We want to rethink bus travel. To develop new ideas, we also like to get inspiration from existing offers.
Ernst Marti, a successful coach operator and valued advisor to Twiliner, had often invited us to join one of his trips. When the opportunity arose to travel to Barcelona, I decided to accept this generous offer and take a trip to the Costa Brava. Normally, such trips are booked with hotel accommodation and return travel, but I planned to travel on to Paris anyway, so I only booked a one-way trip.
Three weeks before the trip, I checked the timetable on the website. Luckily, I found a suitable date and sent a booking request by email. I received confirmation on the same evening.
Ten days before the trip, I received my travel ticket, luggage tags and detailed travel instructions by mail. Free changes to a slightly more distant destination were possible by phone.
On the morning of departure, I wore my simplest tracksuit instead of my usual smart work clothes. I took the train from the Twiliner office to Zurich Airport. However, there were no annoying security checks or hectic gate changes waiting for me there.
16:25 Uhr
I was greeted at the described bus stop, feeling a bit unsure due to my unusually light luggage. Our driver explained to me and the second passenger that we would only board the coach bus from Kallnach, the main location in Bern. Until then, we would be taken in a small but very comfortable Sprinter.
Despite three traffic jams due to accidents, this shuttle ride will remain in my memory as one of the most pleasant bus journeys.
19:30 Uhr
Upon arrival in Kallnach, my luggage was loaded into the trunk according to my destination. I took my assigned seat and was pleased that, due to the low occupancy, I had the double seat to myself. The aisle seat could be moved a few centimeters and the slightly adjustable backrest also allows for a more relaxed seating on longer journeys.
The crew, consisting of two cheerful drivers and a caring travel companion, introduced themselves over the onboard microphone and we set off. As one of the younger passengers on the double-decker bus, I was clearly the most inexperienced. I was the only one who didn’t know about the legendary vienna sausages service on board, so I looked a bit disappointed at my lackluster sandwich from the airport supermarket.
21:30 Uhr
At the last pick up station in Geneva, a slightly too cold, but nevertheless remarkable red wine was served in the on-board bistro. The charming fellow traveler in front of me invited me to this unexpected aperitif, celebrating my first trip with the Marti bus.
22:55 Uhr
Just before Lyon, the first driver change took place at a motorway service station. The passengers could enjoy an extended smoking break in the fresh air or use the spacious toilet facilities.
On the continued journey on the French asphalt, the light was dimmed around midnight and finally completely turned off. Most of the passengers were already asleep, and the red wine had given me the necessary drowsiness as well.
05:30 Uhr
The driver woke us with his gentle voice and asked the first guests to prepare for disembarkation at the first destination.
06:20 Uhr
In the industrial area of the rarely so foggy Girona, we were able to stretch our legs. The distance to the already set breakfast tables in the restaurant was a maximum of 15 meters. After this short stop on Spanish soil, the journey continued.
08:10 Uhr
I was released into the sun in Lloret de Mar with my mini roller suitcase in front of the already closed Discoteca Tropical.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Mr. Marti and his team once again for this great travel adventure. They did an outstanding job and introduced me to the world of Marti travel in a wonderful way.