Italy (Piemonte) - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services

Introduction

This list is based on the timetable in force from 10 December 2023. Although the timetable is shown as valid until 8 June 2024, most long-distance services are shown as operating only until March. Such trains are not indicated by note 'D' (for a service only running on certain dates), because it is a reasonable expectation that their period of operation will be extended or a similar service is provided instead. It is assumed that the timetable will continue to be updated and reissued regularly, as has been the case since summer 2020. Users are recommended to check the Trenitalia website to ensure they are using the latest version of the timetable.

Table numbers quoted here are from In Treno Tutt'Italia, the official Trenitalia timetable. Standard abbreviations are explained here.

Map references for each route entry are given in parentheses ( ). References prefixed "ERA-E" refer to the European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition) by M.G. Ball. References prefixed "ERA-R" refer to the European Railway Atlas (Regional Series: Book 2) by M.G. Ball. References prefixed "S+W", or in italic, refer to Atlante ferroviaro d'Italia e Slovenia by Schweers + Wall.

Two useful symbols exist which show the booked route for trains not calling at a station: in the middle of the train column, a vertical bar "|" means that the train passes through the station without stopping, whereas a middle dot "·" means that the train does not pass through that station but instead takes a different route.

Obscure services

Bussoleno - Salbertrand

[10] (ERA-E 80C1; ERA-R 151A1; S+W 18B4-18C4) IT23/51

There are two separate single track lines between Bussoleno and Salbertrand. One runs along the mountain-side and through a series of short tunnels. This is normally used by trains from Bardonecchia towards Torino. The other runs through longer tunnels, which curve deep into the mountains. This gives an easier gradient for trains climbing towards Bardonecchia. However, both tracks are reversibly signalled and trains may use the opposite line from normal.

Collegno (Torino S Paolo) - Torino Porta Susa (Bivio Crocetta)

[10] (ERA-E 80C2; ERA-R 155C1; S+W 120B2) IT23/52

This west to north curve is used by trains between the Modane and Milano lines, if not booked to call at Torino Porta Nuova. SNCF TGV services are not shown in the Trenitalia timetable, but can be found in table 44 of the European Rail Timetable. Reservations are obligatory and can be made on line, but the only station in Italy where this can be done is Milano Porta Garibaldi. Note that trains from Paris stop at Bardonecchia and Oulx-Claviere-Sestriere only to set down passengers. Trenitalia commenced their own Frecciarossa service on 18 December 2021.

		TGV9241	Paris Gare de Lyon - 10:58 Modane - Milano Porta Garibaldi
		FR9281	Paris Gare de Lyon - 12:10 Modane - Milano Centrale
D		TGV9245	Paris Gare de Lyon - 13:55 Modane - Milano Porta Garibaldi
D	FSSuO	FR9325	Bardonecchia - 14:27/14:51 Oulx-Claviere-Sestriere - Napoli Centrale
D		TGV9251	Paris Gare de Lyon - 16:55 Modane - Milano Porta Garibaldi
		TGV9249	Paris Gare de Lyon - 18:55 Modane - Milano Porta Garibaldi
		FR9287	Paris Gare de Lyon - 20:10 Modane - Milano Centrale
		FR9292	Milano Centrale - 07:11 Torino Porta Susa - Paris Gare de Lyon
		TGV9240	Milano Porta Garibaldi - 07:36 Torino Porta Susa - Paris Gare de Lyon
D	FSSuO	FR9304	Napoli Centrale - 12:10 Torino Porta Susa - Bardonecchia
D		TGV9244	Milano Porta Garibaldi - 13:36 Torino Porta Susa - Paris Gare de Lyon
D		TGV9252	Milano Porta Garibaldi - 15:39 Torino Porta Susa - Paris Gare de Lyon
		FR9296	Milano Centrale - 16:40 Torino Porta Susa - Paris Gare de Lyon
		TGV9248	Milano Porta Garibaldi - 17:38 Torino Porta Susa - Paris Gare de Lyon

Torino Stura - Rho Fiera (Linea AV/AC)

[11](ERA-R 151B1-152B1; S+W 31B1-21B3) IT23/53

The Linea AV/AC (high-speed line) between Torino and Milano is used by high-speed trains not making intermediate stops between Torino Porta Susa and Rho Fiera. TGV services between Milano and Paris run via the old main line, because the trains are not equipped to operate on the Linea AV/AC.

There is no passenger use of the intermediate connections between the old main line and the Linea AV/AC.

Ceva - Ormea

(ERA-E 81A2; ERA-R 155C4-155B3; S+W 41D2-41C3) IT23/54

The regular passenger service over this branch line ceased in 2012, but tourist trains operated from 2016. For further details see the VIC srl website. Most trains appear not to run the full length of the branch. Advance reservation is usually necessary.