Train Travel in Calabria Faces Major Changes During Modernization Works
People who want to visit southern Italy in the next few months should be ready for big problems with train services in Calabria. Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) has started a lot of work to modernize its lines. This will affect the Tyrrhenian route, the Tropea coastal line, and the corridor between Lamezia and Catanzaro Lido, among others. Running from October 25, 2025, to April 30, 2026, the 60 million euro project will cause service adjustments, slower routes, and periods of bus replacement service.
The works involve significant maintenance and infrastructure renewal along key sections of Calabria’s network. In particular, construction between Lamezia and Marcellinara, as well as upgrades inside the Francica tunnel between Vibo Pizzo and Mileto, will temporarily limit rail capacity. While these efforts are part of a national recovery plan to improve Italy’s rail system, they will also mean reduced availability and modified timetables for passengers traveling throughout the region.
This translates to fewer direct trains and longer travel times on routes that are popular with tourists. The scenic Tropea line, known for its coastal views, will be among the most affected. RFI and Trenitalia are expected to introduce bus connections to replace certain suspended trains, particularly during the early months of the project. Visitors heading to seaside towns such as Pizzo or Tropea should expect delays and verify schedules before departure.
People traveling through Calabria or transferring from northern Italy should also allow extra time between connections. You might have to switch trains more often or take different routes on some trips. On weekends and holidays, when maintenance work is at its busiest, the disruptions will be even more noticeable. People who depend on regional trains to get to airports or cruise ports should plan ahead and check official railway channels for real-time updates.
The goal of the modernization is to make services more reliable in the long run, but in the short term, it will test travelers' flexibility and patience. This season, people who want to visit Calabria will need to plan carefully because there will be fewer trains and buses will be used instead. To avoid missing connections and stay on track with travel plans, it will be important to keep up with daily schedules and think about other ways to get there.