[passenger] Railway revolution between Gorizia and Nova Gorica

Gorizia and Nova Gorica are gearing up to celebrate their designation as the European Capital of Culture 2025. This unique cross-border partnership between Italy and Slovenia promises a year of cultural vibrancy — and the railways will play a key role in the transformation. Here’s what’s planned for 2025:

A new era for passenger rail connections

Currently, Gorizia and Nova Gorica lack direct passenger train services. The only railway connection is a freight route operated by Trenitalia’s D.345 diesel locomotives. These trains run from Gorizia Centrale in Italy along a non-electrified railway section to the Šempeter pri Gorici junction in Slovenia before continuing north to Nova Gorica (see map below).

However, starting 08.02.2025, this will change with the introduction of direct passenger connections. Trenitalia plans to launch two pairs of regional trains between Venezia Mestre and Nova Gorica, operated by the modern HTR 412 ‘Blues’ trains belonging to the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region.

Planned timetable:

• Regionale 7973: Venezia Mestre 07:16 – Nova Gorica 09:39
• Regionale 7985: Nova Gorica 12:40 – Venezia Mestre 15:00
• Regionale 7975: Venezia Mestre 16:00 – Nova Gorica 18:20
• Regionale 7987: Nova Gorica 18:40 – Venezia Mestre 20:50

These trains will make stops at key stations, including San Donà di Piave, Portogruaro-Caorle, Latisana-Lignano-Bibione, Cervignano-Aquileia-Grado, Trieste Airport, and Gorizia Centrale, enhancing connectivity across the region.

Historic trains: a journey through time

The excitement doesn’t stop with modern trains. The Fondazione FS Italiane has also planned special trips with historic rolling stock. The vintage D.345.1058 locomotive, in its original Ferrovie dello Stato livery, arrived at the renovated Nova Gorica station for driver certification to operate on the international route.

The Fondazione plans to operate historic ALn 668 DMUs in their original livery on this route, offering a nostalgic experience for rail enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Infrastructure improvements for the future

In addition to new train services, the region will see significant infrastructure upgrades to improve cross-border rail connectivity. A new track will be constructed south of Gorizia Centrale station, enabling direct connections from the south between Trieste, Monfalcone, and Nova Gorica without the need for reversals. This enhancement will complement existing routes from north of Udine and Tarvisio.

The project also includes electrification of the new track and the line between Gorizia Centrale and the SDAG junction near the border. These improvements will modernize the railway infrastructure and strengthen ties between Italy and Slovenia.

A year to remember

With enhanced rail connections, cultural events, and historic train journeys, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for Gorizia and Nova Gorica. The collaboration between these two cities will highlight their shared cultural heritage and leave a lasting legacy of improved transportation and connectivity in the region.

Not all that glitter is gold

Is everything going well? Not quite. While Gorizia and Nova Gorica anticipate a bright future in 2025, another international rail connection between the two countries is facing challenges. For several weeks now, and at least until 20.01.2025, the EuroCity 134 and 135 services between Trieste Centrale and Vienna via Ljubljana have been partially replaced by buses. The section between Trieste Centrale and Sežana is currently being operated by bus, and from Sežana to Ljubljana, instead of the usual ÖBB 1216 (and rarely 342 SŽ) locomotive and coaches, a Slovenian Railways (SŽ) ‘Desiro’ 312 unit is being used.