New posh bus service launching across Europe with seats that turn into full-on beds
SLEEP EASY New posh bus service launching across Europe with seats that turn into full-on beds
HOLIDAYMAKERS can experience Europe in a new way from November, by travelling on Europe's first night bus with lie-flat seats.
Launching two routes to start with, the new Twiliner night bus will travel to eight European cities in total, offering "a premium travel experience at economy prices", according to the operator.
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Europe's first night bus will travel to eight cities across the continent
Credit: Remo Vettori
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And inside, the seats lie fully flat allowing passengers to sleep
Credit: Remo Vettori
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The bus has 21 seats in total, with 18 upstairs and three on the lower deck
Credit: Twiliner
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One route will run from Zurich to Amsterdam, via Basel, Luxembourg, Brussels and Rotterdam.
The second route will travel between Zurich and Barcelona, via Girona.
The bus will operate several times a week for the first few months, according to Time Out, but by next year the CEO, Luca Bortolani, hopes to be running the services daily.
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Inside the bus, passengers will find 21 seats in total - with three on the lower deck and 18 on the upper deck.
The seats on board lie fully flat allowing passengers to sleep whilst travelling.
And they are even patent-pending, as they ensure safe and secure travel in every position.
Every seat then also has Wi-Fi, power outlets, storage, a table for working and eating, USB chargers and a reading light, as well as a pillow and a blanket.
Also on the lower deck is a changing room, toilet and snack bar.
The whole experience claims it is a new "planet-friendly" way to travel.
European sleeper train with private cabins
And the ultimate goal for the operator is to expand to 30 destinations across Europe within the next three years.
For the time being, the bus is designed for adult passengers, - though children over the age of five can travel too, as long as they are quiet.
Ticket prices vary depending on starting location and destination.
However, return tickets can be found as low as CHF 150 (£137.18).
Admittedly the price is higher than your average bus journey, but this is because Twiliner offers a more luxury and sustainable form of travel.
Luggage is included in the price as well, with each passenger entitled to one large suitcase measuring a maximum of 80cm X 50cm X 35cm and one carry-on bag measuring a maximum of 50cm X 30cm X 20cm.
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Initially, two routes will launch including one between Zurich and Barcelona
Credit: Remo Vettori
Night buses or 'sleeper buses' are common across Asia, usually as a budget-friendly way to travel.
Passengers can usually recline their seats to lie-flat, similar to the Twiliner and in some, passengers can opt for 'VIP cabins' that have a curtain for some privacy.
For example, backpackers will often use the buses and prices can be found as low as £15 for travel in Thailand.
One common route is between Chiang Mai - the biggest city in Northern Thailand - and Bangkok, around 700km away.
And whilst the quickest way to travel between the two destinations is by hopping on a flight, bus journeys are much cheaper.
Travelling in 'Supreme Class' on a Sombat Tour Bus, for example, costs around 823 Baht (£18.72) and even though the seats don't fully lie flat, they recline 135 degrees.
If you aren't too bothered about sleeping sitting up, then you can grab an even cheaper ticket for around £12.60.
World's longest bus ride lasts nearly two months
THE world's longest bus journey takes passengers on a European road trip of a lifetime that lasts nearly two months and travels through 22 countries.
The amazing trip starts in the heart of Turkey in Istanbul and drives passengers through a thrilling European tour finishing in London.
The bus is kitted out with comfortable, reclining seats that can be adjusted to the person's preferences.
On average around 440km will be covered each day with the final total being a massive 12,265km.
Indian expedition company Adventures Overland designed the record-shattering route and absolutely eclipsed the previous longest bus ride.
The first trip happened back in August 2023 and Adventures Overland are now looking at making the route even longer if possible.
The route is inspired by the famous European Hippie Trail from the 1950s to the 1970s and offers an entire tour of the best bits of the continent.
The rest of Scandinavia can then be seen with Copenhagen and Stockholm in Sweden coming up fast.
A new sleeper train is also launching this summer, with stops in six European countries.
Plus, another new overnight sleeper train will connect 100 European cities with private cabins and panoramic views.
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