Deutsche Bahn, in cooperation with Trenitalia and ÖBB, is planning to launch new high-speed train services from Munich to Milan and Rome. The first services are expected to start at the end of 2026.

New Railway Connections Expand Transportation Alternatives for Europe

German, Italian, and Austrian railway companies Deutsche Bahn (DB), Trenitalia, and ÖBB are planning to launch new high-speed train lines between Germany and Italy by the end of 2026. According to the announcement, Frecciarossa 1000 type high-speed trains will operate on the Munich-Milan and Munich-Rome lines within the scope of this cooperation.

It has been reported that the new connections are planned with the goals of developing sustainable transportation alternatives and shortening intercity travel times. It is estimated that the Munich-Milan line will take approximately 6.5 hours, and the Munich-Rome line will take approximately 8.5 hours.

Expansion to Berlin to Begin in 2028

The train lines are planned to be developed in stages. While Munich-based services will be launched in the first phase, the Berlin-Milan and Berlin-Naples connections are expected to be put into service as of December 2028. With this expansion, a total of five train pairs will serve between Germany and Italy.

Construction and Certification Process Ongoing

The commissioning of the trains as planned depends on the completion of the technical harmonization processes. Frecciarossa 1000 trains are currently undergoing technical adjustments to make them usable in Germany and Austria. If the process is successful, services may begin in December 2026.

Final approvals for the use of the trains will be given after the tests carried out by Hitachi and Alstom as manufacturers. This approval process is carried out separately in Germany, Austria, and Italy.

An Experienced Model in Italy: Frecciarossa 1000

The Frecciarossa 1000, which will be used on these lines, has been in service in Italy since 2015. The trains have a total capacity of 462 passengers with their eight-car structure. The train model, which serves in four different comfort categories, is already operating on some lines in France and Spain.

This new international cooperation is being closely followed in terms of spreading intercity rail transport throughout Europe and reshaping transport networks with a focus on sustainability.

Source: touristik-aktuell