SBB: Direct trains to Rimini and France from 30 May 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.
Contesto
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. For those preferring France, SBB CFF FFS has extended TGV connections from Lausanne and Geneva to destinations such as Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. These trains will be available from 2 July to 2 November 2026, with daily departures from Thursday to Monday. During July and August, the service will be further enhanced with additional runs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. ## 📊 Major construction work on the Simplon line and planned cancellations Summer 2026 will however be marked by significant construction work on the Simplon line, managed by Italian railway infrastructure manager Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI). Between 7 June and 26 July 2026, EuroCity services from Geneva, Lausanne, Bern and Basel to Milan via Domodossola will be cancelled or operate discontinuously. In addition, Regional Express (RE) services between Iselle di Trasquera and Domodossola will be replaced by substitute buses, impacting daily commuters travelling between Ticino and Piedmont. SBB CFF FFS emphasises that, despite delays caused by the construction work, the introduction of these new connections represents a significant step forward in improving cross-border connectivity, particularly for cross-border workers who cross the Italian-Swiss border every day. The cancellation of direct trains on certain routes call...
Dettagli operativi
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 - Be...
Punti chiave
The new FFS summer connections represent a major change for travellers between Switzerland, Italy, and France. Here’s step by step how to plan your journey and avoid surprises. ### Step 1: Check the latest timetables Before booking or departing, it’s essential to check the latest timetables on the official FFS website (www.sbb.ch). For direct trains from Zurich to Rimini, select your departure date and confirm that the service is operating. For TGV services to France, advance booking is required, as reservations are mandatory. 💡 Practical tip: Download the SBB Mobile app to receive real-time notifications about delays, cancellations, or platform changes. The app also allows you to purchase tickets directly from your phone, with payment options including credit card or PayPal. ### Step 2: Book tickets for direct connections Trains from Zurich to Rimini do not require mandatory reservations, but it’s advisable to purchase your ticket in advance—especially for travel in July and August, when demand is highest. Prices vary by class and time of travel: a second-class ticket for the Zurich-Rimini route starts at around 50 CHF if booked well in advance, but can exceed 100 CHF at the last minute. For TGV services to France, reservations are mandatory and must be made via the FFS website or SNCF Connect. Prices start at 30 CHF for the Lausanne-Avignon route, though fares vary by class and time. You can choose between First and Second class, with a surcharge of around 20 CHF for First class. 📊 Indicative price table (subject to change): | Route | Class | Minimum price (CHF) | Maximum price (CHF) | |-------|-------|---------------------|---------------------| | Zurich-Rimini | Second | 50 | 100 | | Lugano-Rimini | Second | 40 | 80 | | Lausanne-Avignon | Second | 30 | 70...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What are the exact dates for the new direct Zurich-Rimini train connections?","a":"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."},{"q":"Do I need to book a ticket for the Zurich-Rimini train?","a":"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."},{"q":"What happens if I travel to Rimini after 7 June 2026?","a":"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."},{"q":"How does booking work for TGV trains to France?","a":"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."},{"q":"What alternatives are available for travellers from Lugano to Rimini during the construction work?","a":"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."},{"q":"Are replacement buses free for passengers with a train ticket?","a":"Yes, your train ticket is valid for the replacement bus as well. No additional ticket...
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.