Switzerland & Italy Rail Updates: Planned Disruptions & Travel Alternatives – autumn/Winter 2025
Planning rail travel through Switzerland and Italy this autumn and winter? Several key infrastructure projects are underway to modernize and maintain the network, which will unfortunately mean some disruptions to your journeys. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of planned works and the option travel arrangements being put in place, ensuring you can navigate these changes with confidence.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) - Autumn 2025 Maintenance & Modernization
Extensive work is scheduled across the Swiss rail network throughout the remainder of 2025. These projects are vital for ensuring the long-term safety, reliability, and efficiency of the system. HereS a breakdown of what you need to no:
Lausanne – Palézieux/Fribourg (Ongoing – Autumn 2025)
Significant upgrades are planned between Lausanne and Palézieux (IR15) and Lausanne and Fribourg (IC1).during this period, long-distance and regional trains will be replaced by bus services. For east-west travel, consider utilizing the Pied du jura line (IC5 connections) as a convenient alternative. The work focuses on renewing safety installations and structures between La Conversion (Lutry) and Puidoux.
Specific Weekend Disruptions – Switzerland (2025)
To minimize overall disruption, much of the work is concentrated during specific weekends. Here’s a detailed schedule:
August 29th – September 1st & September 19th – 22nd: Bus replacements will operate between Payerne (Vaud) and Murten (Fribourg) due to level crossing repairs and preparatory work for a railway bridge replacement.
September 6th – 7th: A railway bridge connection at Col-des-Roches will impact travel on line R20 between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle (Neuchâtel). You’ll need to take a replacement bus from Le Locle to Col-des-Roches. September 13th – 15th: Regional train services between Lausanne and Cully will be replaced by buses. IR90/95 trains will be diverted via Palézieux, adding approximately 30 minutes to your journey.
october 11th – 12th: Track renewal work in Ependes (Vaud) will necessitate bus replacements between Chavornay and Yverdon-les-Bains.
october 10th – 13th: Replacement of railway bridges over the Saltina River and work on protective walls between Visp and Brig (Valais) will result in bus substitutions for train services.
November 8th – 9th: Aqueduct maintenance between Villeneuve and Vevey (Vaud) will require bus replacements.
Italy - EuroCity Disruptions (August - december 2025)
Travel between Switzerland and Italy will also be affected.
August 30th – September 13th: EuroCity trains between Domodossola and Milan will be cancelled. Replacement buses will operate between Geneva, Martigny, and Milan, and also between Domodossola and milan.
October – December: Expect further weekend interruptions with replacement bus services between Domodossola and Milan. Specific dates will be announced closer to the time.Planning Your Journey: Essential Resources
The SBB is committed to minimizing inconvenience during these works. A comprehensive replacement service will be in operation for each project. To ensure a smooth journey,it’s crucial to plan ahead.
Check the Timetable: Always consult the latest timetable information online or via the SBB Mobile app before you travel.
Allow Extra Time: Factor in potential delays and longer journey times due to bus replacements.
* Stay Informed: Monitor for updates and changes to the schedule as the work progresses.By staying informed