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 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'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.
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.
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.
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).
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 can hold up to six people, whereas 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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