SNCF, France's state-owned rail company, will begin high-speed train services in Italy starting in 2026. The company plans to offer 13 daily round trips, connecting key cities such as Milan, Naples, Rome, and Turin on a north-south route, and Turin and Venice on an east-west route. This move aims to capture 15% of the Italian high-speed rail market, which is currently shared by Trenitalia and Italo.
Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, announced that the company has requested permission from Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) to operate its TGVs in Italy. The proposed services will be managed by SNCF Voyageurs Italy, the operator of the current Paris-Milan TGV route.
SNCF's strategy includes deploying 15 new high-capacity, double-decker trainsets from Alstom, specifically designed for the Italian market. The company anticipates that lower rail tolls in Italy, which are about 30% cheaper than in France, will aid in achieving profitability within ten years. SNCF's broader goal is to transport 10 million passengers annually in Italy by 2030, contributing to its target of 50 million international passengers by the same year.
This expansion is part of SNCF's effort to increase its presence in the European high-speed rail market, where it currently operates in nine countries. The company sees significant growth potential in Italy, despite the competitive landscape dominated by established local operators
