Swiss mobility start-up Twiliner has begun operations, introducing a new premium category of overnight travel in Europe. Starting with two routes from Zurich to Brussels/Amsterdam and Zurich to Barcelona, Twiliner is the first European coach operator to offer seats that convert into fully lie-flat beds at the push of a button, combining the comfort of business-class air travel with the sustainability of rail and the flexibility of coach services.
The new night routes operate three times a week in each direction, allowing passengers to travel overnight and arrive early in city centres, saving both time and hotel costs. Each coach is equipped with 21 business-class reclining sleeper seats, two drivers per journey, a spacious toilet, a wardrobe, and a snack bar with drinks and snacks.
Twiliner’s patented seat system was developed with Airline Services Interiors (Lantal Group), alongside road-safety specialists from DTC AG and IWW-Trier, ensuring comfort without compromising safety. Tickets are sold online from CHF 150, with dynamic pricing broadly aligned with comparable train fares.
Sustainability is a core pillar of the concept. According to calculations by the myclimate foundation, Twiliner’s CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometre are comparable to European rail travel when using HVO diesel, and similar to night trains even with conventional diesel, significantly lower than cars or short-haul flights.
By addressing gaps left by limited night-train networks, uncomfortable long-distance buses, and environmentally intensive flying, Twiliner targets both business and leisure travellers seeking eco-friendly, efficient, and comfortable overnight travel. In addition to scheduled services, the company also offers charter operations for corporate events, sports teams, and travel organisers.
About Twiliner
Founded in Zurich in 2021, Twiliner aims to redefine long-distance travel in Europe by establishing first-class night bus services as a preferred, sustainable mobility alternative. The company focuses on transforming travel into a relaxed and premium experience, enabling passengers to travel overnight, arrive rested, and reduce reliance on short-haul flights.
The development phase was supported by the Migros Pioneer Fund, followed by backing from Innosuisse and the City of Zurich’s climate programme. In 2024, the leading European bus operator, Emile Weber, joined as an investor. In autumn 2025, more than 160 private and institutional investors contributed CHF 1.8 million, enabling Twiliner to launch its first routes and validate its business model. The company is now using these insights to refine its service further and prepare additional night routes across Europe.
Twiliner’s long-term ambition is to build a pan-European network of premium night coach routes, with potential future destinations including Rome, Cannes and San Sebastián.
Partners and Operations
Twiliner collaborates with leading European partners across transport, vehicle manufacturing, safety, and interior design:
Emile Weber (Luxembourg) – operating partner, lead investor and provider of two coaches; a family-run company with over 150 years of experience in international passenger transport
Staf Cars (Belgium) – operator of the third coach; one of Europe’s largest double-decker bus operators and an innovation leader in long-distance travel
Ayats (Spain) – manufacturer of the double-decker coaches, built to Twiliner’s bespoke design and comfort specifications
Airline Services Interiors (UK) / Lantal Group (Switzerland) – developer of Twiliner’s patented lie-flat seat system
Eurobus Group (Switzerland) – responsible for maintenance, servicing and parking of the fleet
Skin Euphoria (Zurich) – supplier of premium blankets, cushions and interior textiles
Twiliner Vision
Twiliner positions itself at the intersection of comfort, sustainability and efficiency:
Business-class comfort with lie-flat seating
Environmental performance comparable to rail travel
Time-efficient overnight journeys that replace hotel stays
As the company’s leadership states, “Twiliner combines the business-class comfort of flying with the sustainability of the night train. Our goal is to make travelling through Europe environmentally conscious, comfortable and genuinely restful.”