Italy has unveiled a major infrastructure programme aimed at transforming rail travel between 2025 and 2029. The Strategic Rail Plan, announced by Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group), includes a rail investment of €100 billion and focuses on modernising rail networks, improving stations and expanding sustainable transport options. The government sees the rail system as central to the future of Italian tourism and national mobility.
The plan represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in Italy’s history. Its primary objective is to improve connectivity between major cities while making regional and lesser-known destinations easier to reach. By streamlining rail travel, authorities hope to encourage longer stays, reduce congestion in overcrowded destinations and spread tourism revenue more evenly across the country.
FS Group will prioritise upgrades to high-speed and regional rail lines, with a focus on reducing journey times and improving passenger comfort. Key routes linking Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice will see capacity expansions and technical improvements. Officials expect these changes to make rail travel more competitive with air and road transport, particularly for domestic journeys.
Working for tourism, commuters will also benefit
Tourists travelling to Italy’s most popular destinations are expected to benefit from significantly faster services, with journey times reduced by up to 30% on some routes. High-speed trains such as the Frecciarossa 1000 will offer improved reliability and onboard connectivity. At the same time, improved rail access to cities such as Bologna, Ravenna and Matera could drive growth in regional tourism and reduce pressure on traditional hotspots like Rome and Venice.
Sustainability is a central pillar of the rail investment strategy. FS Group plans to modernise its fleet by replacing older trains with energy-efficient models and increasing the use of renewable energy. Rail already produces lower emissions than air travel, and officials believe these upgrades will further reduce the sector’s environmental impact. The strategy aligns with broader shifts in tourism, as more travellers seek lower-carbon travel options.
Station modernisation also forms a key part of the plan. Major hubs will be redeveloped into “smart stations”, offering digital ticketing, real-time travel information and improved accessibility. Stations such as Roma Termini and Milano Centrale will play a leading role in the upgraded network, with the aim of improving passenger flow and reducing delays for visitors and commuters alike.
Italy is also looking beyond its borders by strengthening international rail connections. Future high-speed routes could link Italy more directly with European capitals such as Paris, Berlin and London. These connections may offer international visitors a practical alternative to short-haul flights, further integrating Italy into Europe’s expanding high-speed rail network and reinforcing its position as a leading tourism destination.
