After more than eight months of interruption due to a landslide in the French Alps, the high-speed train route between Paris and Milan will finally resume at the end of March 2024. The reactivation of the railway line, operated by French SNCF and Italian Trenitalia, marks the return of one of Europe’s most important rail routes, restoring the direct connection between two of the continent’s most visited cities.

The service suspension, which occurred in August 2023, forced thousands of passengers to seek longer and less convenient alternatives, affecting both tourism and business travel between France and Italy. Now, with the return of the high-speed trains, the expectation is that passenger flow will return to pre-interruption levels, offering travelers an efficient, comfortable, and sustainable option to cross the borders between the two countries.

The landslide that disrupted the Paris-Milan route occurred in August 2023 in the Maurienne region of the French Alps, a strategic area for both rail and road connections between France and Italy. The incident seriously damaged the line’s infrastructure, making high-speed train traffic on the section impossible. As a result, direct services between the two cities were suspended, impacting both SNCF, operator of the TGV InOui, and Trenitalia, responsible for the Frecciarossa trains.

To minimize the impacts of the interruption, SNCF implemented an alternative solution combining train and bus segments. In this setup, passengers departing from Paris would take a train to the Saint-Jean de Maurienne station in the Alps. From there, they continued by bus to Oulx, Italy, where they resumed their train journey to Milan. This logistics made the trip longer and less comfortable, as well as reducing service frequency and limiting transportation capacity.

The suspension especially affected frequent passengers, such as professionals traveling for business between France and Italy, students commuting between universities in both countries, and tourists who used the train as a practical alternative to short-distance flights.

With the reopening of the line, the expectation is that these passengers will return to using the high-speed service as their primary means of transportation between Paris and Milan, restoring the normal connection between the two cities.

After months of repairs to the rail infrastructure, SNCF and Trenitalia officially announced the resumption of direct operations between Paris and Milan, set to begin at the end of March 2024.

SNCF will resume operating the route from March 31, using its modern TGV InOui trains, which can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. The company will offer three daily round-trip services, departing from Gare de Lyon in Paris and arriving at Milano Porta Garibaldi, one of Milan’s main stations. Tickets will be available starting from €29, depending on the class and how far in advance the purchase is made.

Trenitalia will resume operations on April 1, using its Frecciarossa 1000 fleet, known for its aerodynamic design and high level of comfort. The trains can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h and offer four service classes:

• Standard (economy)
• Business (with more space and comfort)
• Executive (with premium seating and exclusive onboard service)
• Meeting Room (private space for meetings during the journey)

Trenitalia will offer two daily round-trip services, departing from Milano Centrale and arriving at Gare de Lyon in Paris. The route will include strategic stops in cities like Lyon (France) and Turin (Italy), allowing connections to other European destinations.

With the resumption of service, passengers will once again enjoy the comfort and efficiency of high-speed trains, which offer various amenities to make the journey more pleasant.

SNCF’s TGV InOui trains feature:

• Spacious and reclining seats in both economy and premium classes
• A bar car where passengers can purchase drinks, coffee, sandwiches, and hot dishes
• Free Wi-Fi available in all classes
• Electrical and USB outlets for charging electronic devices
• Quiet areas for those wishing to work or rest during the journey

Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa 1000 trains are also designed to provide maximum comfort and modernity, including:

• Ergonomic seats in all classes
• Differentiated onboard service with meal and beverage options
• High-speed Wi-Fi and digital entertainment
• A dedicated meeting room car in the Meeting Room class
• Adjustable lighting system and panoramic windows

Additionally, high-speed trains are considered a more sustainable alternative to air travel, emitting up to 90% less CO₂ per passenger compared to airplanes on equivalent routes.

The reopening of the Paris-Milan line represents a major boost for tourism and business between France and Italy. Before the interruption, the route was widely used by tourists visiting both cities and their surroundings, as well as being an important route for businesspeople and executives frequently traveling between the two countries.

The return of high-speed trains is expected to once again facilitate access to important tourist destinations along the route, including:

• Lyon, famous for its cuisine and historical architecture
• Turin, one of the main cultural and economic centers of northern Italy
• Chamonix and the French Alps, sought after by tourists wanting to explore alpine landscapes and practice winter sports

Moreover, the resumption of operations also strengthens Europe’s commitment to high-speed rail transport as a sustainable and efficient alternative to air travel, reducing the reliance on short flights and promoting more eco-friendly mobility solutions.

With the return of high-speed trains, passengers will once again have a direct, fast, and comfortable connection between Paris and Milan, eliminating the need for complicated transfers and long travel times.

The resumption of SNCF and Trenitalia services not only improves mobility between France and Italy but also reinforces the importance of rail transport as an efficient, sustainable, and modern solution for international travel in Europe.

With affordable tickets, regular frequencies, and onboard amenities, the expectation is that the Paris-Milan route will once again become one of the continent’s most popular rail routes, benefiting tourists, students, professionals, and any traveler seeking a smooth and comfortable travel experience.