Revival of Train Route After More Than a Century

A new high-speed train route between Italy and Slovenia is in the works, providing direct access between the two countries and taking passengers on a journey reminiscent of the Habsburg Empire era. The agreement for the new route has been signed between state operators Trenitalia and SŽ Passenger Transport (Slovenian Railways).

The proposed Frecciarossa train will run from Milan to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, in approximately seven hours. The route will traverse iconic Italian cities such as Venice and Trieste, and include stops at popular Slovenian natural attractions like Postojna Caves, Skocjan Caves, and Lipica, known for breeding Lipizzaner horses since 1580.

The train journey is expected to evoke a sense of nostalgia, offering a connection that hasn’t existed since the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918. The new route follows the path of a previously discontinued night train from Budapest to Venice, which passed through Ljubljana until 2011.

While there is no set date for the launch, Slovenian Railways aims to commence services as soon as possible, potentially starting from April. Initially, there may be one daily service, with plans to expand to two services later. The Frecciarossa trains, capable of reaching speeds of 300 km/h (184 mph) on the Italian network, will offer a swift and efficient travel experience.

The train route project comes as a response to the need for improved rail connections between Trieste and Ljubljana. Historically, both cities were connected by train in 1857, when they were part of the Habsburg Empire. Trieste, being a crucial port, had direct rail connections to Vienna, and rail travel played a significant role in the region’s infrastructure.

With the end of World War I, Trieste became part of Italy, and rail connections to the east, including Ljubljana, experienced disruptions. The new train route is expected to restore a crucial connection between Trieste and Ljubljana, marking the beginning of a renewed era for rail travel in the region.

Trenitalia has been actively pursuing initiatives to enhance rail connections with other European countries. The agreement for the Milan-Ljubljana route follows Trenitalia’s efforts with Eurocity and Euronight trains, connecting Italy with Switzerland, Germany, and Austria through direct train services. Additionally, Trenitalia has signed a preliminary agreement with Deutsche Bahn to introduce Frecciarossa services on Italy-Germany routes, with a potential Milan-Munich route and extensions to other German destinations.

As climate-conscious travel gains importance, efficient and direct train routes provide an eco-friendly alternative, offering a nostalgic journey between Italy and Slovenia, reminiscent of a bygone era. The proposed high-speed route aims to cater to both leisure and business travelers, contributing to the overall sustainability and connectivity of the European rail network.