Domodossola-Milan track works to affect SBB services
Important works are underway in Italy to modernize the railway line between Domodossola and Milan by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI). These works will require a total interruption of the international line this summer, with substitute bus services being implemented. Travellers should anticipate at least an additional hour of travel time to reach Milan, according to Swiss Federal Railways (SBB).
The Italian railway network is undertaking significant modernization works on the Domodossola-Milan line. These projects aim to widen the corridor by four meters on the line, benefiting transalpine freight traffic. However, this will result in a reduction of services on the Simplon axis for several years.
Impact for travellers
These works will have the following repercussions for customers in 2024. Firstly, one train will be cancelled in both directions on the line connecting Basel to Milan via Bern, and on the line connecting Geneva to Milan via Brig, throughout the year from Monday to Friday. During the week, six trains will continue to operate daily in each direction, with the weekend offering remaining unchanged at eight trains.
Secondly, this summer, Italian railways have scheduled works on the Arona‒Stresa section, which will be closed from June 9 to September 8, 2024. EC trains will therefore be suspended between Domodossola and Milan. Trenitalia will operate replacement buses between Domodossola and Milan, albeit with longer travel times and reduced capacity.
Thirdly, the line between Brig and Domodossola will be closed on the Iselle–Domodossola section from August 9 to 30, 2024. Shuttle trains will run between Brig and Iselle, and replacement buses will operate between Iselle and Domodossola, and between Domodossola and Milan. Travel times will also be longer here, with reduced capacity.
Replacement services
The goal of the Swiss Federal Railways is to continue offering direct connections to Milan for customers from the French-speaking part of Switzerland, even during the line closure. Therefore, from June 9 to September 8, 2024, the CFF and Trenitalia will implement an additional replacement bus service three times a day, in both directions, between Geneva (with an intermediate stop in Lausanne) and Milan. Reservations are mandatory, and the number of seats is limited. The online schedule will be updated by the end of next week to include replacement bus options, including the alternative route via Zurich-Gothard. Travellers should budget at least an additional hour of travel time.
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