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, Deutsche Bahn 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 buses are equipped with special seats that can be completely laid flat. This patent-pending technology works at the touch of a button and is equipped with a safety system that enables travel in any position.
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.
At Twiliner, one large suitcase up to 23 kg and one carry-on item up to 5 kg are included in the ticket price. These are stored in the luggage compartment. At the seat there is only space for small personal items. Additional luggage pieces can be booked for a fee.
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).
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!