There currently are a variety of options to travel by night bus or night train from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Zurich (Switzerland), taking between approximately 10 and 13 hours: Namely the 002AZ, the ES 401, the IC 60403 and the NJ 403. These lines are operated by Twiliner, European Sleeper, Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB and SBB CFF FFS.

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Twiliner

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.

What makes the Twiliner seat unique?

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.

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?

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.

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.

European Sleeper

European Sleeper is a young Dutch startup connecting several European cities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the Czech Republic with their "Good Night Train".

What do the sleeper cars offer?

In the sleeper cars, you can book lockable single, double or triple compartments, all with their own washbasin. Bedding, toiletries, towels and breakfast are included. Compartments can be locked from the inside.

What are the couchette car options?

The couchette cars come in two variants: standard (6 people) and comfort (5 people, air-conditioned). Both include bedding, blankets and pillows. Comfort compartments can be booked as private or women-only compartments. The compartments can be locked from the inside.

What do the seating cars offer?

The seating cars offer, as the most affordable travel option, 6-person compartments with guaranteed seat reservations. Breakfast can be booked for an additional fee, drinks and snacks are available on board.

Deutsche Bahn

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.

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?

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.

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.

SBB CFF FFS

For the next 7 dates with connections, the cheapest offer starts at 58 EUR. Check our connection pages below for all availabilities!

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Thu, 12.11.2026

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Fri, 13.11.2026

from 68 EUR

Sat, 14.11.2026

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Sun, 15.11.2026

from 220 EUR

Mon, 16.11.2026

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Tue, 17.11.2026

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Wed, 18.11.2026

from 58 EUR