New Lombardy train timetable: changes for cross-border workers

Context

In brief

• The new regional rail timetable in Lombardy comes into effect on 14 June 2026
• Lombardy Region has met with cross-border commuter committees to discuss adjustments and planned disruptions
• In the first four months of 2026, there were 75 million passengers on regional trains, a 9% increase compared to 2025
• Upcoming infrastructure works may cause temporary disruptions

Key facts

• What: Adjustment of the regional rail timetable in Lombardy
• When: From 14 June 2026
• Where: Railway stations in Gallarate, Saronno, Milan and major Lombardy hubs
• Who: Regional Transport Councillor Franco Lucente and cross-border commuter committees
• Passenger numbers: 75 million in the first four months of 2026, up 9% on 2025
• Data: 274,000 regional trains operated in Lombardy between January and April 2026
• Growth: Peaks of +20% on bank holidays compared to the same period in 2025

Lombardy Region has launched a regular consultation table with cross-border commuter representatives and consumer associations to analyse regional passenger flows and discuss upcoming planned disruptions due to rail network works. The meeting, held at Palazzo Lombardia in Milan, also involved commuter committees from Gallarate and Saronno, two of the main entry points for those travelling to the Canton of Ticino.

The technical meeting and participants

Representatives of passengers and consumer associations appointed at the Local Public Transport Conference were present at the meeting. Among the participants were Manuel Cairati from the Gallarate Milan Commuter Committee and Andrea Mazzucotelli from the Saronno TPL Users Committee. They were joined by Marco Longoni from Assoutenti Lombardia, Bruno Lagrotteria from Udicon, Franco Aggio from the Milano Mortara Alessandria Association, Francesco Ninno from the Meratese Commuter Committee and Giorgio Dahò from the Milano Lecco Commuter Committee.

The Councillor’s stated goal was to gather input from the territories and promptly update users on the decisions made by Lombardy Region regarding transport. As Lucente pointed out: ‘As I have done regularly since becoming Transport Councillor, I wanted to meet with passenger and consumer representatives. An important exchange, a valuable sharing of information to address the needs and demands of the territories while keeping users and cross-border commuters promptly informed of the decisions made by Lombardy Region in the transport sector.’

Lombardy Region’s commitment

The Councillor reaffirmed the Region’s total commitment to providing the best possible service to citizens, despite the numerous infrastructure works planned in the coming months. ‘The results, as reported by Trenord, are encouraging: between January and April 2026, 274,000 regional trains operated in Lombardy, carrying over 75 million passengers.’ This data confirms that trains are an increasingly convenient choice for daily travel, even for those living in Italy and working in Switzerland.

For cross-border workers travelling between Lombardy and the Canton of Ticino, the adjustment of the rail timetable is of great interest. The main reference stations for those heading to Ticino are Gallarate and Saronno, both served by direct connections to Lugano, Bellinzona and Locarno. Any changes to the timetable could impact daily commutes, especially for those who rely on trains as their primary means of transport to get to work.

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Operational details

Impact on Cross-Border Routes: What to Know Before June

The Most Used Routes by Ticino Cross-Border Workers

For cross-border workers living in Lombardy and working in Ticino, the most strategic rail routes connect Gallarate, Saronno, and Milan with Lugano, Bellinzona, and Locarno. These lines are operated by Trenord and Trenitalia in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), but timetable programming is the responsibility of the Lombardy region. The adjustment on June 14, 2026, could therefore modify departure and arrival times, with possible repercussions on the punctuality of connections.

Planned Disruptions and Infrastructure Works

During the discussion table, Councillor Lucente highlighted that the coming months will be characterized by «numerous infrastructure interventions across the territory». These works could cause temporary inconveniences, such as partial route closures, reduced services, or replacement with substitute buses. For commuters crossing the border, it is essential to monitor official announcements from the Lombardy Region and Trenord to avoid last-minute surprises.

Traffic Data: A Positive Trend

The numbers provided by Trenord speak for themselves: between January and April 2026, 274,000 regional trains were registered in Lombardy with 75 million passengers on board. Compared to the same period in 2025, there was an increase of 9%, with peaks of 20% on public holidays. This positive trend suggests that more and more people are choosing the train as an alternative to private transport, also for cross-border journeys.

For those who cross the border every day, this trend is an important signal: it means that the infrastructure is able to absorb a growing demand, but also that competition with other modes of transport (private car, bus) could become more intense. However, cross-border workers already benefit today from tax advantages such as the rebates provided by the Italian-Swiss agreement, as well as greater environmental sustainability compared to using a car.

