SBB has announced plans for a new direct route from Zurich to Rome, aiming for 2026. This route promises to improve international rail travel options for passengers heading to Italy. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

new direct route from Zurich to Rome
The train paths are already heavily utilized today, explained Véronique Stephan, Director of Passenger Traffic at SBB, to the “Tamedia” newspapers

More Choices for Travel Between Zurich and Rome by 2026

In addition to its existing routes, SBB is expanding its Italian connections with a new direct route from Zurich to Rome. However, SBB’s Director of Passenger Traffic, Véronique Stephan, noted the challenges posed by limited train availability, which she discussed in a recent statement.

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Capacity constraints on tracks in both Switzerland and Italy make scheduling difficult, as existing railways are shared with local and freight trains. For SBB to add new routes, adjustments in current scheduling would be necessary.

Potential Expansion to Include Geneva-Lyon Routes

While discussing expansion, Stephan mentioned a potential direct route between Geneva and Lyon. This plan, however, would depend on interest from SBB’s French partners and market feasibility. Partnerships with international rail providers are built on mutual economic goals, so assessing profitability is essential. SBB acknowledges that foreign counterparts understand their local markets best, ensuring well-aligned international projects.

New Swiss-Italian Routes Announced by SBB and Trenitalia

In collaboration with Trenitalia, SBB will introduce new routes from Zurich to Florence and Livorno, expected in 2026. These additional connections are part of a broader cooperative effort, highlighted by the introduction of the Eurocity train, designed to enhance passenger experience on Swiss-Italian routes. Furthermore, direct routes between Zurich, Milan, and Venice will also be launched in 2026.

Increased passenger numbers reflect growing demand, with SBB and Trenitalia transporting around 500,000 more passengers between 2019 and 2023. A total of 2.4 million people traveled by train between Switzerland and Italy last year, showcasing strong interest in enhanced international rail travel.

Source: www.bluewin.ch

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