What are the exact dates for the new direct Zurich-Rimini train connections?

The new direct Zurich-Rimini train connections will run from **30 May to 4 October 2026**, with stops in Bellinzona, Lugano and Chiasso. There will be **14 weekly departures**, every day of the week.

Do I need to book a ticket for the Zurich-Rimini train?

Booking is not mandatory for the Zurich-Rimini train, but it is **strongly recommended** to secure a seat, especially in July and August. Tickets can be purchased on the SBB website or via the SBB Mobile app.

What happens if I travel to Rimini after 7 June 2026?

After 7 June 2026, direct Zurich-Rimini connections may be **suspended or operate irregularly** due to construction work on the Simplon line. In this case, you will need to travel via **Milan** or use **replacement buses** for the Iselle-Domodossola section.

How does booking work for TGV trains to France?

For TGV trains from Lausanne and Geneva to Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, **booking is mandatory** and must be done through the SBB website or SNCF Connect. Tickets can be purchased up to **three months in advance** to secure the best fares.

What alternatives are available for travellers from Lugano to Rimini during the construction work?

During the construction period (7 June - 26 July 2026), the simplest option is to take a train from Lugano to **Chiasso**, then a regional train to **Milano Centrale**, and finally a train to Rimini. Alternatively, you can use the **replacement buses** between Iselle and Domodossola, but you will need to complete the journey with an Italian regional train.

Are replacement buses free for passengers with a train ticket?

Yes, your train ticket is valid for the **replacement bus** as well. No additional ticket is required, but you must show your travel document to the bus staff.

SBB: Direct trains to Rimini and France from 30 May 2026 (cross-border guide)

Di Marco Ferrari · Published on 16 April 2026

Swiss Federal Railways train heading to Rimini and France through the Ticino mountains in summer 2026

From 30 May to 4 October, direct connections will run between Zurich and Rimini, with stops in Bellinzona, Lugano and Chiasso. From Lausanne and Geneva, TGV trains will serve Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Marseille until 2 November.

Context

TL;DR

New direct summer connections to Italy and France announced by SBB CFF FFS.
Zurich-Rimini route runs from 30 May to 4 October 2026, 14 times a week.
Construction work on Simplon line from 7 June to 26 July 2026 will cause cancellations.

Key facts

Zurich-Rimini: New direct route from 30 May to 4 October 2026, 14 times a week.
France connections: Extended TGV connections from Lausanne and Geneva to France from 2 July to 2 November 2026.
Construction work: Simplon line construction from 7 June to 26 July 2026 causing cancellations.
Ticino stops: Direct stops in Bellinzona, Lugano, and Chiasso for Zurich-Rimini route.
Cross-border workers: New connections aim to improve connectivity for cross-border workers.
TGV reservations: Mandatory seat reservations for TGV trains to France.
Replacement buses: Substitute buses for Regional Express services between Iselle di Trasquera and Domodossola.
Travel advice: Check updated timetables and consider alternatives due to construction work.

The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) have announced today a series of new direct summer connections to Italy and France, valid from 30 May to 4 October 2026 for the Zurich-Rimini route and from 2 July to 2 November 2026 for French destinations. The new Zurich-Rimini service, running fourteen times a week, will stop in Bellinzona, Lugano and Chiasso, offering Ticino cross-border workers and travellers a quick way to reach the Riviera Romagna without passing through Milan.

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Operational details

For cross-border workers from Ticino and regular travelers between Switzerland and Italy, the new summer schedules introduced by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) present both opportunities and challenges. While they simplify access to destinations like Rimini or Marseille, the ongoing construction work on the Simplon line requires more rigid planning and the need to consider alternatives to avoid delays.

Before vs after: how travel is changing

Until 30 May 2026, travelers heading from Zurich to Rimini had to pass through Milano Centrale, with a train change and a route often congested. Now, direct trains are available with stops in Bellinzona, Lugano, and Chiasso, reducing travel time and the hassles associated with connections in Italian territory. For those departing from Lugano or Bellinzona, the advantage is even more evident: it will no longer be necessary to cross the border to reach the Romagna Riviera.

For those heading to France, the changes are equally significant. Previously, connections from Lausanne and Geneva to Avignon or Marseille often required a change in Lyon or Paris, resulting in longer and more complex journeys. Now, with the new direct TGVs, it is possible to reach these destinations without interruptions, saving more than two hours compared to previous options.

Possible scenarios for cross-border workers

Case 1: Travel to Rimini from Lugano

Before 30 May 2026: Departure from Lugano, change at Chiasso or Milano Centrale, arrival in Rimini in at least 4 hours (excluding waiting time for the connection).
After 30 May 2026: Departure from Lugano, direct arrival in Rimini in approximately 5 hours, with intermediate stops in Bellinzona and Zurich. Total travel time reduced, no changes required.

Case 2: Travel to Marseille from Geneva

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Key points

The new summer connections of the FFS represent an important change for those traveling between Switzerland, Italy and France. Here's step by step what to do to organize your trips and avoid surprises.

Step 1: Check for updated hours

Before booking or leaving, it is essential to consult the updated timetables on the official website of FFS (www.sbb.ch). For direct connections from Zurich to Rimini, select the departure date and check that the train is running. For TGVs to France, however, you must book your ticket in advance, as reservations are mandatory.

💡 Practical tip: Download the SBB Mobile app to receive real-time notifications about delays, cancellations or track changes. The app also allows you to purchase tickets directly from your phone, with payment options via credit card or PayPal.

Step 2: Book tickets for direct connections

Zurich-Rimini trains do not require a reservation, but it is advisable to buy your ticket in advance, especially for journeys in July and August, when demand is highest. Prices vary according to class and time: a second-class ticket for the Zurich-Rimini route starts at around CHF 50 if purchased well in advance, while in the last hour it can exceed CHF 100.

For TGVs to France, on the other hand, reservations are mandatory and must be made via the FFS website or the SNCF Connect website. Prices start from CHF 30 for the Lausanne-Avignon route, but can vary by class and schedule. You can choose between First and Second Class, with a surcharge of around CHF 20 for the first class.

📊 Indicative price table (subject to change):

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the exact dates for the new direct Zurich-Rimini train connections?: The new direct Zurich-Rimini train connections will run from **30 May to 4 October 2026**, with stops in Bellinzona, Lugano and Chiasso. There will be **14 weekly departures**, every day of the week.
Do I need to book a ticket for the Zurich-Rimini train?: Booking is not mandatory for the Zurich-Rimini train, but it is **strongly recommended** to secure a seat, especially in July and August. Tickets can be purchased on the SBB website or via the SBB Mobile app.
What happens if I travel to Rimini after 7 June 2026?: After 7 June 2026, direct Zurich-Rimini connections may be **suspended or operate irregularly** due to construction work on the Simplon line. In this case, you will need to travel via **Milan** or use **replacement buses** for the Iselle-Domodossola section.
How does booking work for TGV trains to France?: For TGV trains from Lausanne and Geneva to Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, **booking is mandatory** and must be done through the SBB website or SNCF Connect. Tickets can be purchased up to **three months in advance** to secure the best fares.
What alternatives are available for travellers from Lugano to Rimini during the construction work?: During the construction period (7 June - 26 July 2026), the simplest option is to take a train from Lugano to **Chiasso**, then a regional train to **Milano Centrale**, and finally a train to Rimini. Alternatively, you can use the **replacement buses** between Iselle and Domodossola, but you will need to complete the journey with an Italian regional train.
Are replacement buses free for passengers with a train ticket?: Yes, your train ticket is valid for the **replacement bus** as well. No additional ticket is required, but you must show your travel document to the bus staff.