by InTrieste
In anticipation of the upcoming Nova Gorica-Gorizia European Capital of Culture 2025, regional authorities have inaugurated a newly renovated railway station in Gorizia, enhancing accessibility and intermodal connectivity for travelers. The improvements, made possible through collaboration between the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, the Ferrovie dello Stato Group, and public transportation operator Tpl Fvg, aim to facilitate seamless travel between Italy and Slovenia.
“With these upgrades, visitors arriving by train will be welcomed by a modernized station featuring a redesigned square that allows easy access to buses—a model for integrating rail and road transport,” said Cristina Amirante, the Regional Councillor for Infrastructure and Transport. The renovations include improved accessibility features and expanded spaces for passengers.
The unveiling ceremony coincided with the arrival of a historic train commissioned for the Go!2025 cultural celebrations. Local officials in attendance included Gorizia’s Municipal Councillor for Public Works, Sarah Filisetti, and Apt Gorizia President Caterina Belletti, who also serves on the board of Ferrovie dello Stato.
The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region has invested €2 million in the project, part of a broader €19 million mobility initiative to support Go!2025. This funding includes €10 million allocated for public transport services and promotional activities, with an additional €9 million dedicated to infrastructure improvements. Rete Ferroviaria Italiana has separately contributed €10.3 million to redevelop the railway station and surrounding areas.
The station’s modernization coincides with the launch of a new cross-border public transportation service linking Gorizia and Nova Gorica, which will operate 70 trips per day. Additionally, 20 daily bus routes will connect Gorizia directly to Trieste Airport, initially running from Friday to Sunday until March before expanding to daily service. Eight weekend trains will also be introduced, providing direct connections between Venice and the two cultural capitals.
“Go!2025 has fostered a strong collaboration between Friuli Venezia Giulia and Slovenia, leading to the development of experimental cross-border urban and interurban public transport services,” Amirante said. The initiative represents an early step in implementing an operational agreement for sustainable cross-border mobility.
Further investments in transportation include the purchase of eight electric buses, funded through regional resources and the Pr Fesr 2021-27 program, as well as the deployment of new Blues trains, which operate using electric, battery, and diesel power. These additions aim to support the increased demand expected during the cultural celebrations and enhance long-term connectivity in the region.
