There currently are a variety of options to travel by night train or night bus from Zurich (Switzerland) to Amsterdam (Netherlands), taking between approximately 11 and 15 hours: Namely the IC 60402, the NJ 402 and the 001ZA. These lines are operated by DB, ÖBB and Twiliner.
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 accommodate up to six people, Mini Cabins are designed for one person each but two can be combined for couples, while 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.
The company Twiliner offers a new night travel experience with buses whose seats can be fully reclined. The connections run from city center to city center without detours via airports. The concept is aimed at travelers looking for an alternative to air and rail travel.
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.
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.
For the next 7 dates with connections, the cheapest offer starts at 45 EUR. Check our connection pages below for all availabilities!