High-speed rail services between France and Italy have resumed as of 31 March 2025, with TGV INOUI operating three daily round trips between Paris, the Alps, Turin, and Milan. The service recommencement follows the reopening of the railway section in the Maurienne Valley, which had been out of operation since August 2023 due to a landslide. The restoration marks a significant milestone, reinforcing cross-border connectivity and promoting sustainable transport between the two countries and across Europe.
The resumption of services was celebrated at Paris Gare de Lyon on 31 March 2025 and aboard the 09:46 train, with the presence of Philippe Tabarot, Minister for Transport, and Christophe Fanichet, Chairman and CEO of SNCF Voyageurs. Officials from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, representatives of the French state in Italy, and delegations from Lombardy, Piedmont, Turin, and Milan were also in attendance at various points along the route, including Modane, Turin, and Milan.
Cross-border rail link restored after nearly two years
The return of the direct Paris-Turin-Milan service comes at a time of growing demand for rail travel between France and Italy, benefiting key regions such as Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Lombardy, and Piedmont. Milan and Turin play a strategic role in tourism, commerce, and cultural exchange, further bolstered by the restored TGV INOUI connection.
Following the landslide in the Maurienne Valley on 27 August 2023, SNCF Voyageurs remained the only operator maintaining a rail link between France and Italy, providing a substitute service between 10 January 2024 and 30 March 2025. Despite the disruption, strong passenger demand remained evident, with 208,000 travellers using the alternative service provided by SNCF Voyages Italia, highlighting the need for a stable and direct rail connection between the two countries.
TGV INOUI: Affordable travel options
TGV INOUI offers a range of ticket options, with fares starting at just €29, ensuring accessibility for all passengers. Ticket sales are open until 13 December 2025, with strong initial demand indicating high interest in the resumed service.
Additionally, holders of the Carte Avantage benefit from discounts of up to 30% on first- and second-class fares, along with a 60% reduction for children aged 4 to 11. The Carte Liberté offers exclusive advantages for cross-border travel, with savings of up to 45% on first-class and up to 60% on second-class fares. Passengers can also now travel between Oulx, Turin, and Milan at fares starting from just €10.
As demand for eco-friendly mobility grows across Europe, TGV INOUI continues to offer a high-speed and sustainable alternative to air travel. Choosing the train reduces CO₂ emissions while providing a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Onboard the TGV INOUI Paris-Milan service, passengers can enjoy:
- Spacious seating and power outlets in both first and second class.
- A Franco-Italian catering service featuring organic ingredients, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and 100% French or Italian-sourced meat. From 16 April, a refreshed seasonal menu will be introduced, accompanied by two onboard baristas.
- Free Wi-Fi and an onboard entertainment portal.
- Dedicated French-Italian crew members, including a comfort agent to enhance the travel experience.
The TGV INOUI service between France and Italy includes three daily round trips, stopping at Mâcon, Chambéry, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Modane, Oulx, Turin, and Milan.
SNCF Voyages Italia expands its presence in Italy
Since entering the Italian market in 2011, SNCF Voyages Italia, a subsidiary of SNCF Voyageurs, has played a key role in maintaining rail connectivity between Paris and Milan, contributing to the growing economic ties between the two countries.
International travel now accounts for 22% of SNCF Voyageurs’ total passenger traffic, with a target of increasing this to 30% by 2030. This expansion will also benefit the Italian market, with planned investments to enhance domestic services and create new employment and training opportunities.
As part of its ambitious growth strategy, SNCF Voyages Italia aims to become the third-largest high-speed rail operator in Italy, leveraging an order of 15 new TGV trains to expand its network. This initiative is set to bring significant benefits to passengers across the country, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to enhanced rail connectivity and sustainability.
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