What to Do If You Are a Cross-Border Worker: Quick Checklist

If you are a worker living in Lombardy and commute daily to Ticino, here is a list of checks and actions to take before June 14, 2026:

• Check updated timetables: Starting from mid-May, consult the Trenord website (www.trenord.it) to check the definitive timetables and any changes to direct routes to Ticino.
• Download the official app: The Trenord app allows you to receive real-time notifications on delays, cancellations, and substitute buses. Useful also for purchasing season tickets and digital tickets.
• Plan alternatives: In case of planned disruptions, consider alternative routes, such as train + bus combinations or the use of carpooling to reach the reference station.
• Check Lombardy Region notices: The website www.regione.lombardia.it publishes updates on infrastructure interventions and their respective impacts on rail services.

The Role of Commuter Associations

The commuter committees that have participated in the meeting with Councillor Lucente represent a fundamental voice for those who commute daily. These associations are often the first point of reference for reporting inconveniences, chronic delays, or deficiencies in services. For Ticino cross-border workers, collaborating with entities such as the Gallarate Milan Commuter Committee can be useful to obtain updated information and, in some cases, to participate in technical meetings that discuss infrastructure improvements.

Compare Ticino-Lombardia rail routes with our comparator

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Key points

Concrete actions for cross-border commuters: how to prepare for change

Step 1: Check the updated timetables and affected routes

The first step is to consult the official timetables that will be published by Trenord by mid-May 2026. The routes most used by Ticino cross-border commuters are: - Gallarate → Lugano (line S30/S50) - Saronno → Varese → Lugano (line S5) - Milan Cadorna → Varese → Lugano (line S5)

These lines often undergo changes as a result of adjustments to the regional railway timetable. If you currently use one of these routes, check if your usual route is maintained, brought forward or postponed after 14 June.

Step 2: Download the Trenord app and activate notifications The Trenord application is the quickest tool to stay updated on delays, cancellations and replacement buses. Once downloaded, you can: - Buy tickets and passes directly from your phone - Receive push notifications when your route changes - View travel alternatives in real time

For those who cross the border every day, having the app installed is essential to avoid queues at the counters or wasting time in case of unforeseen events.

Step 3: Consider alternative routes in case of disruptions If your usual commute is changed or interrupted, consider the following alternatives: - Train + replacement bus: Trenord often organizes bus services to connect closed stations or unserved routes. Check www.trenord.it for the map of replacement buses. - Combination with other lines: For example, if the Gallarate-Lugano route is changed, consider arriving in Varese and taking the S5 line to Lugano. - Carpooling or car sharing: Platforms like BlaBlaCar can be useful for finding rides to major train stations.

Step 4: Check the official warnings of the Lombardy Region

On the website of the Lombardy Region (www.regione.lombardia.it) all updates relating to infrastructural interventions and the repercussions on railway services are published. This is the official channel to obtain reliable information, without risking coming across fake news or unverified statements.

Step 5: Participate in the initiatives of commuters' associations If you encounter recurring problems or want to help improve services, get involved in the initiatives of commuter associations. These realities often organize meetings with the Lombardy Region and Trenord to discuss infrastructure improvements. For Ticino cross-border commuters, collaborating with the Gallarate Milan Commuter Committee or the Saronno Node LPT Travellers Committee can be useful to make their voices heard.

What happens if the new schedule is not convenient? If the new train timetable does not meet your work needs, you can: - Report the inconvenience through the Trenord app or the official website - Request information from commuters' associations to check if other cross-border commuters have encountered the same problem - Evaluate alternatives such as teleworking or flexible working hours with your Swiss employer

Deadlines to remember

• 14 June 2026: Entry into force of the new railway timetable in Lombardy
• Mid-May 2026: Publication of the final timetables by Trenord
• Previous weeks: Constant monitoring of updates on the Lombardy Region and Trenord website

Useful tools for cross-border commuters To better organize your daily commute, we recommend using:

• Calcolatore stipendio netto Ticino vs Lombardia to assess the real cost of commuting - Mappa dei valichi e tempi di attesa to plan any alternative routes by car - Guide to train passes for cross-border commuters to choose the most convenient solution

💡 Final tip: If your usual route is changed, try to simulate the new route at least one week before the new timetable comes into effect. This will allow you to avoid stress and waste of time on the day of the change.

Source: varesenews.it