[Roger Sexton]

22 November 2024 at 7:54:00 #2157764

Hello everyone

Introduction

In planning for a Swiss holiday in April 2025, I have been looking at the draft SBB timetables.  Table 145 of that draft timetable shows trains between Brig and Domodossola, together with the times for the Eurocity trains heading on to  Milan.

I have printed off table 145.  There are seven pages.  Pages 1-4 are the actual timings, but there are then TWO PAGES OF FOOTNOTES.  (Page 7 is not material to this discussion.)

The situation in 2024

I have been a member of this forum for only five months.   One thing which has struck me several times in that period is the problems travellers were having if they wanted to use the Simplon line to get between northern Italy and Switzerland.   Some of those travellers were flying into a Milan airport, but were wanting to get to Zermatt!

There was a period in August and early September when the Simplon line was completely closed between Milan and Domodossola.  However this forum found an ‘escape route’ by taking the regional express  train from Milano Centrale to Locarno, and then the Centovalli line to Domodossola.

I have just looked at the Swiss electronic timetable for today ( November 22).  It showed an EC trains leaving Milano Central towards Brig at 07 05. And 0805  The next is not until 15 05.  In the opposite direction through EC trains leave Brig at 07 43 and 08 44 and then there is a six-hour gap until 14 44. I infer that there is currently still a lot of engineering work taking place on this route (presumably mid morning to mid-afternoon.)

There are going to be problems in 2025

To be precise, I am talking about the timetable period 15th December 2024 to 13th December 2025.  I am basing my conclusions on the draft timetable 145.

Periods of Total Closure.

It appears from table 145 that the through line from Milan to Domodossola will be totally closed from 7th June to 27th July, and again from 31st August to 12th September.  (All dates inclusive).

Periods of Partial Closure

For the rest of the timetable year there will be Eurocity (EC) trains to/from Milan along the Simplon line in the early morning, but then none until mid-afternoon/early evening.  (There will be a few midday trains on certain weekend days,)  I infer that (as now) the Italian railways are blocking the line for engineering work from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

Travellers in 2025, Milan to/from Switzerland

During the 64 days of Total Closure

If travelling to/from a destination in Valais canton (Saas Fee, Zermatt. Crans-sur-Sierre etc.) I suggest use the ‘escape route’ via Locarno and the Centovalli line.

If travelling to/from anywhere in Switzerland outside Valais, (even Bern or places in western Switzerland such as Montreux) use the Gotthard route via Bellinzona.

During the Period of Partial Closure

 If there is an EC train at a time close to the time you want to travel, then reserve a seat on it as soon as possible.  (Reservation is compulsory on EC trains to/from Italy.)

If there is not an EC train at a suitable time, or the train is fully booked, then to/from Valais use the Centovalli ‘escape route’.  To/from the rest of Switzerland use the Gotthard route via Bellinzona.

Are the Milan Airports suitable for Swiss Destinations?

Ticino Canton and the adjoining Misox valley up to San Benardino

YES they are suitable!   And remember that there are hourly through trains from Malpensa airport to Lugano and Bellinzona; change at Lugano for Locarno.

Milan Not Suitable for Switzerland outside Ticino and the Misox?

Given the ongoing problems on the Simplon line in Italy, none of the Milan airports are, in 2025, suitable for Saas Fee, Zermatt or the rest of Valais canton.

A Milan airport (especially Malpensa) MAY POSSIBLY be suitable for some other Swiss destinations, for example those along the Gotthard line like Brunnen, or those  like St Moritz which can be reached via Tirano  and the Bernina line.

But, I repeat, at all costs avoid a Milan airport if travelling to/from Valais.

Kind regards

Roger

 

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[Anna]

Reply 1 of 1 • 22 November 2024 at 19:13:24 #2160609

Dear Roger,

Thank you for your input. Appreciate your sharing this useful information.

Further info on travel options between Switzerland and Italy is available here: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-guide/italy-switzerland/

Regards,

Anna