New direct connections between Switzerland and Italy from 2026

The Italian state railway company, Trenitalia, and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are strengthening their long-standing partnership by planning additional direct connections between Switzerland and Italy, set to begin in 2026. The renewed agreement was formalized on Friday at Milano Centrale, with Trenitalia CEO Luigi Corradi and SBB's Head of Passenger Traffic Market, Véronique Stephan, signing the contract.

Trenitalia CEO Luigi Corradi and Véronique Stephan, Head of SBB's Passenger Traffic Market, signed the agreement, which provides for new direct connections from Zurich to Florence and Livorno and an additional connection to Milan and Venice from 2026. To support this expansion, SBB placed an order for four more Giruno trains in February 2024, which will supplement its existing fleet.

Growing demand and improved facilities

"We are pleased to continue our proven partnership," said Luigi Corradi, highlighting the increasing demand for cross-border rail traffic. Trenitalia and SBB want to meet the growing popularity of rail travel in Europe with modern and sustainable trains. Véronique Stephan is also satisfied: "The number of passengers travelling between Switzerland and Italy is constantly growing, and we are working to expand capacities accordingly and offer new destinations."

In addition to the expansion of the rail network, Trenitalia and SBB presented their new EuroCity brand. The trains will be equipped with recycled materials, improved comfort and a design that combines sustainability and the colours of the countries.

The first fully modernised ETR 610 was presented and will be in service from 2026 as a symbol of the environmentally friendly rail connection between Switzerland and Italy. The dining cars will also be modernised and will offer a consistent service experience on the cross-border routes in the future.