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.
These trains only have first and second class seats. The cars remain lit throughout the night and the seats cannot be reclined.
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.
Seats are for the bravest, while couchettes, Mini Cabins, and sleepers provide a more comfortable journey. In the couchettes, you can find simple and rather narrow berths. The Mini Cabin is a compact sleeping option for solo travelers – two Mini Cabins can be combined for couples. Sleepers are equipped with proper beds 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 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.
Twiliner is a bus company that redefines overnight travel by bus in Europe. The buses feature special seats that can be transformed into beds at the touch of a button. The vehicles are equipped with spacious toilets, changing rooms and a snack bar and run on HVO diesel for reduced emissions.
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.
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.
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.
For the next 7 dates with connections, the cheapest offer starts at 68 EUR. Check our connection pages below for all availabilities!