Trenitalia Launches Scenic Sleeper to Rome, Expands High-Speed Links to Europe
Trenitalia expands European routes with night and high-speed trains as part of its latest cross-border push.
The Italian rail operator has announced a series of new services connecting major European cities, including a scenic overnight train between Marseille and Rome and new high-speed connections to Germany and Austria beginning in 2026.
Marseille to Rome: A Riviera Night Train Experience
Launching July 4, 2025, Trenitalia will begin operating the Espresso Riviera, a weekend-only overnight service from Marseille to Rome. The 15-hour journey revives the romantic appeal of classic international trains, combining comfort with spectacular Mediterranean views. Departing in the afternoon, the route travels along the Côte d’Azur and the Ligurian Riviera, reaching Genoa by 10:38 p.m. before continuing non-stop to the Italian capital.
Operated by Treni Turistici Italiani, a subsidiary of Trenitalia focused on heritage and experiential rail, the service features:
- A dining car serving regional dishes
- Sleeping cabins for one or two guests
- Convertible compartments with four berths
Tickets go on sale May 24, with prices starting from €71 for the full journey and €54.90 for the Marseille-Genoa segment. While slower than flying—Ryanair’s Marseille-Rome fares hover around €60—the train promises a more scenic and sustainable experience.
New High-Speed Rail Links: Italy, Germany, and Austria
In addition to its overnight offerings, Trenitalia has confirmed the rollout of several new high-speed routes connecting Italy with Germany and Austria by 2026. According to Italy’s Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group), the network will include:
| Route | Travel Time | Stops |
|---|---|---|
| Milan to Munich | 6.5 hours | Brescia, Verona, Rovereto, Trento, Bolzano, Innsbruck |
| Rome to Munich | 8.5 hours | Florence, Bologna, Verona, Trento, Innsbruck |
Travel times are expected to be reduced further once the Brenner Base Tunnel becomes operational, streamlining rail access through the Alps.
Future Expansion: Naples, Berlin, and Beyond
By December 2028, Trenitalia plans to operate up to ten high-speed routes linking cities such as Naples, Rome, Milan, Munich, and Berlin. The expansion is supported by partnerships with Deutsche Bahn and Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), and the initiative forms part of the European Commission’s pilot program for an integrated high-speed “European Metro.”
The future network will also serve additional cities like:
- Frankfurt (via German infrastructure)
- Kraków (through eastern rail corridors)
- Zurich, Vienna, Ljubljana, and Innsbruck (via existing cross-border routes)
This strategic expansion follows recent FS Group announcements that it is also evaluating a London-Paris-Milan rail service by 2029, potentially challenging Eurostar on key trans-European corridors.
Modern Rail, Classic Comfort
Trenitalia’s dual investment in both heritage night trains and futuristic high-speed rail reflects a broader vision for European travel: comfort, connectivity, and carbon-conscious mobility. The Espresso Riviera aims to rekindle the golden era of sleeper trains, while the Frecciarossa’s international push makes long-distance rail a faster and more viable alternative to air travel.
Whether coasting past the Ligurian coast at dusk or gliding through the Alps at 300 km/h, these new services are designed to make rail travel not just efficient—but inspiring.
