Luxury night buses have launched a new service connecting Barcelona directly to major European cities.
Swiss start-up Twiliner began operating its first routes this week, offering overnight journeys from Zurich to Brussels, Amsterdam, and Barcelona.
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The service, which runs three times weekly in each direction, includes stops in Girona and Bern, aiming to provide a comfortable, sustainable alternative to air travel.
Luxury Night Buses Offer Unprecedented Comfort
The company’s main innovation is its convertible lie-flat seats, a first for European coach travel. Each seat transforms into a flat bed at the push of a button, complete with an integrated two-point seatbelt and leg bag developed with vehicle safety experts. Consequently, passengers can enjoy a full night’s rest while travelling. Furthermore, each coach features a spacious toilet, individual lockers, a refreshment point, and fast Wi-Fi.
Twiliner says it responds to growing demand from travellers who wish to avoid flying for ecological or health reasons. The company notes that approximately 15% of the population experiences intense fear of flying. Therefore, this service aims to combine the comfort of business-class air travel with the sustainability of night trains. Tickets start from 150 Swiss Francs (approximately €160) and feature dynamic pricing within the range of similar train journeys.
Catalan Manufacturing at the Heart of the Service
The luxury coaches are manufactured by Ayats, a Catalan company specialising in double-decker buses with roots dating back to 1905. Based in Arbúcies (Selva) with a second plant in Tona (Osona), Ayats builds each vehicle individually to Twiliner’s specific design and comfort specifications. The patented reclining seat was developed in partnership with British aviation specialist Airline Services Interiors.
Currently, the network connects Switzerland with Catalonia and the Benelux region. However, the company has ambitious expansion plans for 2027, aiming to extend routes to Provence (Cannes), Italy (Rome), and the Basque Country (San Sebastián). This development arrives as Catalan businesses seek new markets and connectivity solutions.
Each journey is operated by two drivers to eliminate unnecessary stops, ensuring an efficient overnight schedule where passengers depart at night and arrive at dawn. The initiative highlights a shift towards more sustainable long-distance travel options within Europe. Moreover, it provides a practical solution for those concerned about the environmental impact and cost of private car travel or the limited availability of night trains.
The launch of these luxury night buses represents a significant development in European transport, offering Catalonia enhanced direct links to key northern European hubs. This service could appeal to both business and leisure travellers seeking a greener, more restful way to cross the continent.
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