Summer Rail Suspension in Sardinia to Affect Travel Between Key Towns
Rail traffic between Ozieri Chilivani, Macomer, and Oristano will be suspended from June 15 to September 14, 2025, due to infrastructure works led by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI). The suspension is linked to a wide-ranging project to upgrade the line in preparation for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). The first phase includes upgrades at Campeda station aimed at improving travel speeds between Macomer and Campeda.
From June 25, the second phase of work will result in the closure of the section between Oristano and Macomer to allow for ERTMS-related preparations. Additional maintenance will take place, including the renewal of tracks at Macomer station and work on the Tirso River bridge. The full project cost is estimated at €61 million, funded in part by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), with work expected to continue until mid-September.
The rail closure will impact access to several destinations popular among travelers. Bosa will be less easily reached from the northern part of the island during the rail disruption through Macomer. Reaching Montiferru’s remote hiking routes and traditional towns may also prove more challenging this summer. Fordongianus, known for its Roman thermal baths, will be harder to reach while the railway is closed.
In the opposite direction, visitors traveling from the south may find it harder to reach towns like Ozieri, with its archaeological sites and historic center. The Nuraghe Losa archaeological complex near Abbasanta may also be affected due to its proximity to the suspended section. Travelers wanting to visit the Marghine region’s natural areas will have to find other ways to get there since the train won’t run through Macomer during this time.
The railway line is getting important upgrades that will make travel smoother in the future, but during the summer months, visitors should expect some delays and plan accordingly. As one of Sardinia’s main internal routes will be closed, travelers should stay informed about transport changes, explore alternative road options, and allow for extra travel time when navigating central Sardinia during the closure period.