SBB Timetable 2027: More Direct Trains to Italy – But Not Always More Comfort
The draft timetable introduces new connections to Venice, La Spezia, and Paris. Simultaneously, some through connections disappear, and construction sites remain an uncertainty factor.
More Italy, additional France connections, and a new night train: The 2027 draft timetable significantly emphasizes international transport. For travelers from Switzerland, this initially sounds like a broad expansion. However, a closer look reveals winners, conflicting goals, and several reservations.
The timetable change is scheduled for December 13, 2026. Until then, the draft may still change. Furthermore, construction work in Switzerland and abroad temporarily affects individual connections more significantly than the annual timetable itself. Therefore, the online timetable remains authoritative before every journey.
Venice Becomes More Accessible
Between Zurich and Venice, two direct trains per day and direction are now planned, instead of the previous one connection. A train that currently terminates in Lugano will be extended to the lagoon city. This is attractive for city trips: no changes, more planning certainty, and a competitive alternative to flying.
However, the expansion has a downside. The current direct connection Basel–Lucerne–Milan will in future end in Lugano. In the opposite direction, the train from Milan via Lucerne to Basel is scheduled to remain. Travelers from Central Switzerland heading to Milan must therefore choose their specific connection more carefully.
Other Italy lines will also be reorganized. The Zurich–Genoa train is scheduled to continue daily to La Spezia. The current weekend extension to Livorno will be discontinued. The direct connection Zurich–Florence will in future end in Bologna; during the summer season, an onward journey to Rimini is planned.
This is not a uniform "more" or "less." Venice, Liguria, and the Adriatic gain, while some travelers to Milan, Florence, or Livorno will need to change trains. Therefore, for holiday decisions, not only the number of trains matters, but the connection from one's own place of residence to the actual destination.
More Services to France
From April 5, 2027, three daily TGV connections per direction are planned between Lausanne or Geneva and Paris. Additionally, a new regional train from Geneva to Lyon is set to launch: once on weekdays, twice per direction on weekends. The journey is planned to be about ten minutes shorter.
For Western Switzerland, this strengthens rail travel on routes where the time advantage of flying often diminishes due to travel to the airport, security checks, and transfers. Direct connections are especially valuable because every change poses a risk of delay and a barrier for families, older travelers, or people with a lot of luggage.
On the Zurich–Stuttgart line, however, the primary focus is not on acceleration. Additional timetable buffers are intended to improve punctuality. This may seem unspectacular, but it can be more important for connections and reliable day trips than a few minutes of theoretical time saving.
Night Train and Late-Night Travel
The deployment of a new generation Nightjet between Zurich and Amsterdam is also planned. Modern compartments and sleeping arrangements can make the night train more attractive for travelers who want to save a hotel night and arrive in the city center in the morning. The specific availability and features should be checked when booking.
Nationally, there is also a night trial: On weekends, an IRN3 is scheduled to depart from Zurich to Chur after 1 AM and, in the opposite direction, better connect the airport area in the early morning. This improves leisure and early flight connections along one axis, but it does not replace a comprehensive night service.
Not Every Through Connection Remains
On the Lucerne–Zurich–Constance line, most direct IR75 connections will be separated during the week. Only two trains per direction are expected to remain through connections; direct service will continue on weekends. More seats will be available between Lucerne and Zurich as a result.
Such changes highlight the conflict of objectives in the timetable: through connections are convenient but can propagate delays over long network distances. Increased capacity on a heavily used section of a route may come at the expense of direct travel beyond Zurich.
What Travelers Should Note for 2027
Those planning holidays in Italy or France can consider the new direct connections in their decision, but should await the definitive publication. For special offers, train-specific, refund, and connection rules apply; a cheap ticket is not always flexible.
Before departure, a second look at the online timetable is worthwhile, especially when traveling through construction corridors. International construction programs are sometimes finalized only at short notice. Reservations are mandatory or recommended depending on the train.
The draft makes rail travel more attractive for several European destinations. However, it also serves as a reminder that a timetable is not a wish list: tracks, construction sites, rolling stock, and punctuality set limits. For Swiss travelers, the benefit lies where an additional direct connection simplifies the entire travel chain – not merely where a new line appears on the map.
Sources
- SBB: Timetable 2027 Brings Targeted Improvements
- SBB: Timetable Changes and Construction Sites in Europe
Status: September 9, 2026.
