at the touch of a button. The patented design offers comfort for working, relaxing or sleeping. An integrated safety system is effective in all seating positions.
Every seat in Twiliner buses is equipped with free Wi-Fi and power outlets. In the lower area of the buses there is a toilet, a changing room and a snack bar with drinks and snacks. The seats feature personal storage, a table, USB chargers and a reading light. Water, coffee and Wi-Fi are available free of charge.
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.
Twiliner has developed a restraint system for the lying position that was tested according to company information. Passengers must wear seat belts throughout the journey and use a sleeping bag when lying down. The company works with various bus companies whose drivers are trained for night driving. Two drivers are deployed per journey who alternate regularly.
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).
The ÖBB usually offer four types of carriages in their night trains: seats, couchettes, Mini Cabins, and sleepers.
While seats are only for the bravest, couchettes, Mini Cabins, and sleepers offer a more comfortable journey. The couchettes usually feature simple and rather narrow berths, while the Mini Cabin provides a compact private space for one person. Two adjacent Mini Cabins can be combined for couples. Sleepers boast beds with duvets and pillows 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.
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.
For the next 7 dates with connections, the cheapest offer starts at 45 EUR. Check our connection pages below for all availabilities!