With EUROBUS to the ESC: On the Road with Europe's Music Stars
Text: EUROBUS AG
When it was settled that the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 would take place in Basel, it was clear that behind the glamour of the stage, logistical excellence was needed in the background. EUROBUS took on a key role as the official transport partner for all participating delegations. With ten coaches, around twenty drivers and meticulous coordination, the company managed one of the largest transport projects in its recent history.
Short notice, complex, Europe-wide: how the assignment came about
The task was clearly defined: for 37 national delegations, all transfers between hotels, venues and the rehearsal and show locations had to be organised: punctually, discreetly and reliably. In the first week the schedule could still be well structured, but the closer the final came, the more individual the delegations' requests became. Many decided at short notice when and how they wanted to be transported. “From week two we had to work in a completely flexible way. The requirements sometimes came in the middle of the night, and our drivers went along with it with great professionalism,” says Tina. For many artists the personal connection to the driver team was especially important: numerous delegations explicitly asked to be accompanied by the same driver each time.
Commitment at every level: team spirit, technology and tact
For the duration of the ESC, a dedicated transport control centre was set up in Muttenz, complete with workstations, WLAN and a lounge with public viewing for the drivers. The Settelen site in Basel also served as a mobile office. Hahn coordinated operations on site over two weeks, constantly keeping track of more than 70 trips per day.
At peak times ten EUROBUS vehicles were on the road at once, with a total of twenty drivers working in shifts. “We deliberately planned for twice as many drivers, not only because of statutory rest times but also so as to be able to react to unforeseen changes at any time,” says Hahn. The coordination was supported by an innovative detail: each delegation received its own WhatsApp group, through which departure times, meeting points and short-notice changes were communicated in real time. The reward for this meticulous planning was consistently positive feedback. Several delegations explicitly praised the service, and for many it was “the best transport at the ESC so far”.
Atmosphere, encounters and a touch of showbiz
Besides the organisation, the team also experienced many unforgettable moments. Encounters with international stars such as Conchita Wurst were part of it, as was direct contact with the delegations. While for some countries, such as Germany, the schedule was strictly timed, others, like Iceland, turned the bus into a party zone on the way to the arena. The mood was exuberant, human, rousing. The city of Basel supported the project with traffic measures such as road closures and optimised traffic light phasing.
Conclusion: when professionalism meets ESC magic
At the ESC, EUROBUS was able to demonstrate impressively how professional group transport works even under international pressure. The organisation was tightly scheduled, flexible and full of personal encounters. For Tina Hahn the project was a very special one: “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will not forget. And proof of what we can achieve as a team.”
The experience gained now feeds into the next major projects, including OpenAir St Gallen and the limousine service at the Zurich Film Festival. One thing is clear: with the ESC experience under its belt, EUROBUS is well equipped for the challenges ahead.
Planning group transport?
Whether for events, festivals or delegations, EUROBUS gets your group to its destination reliably. All information and enquiry forms: eurobus-mieten.ch