Marseille–Rome “Espresso Riviera” train suspended for summer 2026
The Espresso Riviera tourist train linking Marseille and Rome via Monaco and the Riviera will not operate in summer 2026 due to operational issues at the Ventimiglia border.
The Espresso Riviera night train linking Marseille and Rome via the French and Italian Rivieras will not run in summer 2026, its operator has confirmed.
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The service, operated by FS Treni Turistici Italiani, a subsidiary of Trenitalia, has been suspended due to operational difficulties at the Ventimiglia border crossing, preventing the train from continuing beyond Italy.
A popular route along the Mediterranean
Launched in 2025, the train quickly attracted rail travel enthusiasts with its retro-style atmosphere, offering passengers shared couchettes, private cabins and a scenic journey along the Mediterranean coast.
The route connected Rome Termini to Marseille Saint-Charles, stopping in cities including Genoa, Sanremo, Ventimiglia, Menton, Monaco, Nice, Cannes and Toulon.
The full trip took around 14 hours, combining an overnight journey through Italy with daytime views of the Riviera.
Expansion plans cancelled
The service had been expected to return in 2026 with more departures and a longer operating season from June to September, following a successful first year that carried more than 3,500 passengers with occupancy rates around 92%.
However, with the technical conditions required to cross the border currently unresolved, the operator has decided to put the project on hold for this year.
Rail enthusiasts are now hoping the tourist train could return in future seasons if the route becomes viable again.