New Night Bus Network Coming to Europe: What Urban Planners Need to Know
Europe is set to welcome a new night bus network this autumn, operated by Swiss transportation company Twiliner. The service aims to connect major tourist destinations across the continent, launching in November 2025 with routes from Zurich to Amsterdam and Zurich to Barcelona, including stops in Basel, Luxembourg, Brussels, Rotterdam, and Girona.
For urban developers and city planners, this represents an opportunity to explore how long-distance mobility can be integrated with sustainable urban growth. By providing an alternative to short-haul flights, the network aligns with broader environmental objectives and encourages travellers to consider lower-carbon options.
Sustainability
Twiliner emphasises the environmental benefits of its service. The buses run on HVO diesel, a renewable fuel derived from waste fats and vegetable oils, and the company claims journeys produce 85 per cent less CO2 equivalent emissions than short-haul flights. Night bus networks like this can complement existing train infrastructure, particularly in regions where high-speed rail is limited or demand exceeds capacity.
However, it is worth noting that HVO fuel, while renewable, is not entirely without environmental concerns. Its production relies on waste oils and fats, which may compete with other industries, and scalability could be a challenge. Compared with electrification or hydrogen-based transport, HVO may be considered more of a transitional solution than a permanent fix.
Cost, Coverage, and Accessibility
The service is not inexpensive. Prices start at around €180 one way, which is higher than conventional coach travel and may limit accessibility to a more niche, affluent group of travellers. At launch, buses will run only several times a week, reducing flexibility for passengers compared with trains or flights. Expanding to daily services and a continent-wide network of 25 cities by 2028 will take time, meaning its impact on reducing high-emission travel is likely to be gradual.
In addition, Twiliner has chosen to restrict passengers under five years old, and the quiet, sleep-friendly environment may not suit all families. This raises important questions about inclusivity in sustainable transport, particularly when aiming to encourage a broad shift away from carbon-intensive modes of travel.
Expanding Connectivity Across Europe
Despite these limitations, the network has the potential to strengthen regional connectivity and support local economies. By linking key cities, it could influence travel patterns, promote sustainable tourism, and encourage long-term planning for intercity mobility. For urban development, services like this illustrate the importance of considering how new transport infrastructure interacts with existing networks, local congestion, and urban land use.
Night buses arriving in city centres must be coordinated with efficient local public transport to prevent additional congestion. Integration with rail and local transit hubs will be key to maximising both environmental and social benefits.
Implications for Urban Development
Twiliner’s night bus network demonstrates how long-distance travel can be made more sustainable while enhancing connectivity. At the same time, cost, accessibility, and operational limitations highlight the need for careful planning and complementary policies. For urban developers, the service is a useful case study in balancing environmental ambitions, user needs, and realistic operational constraints. As European cities continue to grow, services like these could play an increasingly important role in shaping travel behaviour, economic activity, and environmental outcomes, provided they are implemented thoughtfully.
