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.
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.
All seats are equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets. The buses have a toilet, a changing room and a snack bar with drinks and snacks. Each seat includes storage, a folding table, USB charging ports and reading light. Water, coffee and internet are included in the service.
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.
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 is a young Dutch startup connecting several European cities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the Czech Republic with their "Good Night Train".
The sleeper cars offer comfortable and lockable compartments for one, two or three persons, each equipped with a washbasin. The service includes bedding, towels, toiletries and breakfast. A wake-up service is available.
Choose between standard couchette cars with 6 berths or air-conditioned comfort couchettes for 5 people. The latter can be booked privately or exclusively for women. Blankets, bedding and mineral water are included, breakfast can be added for an additional fee. Compartments can be locked from the inside.
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 (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 four types of carriages: seats, couchettes, the compact Mini Cabin, 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 may include a private bathroom or shower, or sometimes just a sink. The Mini Cabin bridges the gap between couchettes and sleepers, offering solo privacy at a lower price point.
For the next 7 dates with connections, the cheapest offer starts at 60 EUR. Check our connection pages below for all availabilities!