Travelers going from Switzerland to Milan through the Simplon route will face longer journeys in the summer of 2025. The railway line between Arona and Premosello in Italy will be closed from June 8 to July 27 and again from August 30 to September 13. During these periods, passengers must switch to buses between Domodossola and Milan, according to the Swiss railway operator SBB.
Construction causes route closure between Arona and Premosello
The full closure of the railway section between Arona and Premosello will stop all train traffic in that area. This part of the line lies in northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Travelers will have to leave the train at Domodossola and continue their trip by bus to reach Milan.
The change means fewer seats will be available for travelers and more time will be needed to complete the trip.
SBB and Trenitalia add buses to support passengers
To reduce the disruption, SBB and the Italian railway company Trenitalia will provide additional buses. These will run from Geneva to Milan through Martigny.
At the same time, the online timetable will be updated. It will include alternate train routes through Zurich and the Gotthard Pass.
Even with these changes, passengers should be ready for delays. Travel times will increase by at least one hour during the construction periods.
Fewer EuroCity trains for the rest of the year
The construction project will also affect EuroCity train schedules in 2025. Throughout the year, there will be only three EuroCity trains per direction on weekdays between Basel, Bern, and Milan. Normally, there are four.
The same reduction will apply to trains from Geneva to Milan via Brig. On weekends, however, four EuroCity trains will continue to operate in each direction.
Goal of the project is better freight transport
The reason for the work is to expand the four-meter corridor between Domodossola and Milan. This corridor is important for transporting goods across the Alps.
The project will allow bigger freight trains to pass through the region. This will help shift cargo from trucks to trains, making transport more efficient and environmentally friendly.
What travelers need to know
If you plan to travel on this route during the affected dates, be prepared for changes. You may face longer travel times and fewer direct train options. Switching from train to bus at Domodossola will be required.
The updated timetable will help you plan your journey. You can also look at other routes to Milan that are not affected by the closure.
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This railway closure is a short-term inconvenience for a long-term benefit. It will improve freight movement and help the environment by supporting rail over road transport.
