The Milan–Lecce overnight service, a part of Trenitalia’s new summer program, is set to launch in June.

Italy has been significantly enhancing its railway system, introducing various new vintage tourist routes, such as the one connecting Rome and the Dolomites, over the past few months. But the improvements don’t end there.

Trenitalia, the national railway operator, has recently unveiled plans for brand-new services set to commence this summer, including a special weekend route that operates overnight.

This service will be managed by Frecciarossa, journeying from Milan in the north to Lecce, a city nestled in southern Italy. The train departs Milan at 10:45 PM, making stops at Milano Rogoredo, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna Centrale, Foggia, Barletta, Bari Centrale, Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni, and Brindisi, before finally arriving in Lecce at 7:57 AM. On the return journey, trains leave Lecce at 9:05 PM and arrive at Milano Centrale at 7:35 AM.

According to Chris Ogilvie on X (formerly known as Twitter), the Milan–Lecce service is set to launch in June, with tickets priced at €39.

Trenitalia also announced the revival of trains on the Putignano-Rutigliano line of the Southeast Railways. Additionally, they are introducing up to 13 daily connections operated by Frecciarossa and Frecciargento between Puglia and Rome, with two services extending all the way to Florence.

Why the surge in new services? Well, according to Trenitalia’s CEO and General Manager, customer satisfaction has significantly improved in recent years. Consequently, the operator has invested in a younger, more modern fleet of trains. Moreover, domestic demand for rail services is on the rise.

Photo: unsplash.com/andiver29

“The train plays a central role in people’s lives, not just as a means of transport but also as a place to foster and spread a shared culture of health, inclusion, and sustainability,” Trenitalia President Stefano Cuzzilla told Lecce Prima. “The Trenitalia Summer experience allows us to offer a unique model of excellence, thanks to thousands of trains and buses moving millions of people every day.”

In essence, Italy’s railway landscape is transforming rapidly, promising a summer of enhanced connectivity and travel experiences across the country.